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

Malta’s clear water turns training into fun. In St Paul’s Bay, you’ll do two guided scuba sessions for certified Open Water or higher, with strong pre-session safety briefings and air-conditioned transfers.

You’ll like that the plan is tailored to your certification level, so newer skills do not get rushed. I also like the human touch in the instruction team, including instructors like Holly and Lee, who come across as patient and calm.

One possible snag is the health and paperwork rules, including written medical approval for serious conditions, plus the day can run longer depending on weather and sea conditions.

Key highlights worth noticing

• Two safety briefings help you know the plan before each underwater session.
• Small group size (max 15 people) means you are less likely to get lost in the shuffle.
• Air-conditioned transfers keep the start of your day comfortable.
• Instruction that adapts to your comfort level, especially useful if you tend to get nervous at the start.
• Local underwater options like reefs, caves, and WWII wrecks, with clear-water chances.
• Strict swim and medical requirements, including a 24-hour flying wait after.

Two fun scuba sessions in St Paul’s Bay, not a one-size-fits-all day

If you want more than a checklist holiday, this format makes sense. You’re in the water twice, guided, with instruction geared to your level, and the pacing stays realistic for a half-day outing.

You also start with structure. Two separate pre-session safety briefings set the tone, so you know what you are doing, where you are going, and what to focus on. That matters when you are still building confidence, or when you just want your trip to feel smooth from the first strap to the last fin kick.

The setting is a big part of the appeal too. St Paul’s Bay is known for easy access and, on the right day, very good visibility. The goal here is fun and exploration, not pressure.

The safety routine: two briefings that set you up for a calmer experience

The best thing about this program is not the marketing line. It’s the rhythm. You get two dive plan and safety briefings, which means the second underwater session is not just a repeat of the first.

From a practical point of view, that second briefing is where you can adjust. If the morning session taught you that you need a slower pace, you can expect that to be considered. If buoyancy felt off early, you can be reminded what good control feels like before you go down again.

You’ll also be grateful for the clear expectations around who can participate. There are explicit swimming requirements and a list of serious medical conditions where written approval is mandatory. The rules can feel strict on paper, but they also reduce surprises on the day.

Gear, towels, swimsuits, and the equipment question you should confirm

The overview says you get complete diving gear, so you do not have to travel with heavy kit. At the same time, the listing info says use of scuba equipment is not included. That is the one part you should not ignore.

Before you book, message Aquatica Diving Centre and ask a simple question: do they provide regulators, BCD, tanks, and weights as part of this package, or do you rent some equipment on site? If the “kit provided” line means everything, great. If not, you’ll want to know costs and what you need to bring.

Plan to bring:

• Your own swimsuit
• Your own towel

Even small things matter. If you arrive without a swimsuit, you lose time. If you forget a towel, you’ll be drying off with whatever you can find.

Also note this part of the day is built for comfort on land too. Transfers are described as air-conditioned, which helps if you’re starting at 8:00 am and the weather is already warming up.

Meeting point and timing: an 8:00 am start that keeps the day efficient

This experience starts at 8:00 am and runs about 5 hours in total. You meet at Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana in Tas-Sliema (SLM3111), then you return to the same meeting point at the end.

The exact flow can shift. The schedule may be adjusted due to weather and sea conditions, traffic, parking availability, participant physical capabilities, and punctuality. In peak months, starting times can also change, with updates sent via WhatsApp (or SMS/email if you do not use WhatsApp). Keep your phone where you can reach it.

Why this matters: scuba is one of those activities where you want to be early, not “almost there.” Late arrivals can affect your participation, and refunds are not guaranteed if health requirements are not met or requested details are not provided in time.

What you’ll see underwater: reefs, caves, and wreck possibilities

The underwater plan is designed to be interesting, not repetitive. The program focuses on reefs, caves, and wreck options, depending on conditions and your level.

You might expect:

• Reef scenery, where you can practice control and watch marine life
• Cave or structure areas that demand focus on buoyancy and spacing
• Wreck-based routes, including a WWII wreck option that showed up in the experience reports as a highlight, with clear water

One report mentioned jellyfish sightings, including two jellyfish. That’s the kind of “small but memorable” wildlife moment that makes these sessions feel worth doing even if you’ve already practiced before.

A quick reality check: underwater visibility and marine life are never guaranteed. But the program is built around the idea that Malta’s underwater world can deliver variety in a short time.

Instruction that matches you, not the other way around

This is a great fit if you are not yet fully confident at the start. One experience described how a newer diver felt panic early on, then stayed with it because the instructor stayed patient. That is exactly what you want from a guide: not just skills, but emotional support and pacing.

Another thing I appreciate is the level of customization. The format is described as tailored to your experience level, so Open Water and higher certifications have the right focus. That likely means the guide sets expectations for things like breathing rhythm, comfort with equipment, and how you handle buoyancy early on.

Instructors like Holly and Lee were specifically praised for being caring and easy to work with. The vibe you’re aiming for is calm and instructional, not a rushed checklist.

If you’re an advanced diver, you still get value because a good guide helps you keep your plan tight. You avoid wasting time early and you spend more time observing what you came for.

Transfers and the small-group feel: less waiting, more attention

This is not the kind of program where you’re stuck herding equipment across town. You get transportation to and from the dive site, and it’s described as comfortable, with air-conditioned transfers.

That reduces two big friction points:

• Getting everyone to the water on time
• Making sure gear, checks, and the briefing flow smoothly

The group cap is also a big deal. There’s a maximum of 15 people, which typically supports more individual attention in briefing time and at the start of the waterwork. When you’re nervous, that extra attention can matter.

And since the meeting point is near public transportation, you can also plan without needing a private driver if you’re already in the area.

Price and value: what $118.35 really buys you

The price is $118.35 per person. For that, you get:

• Transportation to and from the dive site
• Two underwater safety briefings
• Two fun scuba sessions

That’s solid value if you consider the package nature. You are paying for guidance, scheduling, and logistics, not just access to water.

Here’s where you should sanity-check value in your specific case: the kit inclusion is a bit unclear. If all equipment is included, the price feels straightforward for two guided sessions plus transport. If some equipment is not included, you’ll want to price the rental so you can compare fairly with other local options.

Another value point: you only do two sessions, not a full day. That makes this easier to fit into a Malta itinerary, especially if you want to balance diving with shore time.

Eligibility and health rules: the part you should read twice

This program is for Open Water certification and higher, and it includes a clear “for swimmers only” requirement. If you’re not comfortable in the water, you’ll likely feel the mismatch immediately.

The medical rules are the biggest decision factor. For listed and serious medical conditions, written approval from a physician is mandatory before diving. The info also suggests you can get medical consent in Malta from a physician, available at pharmacies in the morning, but the key point is simple: you need written proof.

If you cannot provide written consent, you should contact the operator and join a snorkelling tour instead.

Also watch the “medication and health” list. It includes pregnancy, heart/lungs/blood issues, eyes/ears/nasal problems, recent surgeries, neurologic conditions, diabetes and stomach or intestinal problems, and some prescription medications (with noted exceptions like birth control and anti-malarials other than mefloquine).

If any of that applies to you, don’t guess. Ask directly and get clarification early, because participation can be affected by whether requirements are met on time.

One more rule that affects planning: for safety, you’re asked to wait 24 hours before flying after this activity.

Weather, peak season, and why your timing might shift

This experience needs good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor conditions, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund.

It’s also worth knowing the operator can’t guarantee participation if you’re late or if health requirements are ignored. That’s normal for safety-driven water activities, and it’s why I always tell people to build in a little buffer time the morning of.

Peak season advice is also practical. July and August are recommended to avoid because more people around the island can startle aquatic fauna. Translation: if your goal is marine life viewing, shoulder season can be calmer underwater.

Even outside peak, sea conditions matter. The listing notes that weather and sea state can change the schedule length and start timing. That’s why you should keep an eye on your phone for WhatsApp or SMS updates.

Optional full-days in Gozo and Comino if you want more than two sessions

If you catch the diving bug, the operator offers weekly full-days in Gozo and Comino with an extra fee. That’s the easy upgrade path if you want more variety in a single stretch.

You do not have to do it. Two sessions can be enough to enjoy Malta’s underwater scenery and still keep your day flexible for beaches, viewpoints, and local food.

Who this suits best, and who should choose something else

This is ideal if you:

• Are Open Water certified or higher
• Can swim and have a moderate physical fitness level
• Want guided help with calm, safety-first instruction
• Prefer a short morning or half-day plan instead of an all-day commitment

You might want to pass if:

• You have serious medical conditions and cannot obtain written approval
• You have issues listed under the health and medication requirements
• You’re not comfortable swimming in open water conditions
• You need a strict return time, since weather can change timing

If you are traveling with a minor who is joining alone, tutor or parental written consent is required. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation if you’re coming without a car.

Should you book Aquatica’s two-session program in St Paul’s Bay?

Yes, you should consider booking this if you want a guided Malta underwater experience built for real comfort. The biggest selling point is that they take safety seriously with two briefings, and the instruction style described in the experience accounts sounds patient and supportive, especially for newer scuba participants.

Just do two things before you commit:

1. Confirm whether scuba equipment is fully included, since the overview and the booking notes don’t match perfectly.
2. Check your health and paperwork early, especially if any serious condition or prescription medication applies.

If you handle those two details, this becomes an easy, well-paced way to see more of Malta than just land views, and you’ll likely leave with more confidence for whatever comes next.

FAQ

What time does the experience start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the activity take?

Duration is approximately 5 hours, including the start time.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, SLM3111 Tas, Tas-Sliema SLM 3111, Malta.

Is this experience for certified scuba participants only?

Yes. It is for Open Water certification and higher.

Do I need to know English?

Yes, English speaking and understanding is required.

Are scuba equipment and gear included?

The overview says a complete diving kit is provided, but the included and not-included details also list scuba equipment as not included. You should confirm with Aquatica Diving Centre what equipment is actually provided on the day.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your own towel and your own swimsuit.

Are medical conditions allowed?

Some medical conditions are restricted. For listed and serious medical conditions, written medical approval is mandatory before diving. If you cannot provide medical consent, you should contact the operator and join the snorkelling tour instead.

Can I fly soon after the activity?

For safety, you should wait 24 hours before flying after this activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.