Malta: Guided Shore Dives in Malta for Certified Divers

If you’re a certified diver looking to explore Malta’s beautiful underwater world, this guided shore dive experience offers an excellent mix of accessible sites, expert guidance, and authentic marine encounters. While it isn’t a diving trip for beginners, seasoned divers will appreciate the opportunity to explore Malta’s marine parks, wrecks, and reefs in a relaxed, well-organized setting.

What we love about this experience is the focus on small-group intimacy, the chance to interact with local marine life, and the convenience of protected sites with top-notch facilities. The only potential consideration is that the marine life may not match tropical diving hotspots, but the interactions—especially with octopus—are still memorable. This tour is ideal for certified divers eager to enjoy Malta’s shoreline without the hassle of boat trips and with added safety of guided instruction.

Good To Know

• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Accessible marine parks with excellent facilities make for comfortable, hassle-free diving.
• Variety of sites, including reefs, swim-throughs, caverns, and wrecks, cater to different skill levels and interests.
• Expert, multilingual guides enhance safety and provide insightful marine encounters.
• Flexible options for rental equipment and transfer mean you can tailor the experience to your needs.
• Ideal for certified divers seeking authentic Malta underwater adventures in a safe, supportive environment.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: What’s on Offer?

This guided shore diving experience in Malta is designed for certified divers wanting to explore some of the island’s best protected marine sites. While it doesn’t include boat trips, the advantage of shore dives is that they are more accessible, often more relaxed, and allow for easy access to stunning reefs and historical wrecks. You’ll be guided by knowledgeable professionals from Orangeshark Diving Centre, who customize each trip based on your experience level and weather conditions.

One of the key attractions here is the chance to explore Malta’s marine park, renowned for its clean, well-maintained facilities and easy access. Whether you’re interested in reef systems, swim-throughs, or wrecks, this experience balances adventure with comfort, making it perfect for certified divers wanting to maximize their time underwater without the complexities of boat-based excursions. Expect interactions with marine creatures like octopus and perhaps even sightings of amberjacks or tuna hunting.

A notable consideration is that the marine environment, while beautiful, isn’t tropical; the marine life tends to be less flamboyant but still engaging. The price of $153 per person is quite reasonable for a two-dive experience, especially considering the included guides, equipment, and transport.

The Experience: What’s Included and How It Works

Once you arrive at the diving centre—about 30 minutes before departure—you’ll check in, confirm your certification, and complete any necessary medical forms. The team is multilingual, offering guides in Italian, English, German, Spanish, and French, which helps create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. You’ll then choose your equipment, with full rental options available, ensuring you’re suited up comfortably.

The trip involves two back-to-back dives, separated by roughly an hour-long surface interval. This pause allows for a breather, a chance to relax at the site, or grab a quick snack from the available options. The guides will select the exact dive site the day before, based on weather, currents, and diver experience, ensuring safety and optimal conditions.

You’ll be driven to the designated protected site, which features excellent facilities—shady areas, clean changing rooms, and easy entry points. The dives typically include shallow reef exploration, with opportunities to swim through caverns or explore wrecks suitable for recreational levels. Wrecks within reach of your certification level add an extra layer of excitement.

Marine encounters are a highlight: “We had a close-up with an octopus, which was simply unforgettable,” reports a recent diver review. While tropical divers might miss vibrant coral colors, the Mediterranean marine environment offers a different, more subdued kind of beauty—octopuses, amberjacks, and schooling fish.

At the end of the dives, you can choose to be taken back to the centre or make your own way to your accommodation. The entire experience lasts approximately three hours, making it a convenient, half-day adventure.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

For $153, you’re paying for an organized, guided experience with all essential equipment, transportation, and expert oversight. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which can make a big difference in safety and enjoyment. The protected sites mean you avoid the unpredictability of open sea conditions, and the well-maintained facilities add comfort.

The inclusion of multiple languages makes the guides accessible and informative, enriching your understanding of Malta’s marine environment. The flexibility in equipment rental and transportation allows you to tailor the trip to your preferences, whether bringing your own gear or renting everything on site.

Compared to more expensive boat trips or larger group excursions, this shore dive offers a more intimate, relaxed experience that showcases Malta’s underwater beauty without unnecessary crowds or logistical hassle.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting and Preparation: Upon arriving at the diving centre, expect a friendly check-in process. The staff will review your certification, medical form, and dive log. They will help you select your gear, ensuring proper fit and comfort. You’ll get a briefing on safety procedures and what to expect during the dives.

Transport to the Dive Site: The driver will take you to a protected marine park along Malta’s northern coast—an area praised for its calm waters and easy access. The drive is typically short, and the site is equipped with facilities that accommodate divers comfortably.

First Dive: The initial dive often explores shallow reefs or a wreck, ideal for orientation and marine interaction. The clear, protected waters provide excellent visibility, typically around 10-20 meters, perfect for spotting octopus hiding among rocks or schools of fish darting through the water.

Surface Interval: After the first dive, you’ll have approximately an hour to relax, chat with fellow divers, or enjoy a snack. The guides sometimes share insights about local marine species or Malta’s coastal history.

Second Dive: The second dive might focus on exploring swim-throughs and caverns or continuing along the reef. Wreck exploration is also an option if conditions and diver certification permit. The guides are attentive to your comfort level, adjusting the dive plan accordingly.

End of the Trip: After surfacing from the second dive, you’ll be transported back to the centre. You can opt to stay and unwind or head back to your accommodation knowing you’ve experienced some of Malta’s best shore diving spots.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Authentic Marine Encounters

Many divers find the marine life in Malta to be surprisingly engaging, despite its Mediterranean location. “Our guide was fantastic at pointing out octopuses and explaining their behavior. Seeing one change color right in front of us was incredible,” recalls a recent participant.

While you might not see the same vibrant coral reefs found in tropical destinations, the area compensates with its fascinating creatures—octopus, cuttlefish, and schooling fish, plus the occasional amberjack or tuna if the conditions align. The underwater topography—caves, swim-throughs, and wrecks—adds visual interest and a sense of discovery.

Practical Considerations: What You Need to Know

Duration and Timing: The entire activity lasts about three hours, with start times varying based on availability. Check in about 30 minutes earlier to prepare.

Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a relaxed, personal experience.

Price and Value: The $153 cost covers guides, equipment, transport, and site access—making it a sensible choice compared to larger, less intimate tours.

What to Bring: Your diving certification, logbook, sun protection, swimwear, towel, water, and any personal items. The centre supplies weights and tanks, but you can rent full gear if needed.

Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 10, or those with heart, respiratory, or seasickness issues. Divers must be certified.

Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan flexibly.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This shore diving experience in Malta is perfect for certified divers eager to explore the island’s protected marine areas without the complications of boat excursions. It offers an excellent blend of safety, comfort, and authentic marine encounters, especially for those who appreciate small-group settings.

It’s a great choice if you want to maximize your underwater time while enjoying Malta’s scenic coastlines and friendly guides. The focus on interaction with local marine life, like octopuses, adds a memorable touch that will resonate long after your trip.

While not tailored for beginners or non-divers, experienced underwater explorers will find this trip rewarding and straightforward, making it an ideal addition to your Malta holiday.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners? No, it’s designed for certified divers. Beginners without certification should look for introductory courses or snorkeling options.

What’s included in the price? The cost covers a certified dive guide, weights, a scuba tank, transfer to and from the site, and optional full rental equipment.

How many dives are included? You get two shore dives back-to-back, separated by about an hour of surface interval.

Can I choose my dive site? The exact site is selected the day before, based on weather and diver experience, ensuring optimal conditions.

What should I bring? Bring your diving certification, logbook, sun protection, swimwear, towel, water, and any personal gear. The centre provides weights and tanks.

Is it suitable for children? No, children under 10 years are not accommodated. The activity is aimed at adult certified divers.

To sum it up, this Malta-guided shore dive tour offers certified divers a well-organized, personalized opportunity to enjoy Malta’s protected marine environments. With knowledgeable guides, excellent facilities, and a variety of underwater landscapes, it’s a rewarding way to see what this Mediterranean island has to offer beneath the surface. Whether you’re after wreck exploration, reef cruising, or marine life interactions, you’re likely to leave with memorable stories—and maybe a new octopus friend.

You can check if your dates are available here: