2 Scuba Fun Dives for Certified divers in St Paul’s Bay

If you’re a certified diver or an adventurous soul with a higher certification, this tour in Malta offers an enticing half-day escape to explore the crystal-clear waters of St. Paul’s Bay. While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-organized, personalized, and scenic experience that’s great for those looking for a manageable yet rewarding underwater adventure.

What caught our eye? First, the small group sizes and personalized attention, ensuring every diver feels confident and cared for. Second, the expert guides who tailor the dives to your experience level and provide comprehensive briefings—perfect for those who appreciate safety without sacrificing fun. Lastly, the value you get for around $104.11, which includes equipment, transportation, and two dives, making it an accessible yet memorable activity.

One possible consideration is the need for good weather conditions, as sea safety and visibility are crucial. During peak summer months, the activity might be busier, so booking a bit in advance is advisable, especially during the high season. This tour suits anyone with a moderate physical fitness level, who loves underwater exploration and doesn’t mind a half-day commitment. It’s especially ideal for certified divers eager to uncover Malta’s marine secrets, but snorkelers might need to look elsewhere unless they’re willing to switch to a snorkelling tour.

Good To Know

• Tailored experience: Dives are adjusted to your skill level, whether you’re an Open Water diver or higher certified.
• All equipment included: No need to pack your gear—everything from wetsuits to regulators is provided.
• Safety first: Two detailed briefings plus responsible guiding ensure a secure experience.
• Small group sizes: Dive in intimate groups, allowing for personalized guidance and plenty of interaction.
• Convenient transfers: Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from the meeting point.
• Extra adventures available: For the more adventurous, full-day trips to Gozo and Comino are offered for an additional fee.

Detailed Review of the Malta Scuba Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure kicks off at the Diveshack in Sliema, located conveniently near public transportation options. The start time at 8:00 am means you’re out early, which is great for avoiding the peak summer crowds and optimizing visibility underwater. The transfers are air-conditioned, ensuring you’re comfortable before and after your dives.

The transportation to and from the dive site is included, giving you one less thing to worry about when preparing for your underwater explorations. The meeting point’s central location makes it easy to reach without hotel pickups, allowing for flexibility in your morning plans.

The Guides and Dive Briefings

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the knowledgeable and patient guides. Holly and Lee, two of the guides, are praised for their genuine care and professionalism. They take the time to provide two detailed briefings, covering safety, dive sites, and what to expect, which helps especially if you’re new to Malta or unfamiliar with local conditions.

A reviewer mentioned how one instructor was very patient with a diver who tends to panic, sticking with them and ensuring they felt comfortable. This personalized approach is a huge plus, especially for those who might need some extra reassurance or have specific needs.

The Diving Experience

Expect to explore reefs, caves, and wrecks in the famously clear waters of St. Paul’s Bay. While the specific sites aren’t detailed here, the reviews highlight WWII wreck dives and the chance to see various marine life, including jellyfish. The water visibility and the variety of underwater features are among the top highlights.

The dives are structured with two briefings, one before each dive, to go over safety, site specifics, and potential hazards. This ensures everyone is well-prepared. Reviewers appreciated that the dives are “customized to skill,” making them suitable for newer divers as well as seasoned ones.

Equipment and Safety

All necessary scuba gear is provided, including masks, regulators, wetsuits, and fins. This means you don’t need to worry about lugging your own kit or renting elsewhere. The emphasis on safety is evident: divers are asked to meet certain health and swimming standards, and medical conditions require written approval from a doctor.

One reviewer noted that the equipment was in good condition, though it’s wise to double-check your gear before each dive. The guides are attentive and quick to assist if any issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Part of the appeal is the small group size, capped at 15 divers. This creates a relaxed and friendly environment, allowing for more personalized attention. Several reviewers mentioned the guides’ genuine care, which translated into more confident dives and enjoyable experiences.

Post-Dive and On-Site Facilities

After your dives, you’ll find a bistro on-site for refueling. Whether you want a quick snack or a leisurely meal, this spot adds convenience and a chance to share stories with fellow divers. The tour’s duration is approximately 5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the dives and relax without feeling rushed.

Additional Adventures

For those craving more, the tour provider offers full-day excursions to Gozo and Comino, featuring additional diving, sightseeing, or relaxing at the beaches. These require an extra fee but are worth considering if you want to extend your underwater exploration.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for certified divers looking for a manageable half-day trip with the reassurance of expert guidance. It’s particularly good for those who want personalized attention and enjoy small-group atmospheres. If you’re newer to diving but already certified, you’ll appreciate the customized approach and the patience of the guides.

The tour also suits travelers who want to combine scenic underwater sights with the comfort of air-conditioned transfers and included equipment. However, if you have serious medical conditions or are pregnant, you’ll need written approval from a doctor, and it’s probably better to consider snorkeling instead.

If you’re traveling during Malta’s off-peak months (April, May, or September), you might find fewer crowds and more tranquility underwater. During peak season (June-August), booking early is recommended as the tour can be popular.

The Value for Money

At $104.11 per person, the tour offers good value considering it includes transportation, two guided dives, and all gear. The small-group setting enhances the experience, and the focus on safety and personalization adds peace of mind. For divers wanting a convenient way to explore Malta’s marine environment without the hassle of planning logistics, this is a straightforward choice.

Final Thoughts

This tour in St. Paul’s Bay strikes a fine balance between adventure, safety, and comfort. The combination of knowledgeable guides, personalized dives, and excellent facilities makes it suitable for a broad range of certified divers. Whether you’re after your first Malta underwater experience or want to revisit familiar sites, the small-group format and flexible approach ensure you’ll get a memorable, stress-free adventure.

The on-site bistro, friendly guides, and stunning underwater scenes make this a well-rounded choice for anyone wanting a taste of Malta’s vibrant marine life without the commitment of a full-day outing.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The fee covers two dive briefings, transportation to and from the dive site, and the two fun dives, along with all scuba gear.

What equipment do I need to bring?
You should bring a towel and your own swimsuit. All scuba gear is provided, so gear rental isn’t necessary unless you want to use your own.

Is this activity suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for certified divers, including those at the Open Water level or higher. If you’re a newer diver, you’ll benefit from the customized approach and patient guides.

Can I participate if I have medical conditions?
Medical conditions listed require written approval from your doctor before diving. If you’re unable to provide this, snorkelling might be an alternative.

What is the maximum group size?
The activity is limited to 15 travelers, maintaining an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

When should I book?
It’s best to book several weeks in advance, especially during peak summer months, as the activity is popular and booked on average 53 days ahead.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled for safety reasons, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are transfers included?
Transportation is provided to and from the dive site, but hotel pickup and dropoff are not included.

What if I want to do more than two dives?
Additional full-day trips to places like Gozo and Comino are available for an extra fee, ideal for those craving more underwater exploration.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English?
English speaking/understanding is required to ensure safety and clear communication during briefings.

In a nutshell, this Malta scuba tour offers a manageable, expertly guided experience that highlights the best of underwater Malta in a friendly, small-group setting. Perfect for certified divers wanting to add some spectacular marine sights to their trip while enjoying good value and personalized service.