Breathing underwater beats any pool lesson. This try-scuba experience in Malta gives you all the gear included and a small group with close attention from instructors, so your first hours feel controlled instead of chaotic. One catch: it does not come with an internationally recognized certification, and there are strict health and swimming requirements.

What makes it interesting is the flow. You start with online theory before you arrive, then you get a safety and equipment briefing, followed by practice in the water and a second shore visit where you can focus on seeing marine life near the surface.

The overall vibe is “safe and friendly training,” and that shows in the instructor names people kept praising (Francesca, Aoiffe, Matteo, Emma, Alex, Julia, Holly). Still, if you’re hoping for a license, or you’re not comfortable with basic skills like having your face in the water, this may not be the right first step.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Max 4 travelers means you’re not lost in a big crowd while learning basic skills.
• Full kit included (so you don’t scramble for rentals before you leave your hotel).
• Online theory in your language plus an instructor briefing helps you arrive ready, not guessing.
• Two-part water time: skills first, then a short explore on a shore setting with a max depth of 5m.
• Weather and sea conditions matter since timing and visibility can shift in Malta.
• Marine life you can actually spot near the surface, with reports of shoaling fish, sea urchins, and even barracuda.

Where the session starts in Sliema and how the day runs

You’ll meet at Diveshack20 on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana in Sliema, and the experience ends back at the same place. The meeting point is convenient and near public transportation, which helps if you’re sightseeing around Malta before you have your gear on.

Plan on about 2 hours 30 minutes total, but keep your schedule flexible. The actual duration and exact timing can change due to weather and sea conditions, traffic, parking, or even punctuality during peak summer months. You’ll also get updates by WhatsApp (or SMS/email if you don’t use WhatsApp) with an eLearning link and confirmation of starting times, so your phone is part of your dive kit for the day.

Two practical points make or break the experience:

• Hotel pickup and dropoff are not included, so you’ll want a plan for getting yourself to the meeting point.
• The activity is for swimmers only and requires moderate physical fitness, so if you get winded easily, tell the instructor right away.

On the plus side, many first-timers felt instantly at ease with patient coaching. Names that came up again and again included Francesca and Emma, with several people praising calm, step-by-step explanations on land and in the water.

The online prep: reading it before you arrive helps a lot

This is not a “show up and hope” type of try-scuba. Before your session, you complete online materials in your language. That matters because the in-water training depends on you understanding basics like equipment setup and safety rules.

You’ll likely work through the materials using a learning portal (one guest specifically noted divessi.com). On top of that, a helpful habit is to practice hand signals ahead of time, since underwater communication is a big part of staying relaxed. I’d also recommend doing the theory in one sitting if possible, then giving yourself time to ask questions when you arrive.

A big reason people enjoy this course is that the teaching isn’t just thrown at you. Instructors repeatedly got praised for being clear and patient during dry training and equipment explanation. So if you take the pre-work seriously, you’ll spend less time stuck on basic concepts and more time actually enjoying the moment.

Gear is included, but you still need a few essentials

Good value starts with what you don’t have to pay for. Your price includes the complete diving kit, plus a safety briefing and the two underwater sessions (one training and one shore session).

What’s not included is simple, but easy to forget when you travel:

• Bring your own towel
• Bring your own swimsuit

Wetsuits are provided as part of the kit. One reviewer specifically said the wetsuit helped them stay warm even in April. Weather won’t always cooperate in Malta, so dressing for “cold water + learning something new” is smart.

Also note the activity uses a small-group setup (maximum 4 travelers). That makes the gear-fitting part more manageable because instructors can actually look at how your mask/regulator is sitting and adjust you before you enter the water.

The first underwater training session: skills, safety, and nerves

Your day is built around learning by doing. After check-in and equipment fitting, instructors give you a briefing on safety rules and scuba skills. Then you practice during the first underwater portion, which is designed to take you from first-timer basics toward feeling confident.

This is where the reviews were strongest: people repeatedly highlighted how friendly and patient the instruction felt. Francesca was mentioned as kind and patient, and Alex got praise for making someone feel safe even while they were terrified at the start. Julia was singled out for being experienced and careful, especially for teaching a son successfully.

Here are the kinds of moments you should expect in training:

• Equipment setup checks
• Learning movements and breathing habits underwater
• Practicing the essential skills that let you relax and communicate with hand signals

One realistic consideration: the experience can be uncomfortable if you’re anxious about putting your face in the water. In one case, a guest requested to stop during the early part because they were not comfortable with that key step. That’s not a “trick”; it’s just part of learning the fundamentals. If you know in advance that you hate that feeling, you may want to consider a snorkel-focused option instead.

