One of Malta’s easiest ways to start. A French-speaking setup, taught in a calm, confidence-building way, makes your first underwater moment feel manageable. I particularly liked the small groups (max 4) and the hands-on training before you go into the water. The main drawback to keep in mind is that it’s not suitable for many medical situations, and you’re expected to be comfortable in the water.

You meet at French Touch Diving in Malta, do paperwork, try gear, and then get a structured briefing. After that, the action is in St Paul’s Bay, with a shore session that stays focused on safety and real skills. If you’re going with kids, or you have health constraints, double-check the limits first so you don’t end up disappointed.

Key Points Before You Go

• Instructeurs francophones: everything is explained in French, including safety and technique.
• Max 4 participants per group: more time with the instructor and less waiting around.
• Hands-on training first: breathing, regulator handling, and mask clearing before your main session.
• St Paul’s Bay shore session: transport by van, with about 40 minutes in the water and max 12 meters.
• Practical rules matter: no cameras, and certain medical conditions or fitness issues can make it unsuitable.

Arrive at French Touch Diving, Not One Minute Early

Your day starts at French Touch Diving, the French Touch Diving Malte base, in Malta and Gozo. Plan to be there at 13h45. The schedule is tight: they specifically say you should not arrive before that time, so if you’re early, grab a coffee nearby and wait.

Once you’re in, you’ll handle the basics: formalities, then a gear try-on. The equipment is included, but size limits apply, so check this if you’re tall/broad: beyond XXXL for sizes or shoes over 47, they note it won’t be possible. That’s not a deal-breaker for most people, but it’s worth knowing before you show up.

Bring the essentials: swimwear, a towel, and water. And if you wear glasses, pay attention: if you have bad eyesight, you’re advised to choose contact lenses, because you won’t be able to keep glasses under the mask.

The Briefing That Makes a First Plunge Feel Safe

This experience is built around learning, not showing off. Before you ever head into the water, you’ll get a full safety briefing plus equipment explanation. You’ll also cover the rules of the session and the techniques you’ll actually use underwater.

Then comes the training part that makes the biggest difference on a first baptism. You’ll practice basic skills like:

• breathing underwater
• dealing with the regulator (including clearing the system as needed)
• clearing a fogged or flooded mask

It’s all designed so you can relax once you’re in the sea. If you’ve ever been tense about your breathing, that training matters. Even in small groups, people can react differently underwater, and the whole point is that your instructor can coach you step by step.

Getting to St Paul’s Bay: Short Van Ride, Bigger Payoff

After the initial prep, you’ll head to the dive area in a van. The transport segment is short, around 5 minutes, but it’s part of what keeps the day organized. You’re not trying to manage logistics on your own, and you’re not stuck hiking to the water with a heavy kit.

St Paul’s Bay is the working area for the session, and the schedule reflects that: there’s a clear separation between training time and the moment you’re actually underwater. For a first-timer, that structure reduces stress.

What Happens in the Water at St Paul’s Bay

The main location is St Paul’s Bay, and the underwater portion is set up as a shore session. The total time at the site is about 105 minutes, which usually means you’re combining briefing segments, gear-in-water moments, training execution, and the actual underwater experience.

Your actual time underwater is about 40 minutes, with a maximum depth of 12 meters. That matters because it keeps the baptism within a level that’s designed for beginners. You’ll explore the seabed in a guided way while focusing on breathing control and comfort with the gear.

One practical note from a real-world perspective: breathing can be the hardest skill at first, especially if you’re a bit anxious or not used to the pressure changes. The coaching style here is meant to keep you steady through those moments, and the overall vibe is described as fun and cool, not stiff.

Safety, Health Limits, and the Non-Negotiables

This is the section you should treat seriously. The program is clear that for your safety you need to know how to swim, be in good health, and be in good physical condition.

They also list a wide set of situations where you must get a medical clearance or you shouldn’t go at all. Examples include diabetes, epilepsy, serious ear or sinus issues, recent surgery (within the last 12 months), heart or lung problems, asthma, any pre-existing medical conditions, and even a cold. High blood pressure is also listed, along with panic attacks and other conditions that can affect breathing and stress response underwater.

Two more important reminders:

• Do not have your flight the same day as your activity.
• Cameras aren’t allowed during the session, so if you want photos, you’ll need to plan around that.

This kind of rule-set can feel strict, but it’s exactly what makes a beginner baptism workable. Underwater is not the place for guesswork.

Why the Price Works Out at Around $96

The listed price is $96 per person, for a total duration around 3 hours. At face value, that’s not “cheap,” but you’re not paying only for the sea time.

You’re also paying for:

• French-speaking professional instruction
• small group attention (max 4)
• full equipment
• a safety briefing and one training session
• the shore session at a beginner-friendly depth
• transport to and from St Paul’s Bay by van

One thing that affects value: hotel pickup and return are not included. So if you’re staying far from the club, your local transport costs could change the true total. If you’re already close, the price feels more like a straightforward activity fee that includes most logistics.

Photos as a Small Extra for Real Memories

One useful detail: there’s an option for photos, and it comes with an additional cost. Cameras are not allowed for the session itself, so this is likely your main path to having underwater pictures.

If you care about souvenirs beyond just the memory, I think it’s a sensible add-on. It’s also the easiest way to capture the day without stressing about gear rules.

Who This Baptême Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

This baptism is designed for beginners, but it’s not for everyone. It’s not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people with heart problems
• non-swimmers
• people with respiratory issues
• people with epilepsy
• people with diabetes
• people with a cold
• people with pre-existing medical conditions
• people with high blood pressure
• people with recent surgery
• people over 70

So who is it ideal for? If you’re an adult (or older teen, as long as you meet the age rule), reasonably healthy, able to swim confidently, and you want a first-time baptism explained fully in French, this hits the sweet spot.

Practical Tips to Make Your Session Smooth

A few small choices can make a big difference on your comfort level:

• If your eyesight needs help, use contact lenses, not glasses.
• Don’t show up late or early. Be at the club for 13h45.
• Wear swimwear you can live with in public areas until gear is fitted.
• Bring your towel and water so you’re not scrambling at the end.
• Mentally plan to spend most of the 3 hours in preparation plus the session, not just in the water.

Also, given the equipment sizing limits, if you’re near the top end, it’s smart to confirm fit ahead of time so your day doesn’t get derailed.

Should You Book This Baptême à Malte?

If you want your first underwater experience without chaos, I’d say yes—especially if you prefer instruction in French and you like the idea of a maximum of 4 people with the instructor. The combination of training, shore session structure, transport included, and a capped depth makes this a very practical way to try scuba-style breathing in open water.

But if you’re dealing with any of the listed health constraints, you’re not a comfortable swimmer, you can’t manage breathing under pressure, or you need camera access during the session, then skip this and look for an option that better matches your situation.

If you’re eligible and ready, this is the kind of activity that gives you a real taste of Malta’s marine world with a safety-first approach and a group size that feels human.

FAQ

How long is the baptism de plongée?

The activity lasts about 3 hours.

What time should I arrive at the club?

You should meet at the club at 13h45. They also note you should not arrive before 13h45.

Where does the activity start?

The meeting point is French Touch Diving Malte, the French Touch Diving club.

Is transport included to the dive site?

Yes. Transport to and from the site of diving is included by van.

How much time will I spend in the water, and how deep will it be?

You’ll have one shore session of about 40 minutes, with a maximum depth of 12 meters.

Is it taught in French, and what is the group size?

Yes, instruction is in French. The group is small, limited to 4 participants.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and water. Cameras are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the experience refundable if plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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