Malta: 1-Day PADI Scuba Diver Certification Beginner Course

Travelers looking to dip their toes into the underwater world will find this Malta-based PADI Scuba Diver course a fantastic option. In just one day, you can start your journey toward becoming a certified diver, all while enjoying Malta’s gorgeous marine scenery. The course is tailored for those who want an accessible taste of scuba, without committing to the longer certification process.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, it’s designed for beginners, with a balanced mix of theory, confined water practice, and open water dives. You’ll get to breathe underwater for the first time, learn essential skills from certified instructors, and explore Malta’s vibrant underwater landscapes. Plus, the course offers a globally recognized PADI certification that can serve as a stepping stone to full Open Water certification.

That said, it’s not for everyone. The two-day schedule requires some commitment, and you should be comfortable with water and non-swimmers or children under 10 are not suitable. Still, if you’re curious about the underwater world and want a safe, guided introduction, this course could be just what you need. It’s especially ideal for travelers eager to add an adventurous highlight to their Malta holiday.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive beginner course with online theory, confined water practice, and open water dives
• Stunning dive site in Malta’s marine park with calm, clear waters
• Worldwide certification that unlocks diving opportunities globally
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention
• Expert guidance from multilingual, certified PADI instructors
• All necessary gear including wetsuit, mask, fins, and dive computer

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Malta PADI Scuba Diver Course

This experience offers a well-rounded introduction to scuba, blending online learning with hands-on practice, all set against Malta’s scenic underwater backdrop. It’s tailored for beginners, making it accessible and safe, yet packed with enough excitement to truly hook you on diving.

The Online Theory Component

Before you even set foot at the dive center, you’ll gain access to three online lessons. These cover essential basics such as safety procedures, equipment handling, and underwater communication. Many reviewers appreciated how this pre-learning made the practical parts more relaxed, letting them focus on actually enjoying the water.

The Day at the Dive Center

On the day of your course, you’ll start with a briefing at Orangeshark Diving Centre, where the staff will fit you with high-quality gear. “They really prioritize comfort and safety,” one reviewer noted, describing the wetsuits as comfortable and well-maintained.

Your instructor will guide you through the essential skills in a relaxed setting. The confined water practice involves three dives, usually in a calm marine park, where you’ll learn how to clear your mask, control buoyancy, and communicate underwater, all under supervision. Expect this part to be both fun and educational, with plenty of encouragement from your instructor.

The Open Water Dives

Once confident, you’ll move to two open water dives. These are the real highlight, offering the chance to see Malta’s underwater landscape up close. The dives take place in a marine park renowned for its clear waters and marine life, with depths up to 12 meters. Many reviewers mention how the water visibility and the marine scenery are stunning, making every moment beneath the surface unforgettable.

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Certification and Next Steps

By the end of the day, you’ll have earned your PADI Scuba Diver certificate, a globally recognized qualification. This certificate is a fantastic milestone and also puts you halfway toward the full Open Water Diver certification. Reviewers often mention how this initial course ignited their passion for diving, with some planning to complete their full certification later.

The Practical Details

Duration and Scheduling

Spanning two days, the course allows flexibility, with various start times available. Check the current schedule to align it with your travel plans. The total cost is $454 per person, which covers all necessary equipment, certification fees, and transfers to the dive site. Many found this price reasonable considering the quality of instruction, the gear, and the experience packed into a single day.

Group Size and Language Options

The experience is limited to small groups, capped at 8 participants. This setup ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. The instructors are multilingual, offering guidance in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, making the experience accessible for many travelers.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Inclusions are generous: three practice dives, two open water dives, all dive gear, a dive computer, online theory lessons, and the certification fee. You’ll just need to bring swimwear, a towel, and water. Note that food, drinks, and transportation aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Considerations

This course isn’t suitable for children under 10, non-swimmers, or those with respiratory issues. Reviewers emphasize that the calm, clear waters and professional instructors create a safe environment, but basic water comfort is essential.

