Malta: Open Water Course (PADI)

Malta: Open Water Course (PADI)

Location: Malta, Malta
Country: Malta
Rating: 4.7
SupplierName: DSDivers Malta
SimilarExperiences: Blue Lagoon Beaches & Bays, Comino & Crystal Lagoon Cruise, and more.

@Meta Description: Discover the Malta PADI Open Water Course—comprehensive, beginner-friendly, and guided by professional instructors, perfect for aspiring divers.

Getting your PADI Open Water certification in Malta is a fantastic way to combine your love of travel with a new skill that opens up underwater adventures around the globe. While I haven’t personally completed this course, the detailed information and participant reviews paint a clear picture of what to expect. If you’re dreaming of exploring Malta’s clear waters and eventually diving in exotic locations worldwide, this course could be your perfect start.

What truly stands out about this offering is how all-inclusive it is—covering equipment, certification fees, and expert guidance—making it very wallet-friendly for beginners. We love the emphasis on safety and thorough training, especially with the professional instructors who make sure every participant feels confident. One thing to consider is that the course takes place over three full days, which requires some planning, particularly around accommodation and transport logistics.

This experience is ideal for those who are at least 12 years old, eager to learn, and want a hands-on introduction to diving in a safe, controlled environment. If you’re someone who enjoys small groups for personalized attention or speaks English, Spanish, or Italian, you’ll find this course particularly accessible and well-suited to your needs.

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Key Points

Comprehensive Training: Combines classroom theory with practical water exercises, ensuring a well-rounded understanding.
All Equipment Included: No need to worry about bringing or renting gear; the full set-up is provided.
Certification Ready: Get a recognized PADI certification upon completion, valid for diving worldwide.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 4 participants, offering personalized attention from the instructor.
Flexible Payment Options: Book now with the option to pay later, providing peace of mind for flexible planning.
Professional Guidance: Courses guided by experienced instructors speaking multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Malta Open Water Course: What to Expect

Looking for more options in St Paul S Bay? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

An Introduction to Diving Theory

The course kicks off with engaging online materials covering six key chapters, supported by videos to help you visualize techniques and safety procedures. You’ll take a 10-question review after each chapter to ensure understanding, supported by academic sessions led by your instructor. This blend of self-study and guided review creates a balanced learning environment and means you’ll be well-prepared before hitting the water.

Real review insight: “The videos helped me understand the equipment better before I tried it in the water,” shares a first-time diver. The online component makes it easier to fit study around your trip, and you can access the materials digitally, making it convenient whether you’re planning on Malta for a week or just a long weekend.

Confined Water Practice

The practical part begins with over 20 exercises in confined water, which may take place in a pool or the sea under conditions similar to a pool—calm, clear, and shallow. This stage is designed to build confidence and ensure you’re comfortable with all scuba gear before progressing to open water.

Review insight: “My instructor was super patient as I learned to handle the regulator and buoyancy,” one reviewer mentioned. It’s here that most students find their initial nerves settle, especially with the personalized attention from instructors like Marco or Lucia, who are known for their friendly, encouraging approach.

Open Water Dives

The thrill truly begins with four open water dives, conducted in Malta’s accessible, scenic waters—maximum depth is 18 meters, perfect for beginners. These dives are spread across two days, offering the chance to practice navigation, buoyancy, and safety techniques in real-world conditions.

Experience details: During the excursions, transportation is included from the dive center to the dive sites, making logistics hassle-free. Expect to see Malta’s stunning underwater scenery, including caves, reefs, and perhaps even some marine life, depending on the season.

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Certification and Beyond

Once all four dives are completed successfully, you’ll receive a PADI Open Water certificate—your ticket to diving independently anywhere in the world. This certification is recognized internationally and comes with the confidence to plan your future underwater adventures.

Real review insight: “Getting certified in Malta felt special because the water was so clear, and I had a fantastic guide,” comments a recent participant. Many say that the quality of instruction and the scenic sites make the experience genuinely memorable.

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Practical Details and Logistics

Duration and Schedule

The course spans three days, with the first afternoon dedicated to theory and the following two mornings for water training and open water dives. The exact times shift slightly depending on weather conditions, but generally, you’ll start around 8:30 AM for the practical days and complete sessions in the early afternoon.

Group Size and Language Support

Limited to just four participants, the small group size ensures personalized attention, which is particularly helpful for those new to diving or nervous about the water. The course is offered in English, Spanish, and Italian, making it accessible for a broad range of travelers.

Equipment and Inclusives

All necessary scuba gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, tank, regulator, and weights—is included, so you won’t need to worry about renting or buying equipment beforehand. Snacks and water are provided during dive outings, helping you stay energized for the underwater adventures.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The dive center is easy to locate on Ramon Perellos Street, and transportation from the dive center to the dive sites is included, simplifying logistics after your classroom sessions.

Cost and Value

While the exact price isn’t listed here, the package covers everything from full equipment to certification fees, making it a good value for those wanting a hassle-free start into diving. Smaller groups and professional instruction tend to justify a slightly higher price point, especially considering the quality of the training and scenic dive locations.

Important Considerations for Potential Divers

The course is suitable for ages 12 and above; minors need parental consent if participating alone.
Participants should be in good health, with no back, heart, respiratory, or neurological issues, and should be non-smokers.
Pregnant women, or those with recent surgeries or medical conditions, are advised to consult a doctor before enrolling.
The course is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with certain medical conditions listed above.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited before diving sessions for safety reasons.

Who Is This Course Best For?

This Malta Open Water Course is perfect for beginners eager to learn scuba diving with minimal fuss. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a professional, small-group setting and the convenience of inclusive equipment and instruction. If you’re looking to gain certification quickly during your Malta trip, this option offers a thorough, safe, and scenic introduction to diving.

It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate internationally recognized certification and plan to dive in other countries afterward. While not meant for seasoned divers, it provides all the basics you’ll need to start exploring underwater worlds confidently.

FAQs

What is included in the price of the course?
The price covers four open water dives, one confined water session, full scuba equipment, digital eLearning materials, instructor guidance, transportation to dive sites, and snacks and water during outings.

Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. The course is designed for complete beginners with no prerequisites.

How long does the course take?
The course lasts three days, typically with one afternoon theory session and two mornings of water training and open water dives.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation from the dive center to the dive sites is included in the package.

What languages are available?
Courses are offered in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Can I book now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

What is the maximum depth I will dive to?
The final open water dives go to a maximum of 18 meters, suitable for beginners.

Are snacks provided?
Yes, snacks and water are available during the dive outings.

Is the course safe for me?
The course follows international standards (ISO, RSTC, ANSI) and is led by certified professionals committed to safety.

Can minors participate?
Yes, participants must be at least 12 years old. Minors need parental consent if participating alone.

To sum it up, the Malta PADI Open Water Course offers a detailed, safe, and scenic way to start your diving journey. With all equipment included, small group settings, and professional guidance, it’s an excellent investment for travelers eager to explore Malta’s underwater beauty and earn a globally recognized certification. Whether you’re in Malta for a short stay or an extended trip, this course promises a memorable, skill-building adventure that opens the door to underwater exploration worldwide.