The second shore session up to 5m: seeing Malta’s sea life

After training skills, you get to shift gears. The second portion is a shore experience with a maximum depth of 5 meters. That’s a gentle range for first-timers because you can keep things simple while your brain catches up to the sensation of breathing underwater.

This is also the part where people told me they felt the magic most. Several praised the chance to see fish near the surface, and specific sightings came up in reviews: shoaling fish, sea urchins, and even a barracuda. The water is described as crystal clear around Malta, and when conditions cooperate, the visibility is the payoff.

A note on reality: sea conditions can change. One review described choppy water and poor visibility, but the centre worked to relocate the session to better conditions. That kind of flexibility is a sign of an operation thinking about safety and comfort, not just chasing schedule.

If you want an extra challenge later, there was also mention of an upgrade option on the provider’s website for a shipwreck site. That’s not part of this short try-scuba, but it’s useful to know if you end up loving the experience and want the next step.

Who this try-scuba suits best (and who should think twice)

This try-scuba is best for people who want a first experience with safety-first coaching and minimal hassle. It’s also a good match if you:

• Can swim
• Can handle moderate physical activity
• Speak or understand English
• Like the idea of learning fundamentals quickly and then getting a short look at real sea life

It also works for families, with a minimum age of 10. Minors need written consent from a tutor/parent.

Where I’d think twice:

• If you want an internationally recognized certification. This course is a try session and not a certification course. If you want licensing, you’d need to ask about their scuba courses.
• If you have serious medical conditions. Written medical approval is mandatory for the listed health issues.
• If you’re pregnant. Pregnancy is explicitly listed under health limitations.
• If you have heart/lungs/blood issues, eyes/ears/nasal problems, neurologic conditions, recent surgeries, diabetes/stomach/intestinal problems, or you take prescription medications (with a narrow exception noted for birth control/anti-malarials other than mefloquine).

And if you’re planning flights after: you should wait at least 12 hours, with 24 hours recommended before flying.

One more practical fairness point: because this is safety-led training, late arrival or ignored health requirements can affect whether you participate. The experience emphasizes that participation can’t be guaranteed and refunds may not be possible if requirements are ignored.

Price and value: why $96.55 can feel like a bargain

At about $96.55 per person, this isn’t trying to be the cheapest option—it’s priced like a real instruction-led program. For your money, you get:

• Online theory material
• Safety briefing
• Complete scuba kit
• One training underwater session
• One shore underwater session (max 5m)
• Transportation to and from the underwater site

The costs that are not covered are pretty standard travel items: hotel pickup/dropoff, towel, and swimsuit. You’re also responsible for getting yourself to the Sliema meeting point.

Here’s why it feels like good value for a first-timer: you aren’t paying for a “ticket to the beach.” You’re paying for equipment fitting, coaching, and instructor time in the water. Reviews repeatedly mention that instructors stayed close and patient, which is exactly what you want when your confidence is brand-new.

If you’re already a certified diver, you might wonder if this is “enough.” It’s not meant to be a long reef trip. Think of it as the fastest safe way to learn what scuba feels like in Malta and decide if you want the next, longer course.

So, should you book this try-scuba in Malta?

I’d book it if you want a short, structured first experience with close instructor attention, full gear included, and a realistic introduction to scuba basics. The consistent praise for instructors like Francesca, Emma, Alex, Julia, and Holly suggests the training style tends to be patient and clear, which is crucial for first-timers.

I’d skip it (or at least ask a lot of questions first) if you’re chasing certification, you have a serious medical situation that needs physician approval, or you know the early skills will stress you out. One guest also reported frustration due to rushing and scheduling confusion, and another reported a bad outcome when they weren’t well the day of their session. Those aren’t universal, but they’re reminders to be ready, communicate early, and plan for weather and how your body feels.

If you do book, my strongest advice is simple: do the online prep, practice the hand signals, and tell your instructor immediately if you’re anxious. This is built for turning nervous beginners into calm beginners, but it only works when you bring your questions with you.

FAQ

What’s included in the try-scuba price?

You get online theory material, a safety briefing, a complete diving kit, one training underwater session, and one shore underwater session with a maximum depth of 5m. Transportation to and from the underwater site is also included.

Does this course provide an internationally recognized scuba certification?

No. This course does not provide an internationally recognized certification for scuba diving. If you’re interested in getting a scuba license, you’ll need to ask about their scuba diving courses.

What medical requirements apply?

If you have any listed serious medical conditions, you must obtain written approval from a physician before diving. If you cannot provide written medical consent, you’re instructed to contact them and join the snorkelling tour instead.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimsuit?

Yes. Towels and swimsuits are not included, so you should bring your own.

How deep do you go during the shore session?

The shore underwater session has a maximum depth of 5 meters.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Transportation to and from the activity location is not included for hotel pickup/dropoff, though transportation to and from the underwater site is included.

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