Why Travelers Love This Course

The common thread among reviewers is how stunning the underwater scenery is — with many describing the visibility as excellent and marine life abundant. One said, “Breathing underwater was surreal, and the marine park’s calm waters made it all so easy for a first-timer.” Several appreciated the personalized attention from instructors, who are clearly experienced and attentive to safety.

The online component was also highlighted as a big plus — allowing participants to prepare at their own pace and hit the water ready to go. Many noted that the small groups fostered a relaxed environment, perfect for beginners.

A few reviewers mentioned that the equipment was of high quality, which added to their confidence. The diving site’s scenery, including coral formations and marine creatures, often drew praise as a major highlight.

The Itinerary in Detail

Morning: Check-in and Briefing

Your day begins at Orangeshark Diving Centre, where you’ll meet your instructor, fitted with gear, and review safety procedures. The staff’s professionalism and friendly approach are frequently mentioned, with many feeling reassured before entering the water.

Mid-Morning: Confined Water Practice

The confined water sessions take place in a designated marine park area, chosen for its calm conditions. Here, you’ll learn fundamental skills such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. We loved watching participants gain confidence as they practiced these skills, often with a bit of humor and encouragement from the guides.

Afternoon: Open Water Dives

Following the confined sessions, you’ll head to the open water for two dives. These are the real eye-openers, offering clear views of Malta’s vibrant marine life and coral formations. Expect to spend around 45-60 minutes underwater each dive, with plenty of time to marvel at the scenery.

End of the Day: Certification and Reflection

Once back on land, you’ll review your experience, receive your certification, and have the chance to ask questions about future diving adventures. Many review comments focus on how completing the course left them eager to continue exploring underwater.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Course?

This Malta PADI Scuba Diver certification is best suited for travelers who want a short, manageable introduction to diving without a long-term commitment. It’s perfect for those curious about what’s beneath the surface and eager for an active, memorable experience. The course’s small group format and professional guidance make it appealing to nervous beginners or those new to water sports.

If you’re seeking a beautiful, safe environment to learn and enjoy your first underwater moments, this experience delivers. Plus, the certification opens the door for future diving adventures around Malta or anywhere else in the world.

However, if you want a more comprehensive qualification or are uncomfortable with water, this may not be the best fit. But for most, it strikes an excellent balance of adventure, safety, and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course suitable for children?
No, children under 10 years old are not accepted for this course.

Do I need prior swimming experience?
You should be comfortable in the water, but the course is designed for beginners, and non-swimmers might find it challenging.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all dives, equipment, online theory, instructor guidance, transfers, and certification fees.

Are the dives in calm waters?
Yes, all dives take place in a marine park known for its calm and clear conditions, ideal for beginners.

Can I do this course if I have respiratory issues?
No, it’s not suitable for people with respiratory issues, as underwater breathing techniques are involved.

How long does the certification last?
The PADI Scuba Diver certification is recognized worldwide and can be used at any dive shop globally.

What equipment will I use?
You’ll be supplied with high-quality gear, including a wetsuit, mask, fins, octopus, weights, dive computer, and tank.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just swimwear, a towel, and water. Everything else is provided.

Is transportation included?
No, transfers to and from the dive site are included, but not the pickup from your accommodation.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the “Reserve now & pay later” option, offering flexibility.

The Malta 1-Day PADI Scuba Diver course is a smart choice for anyone eager to experience the underwater world without a long-term commitment. The combination of easy-to-learn skills, stunning marine scenery, and professional instruction makes it well worth the price. It’s particularly suited for travelers seeking a safe, guided introduction to scuba, coupled with a certificate that opens further diving doors.

While it may not be suitable for non-swimmers or children under 10, those who meet the criteria will likely find it an exciting, confidence-building adventure. With the promise of clear waters, friendly guides, and a chance to breathe underwater for the first time, this course offers a memorable Maltean highlight that many will cherish long after their trip ends.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a family, or a couple seeking a new adventure, this experience offers a balanced mix of learning, fun, and stunning scenery that’s hard to beat.

You can check if your dates are available here: