Malta St Pauls Bay: PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience

Travelers looking to dip their toes into the world of scuba diving often wonder if it’s worth the leap. We’re here to tell you: Malta’s PADI Discover Scuba experience at St Pauls Bay offers an accessible, safe, and surprisingly exhilarating intro to underwater exploration. Whether you’re new to diving or just curious about what it feels like to breathe beneath the waves, this tour might just be the perfect starter.

What truly stood out for us are the expert and patient guides, the small group sizes that promise personalized attention, and the opportunity to explore Malta’s vibrant underwater life without needing a full certification. A possible consideration is that this experience is limited to a brief 2-hour window, which means it’s more about tasting the waters than full-on underwater adventures.

If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed, guided introduction to scuba diving—especially if you’re traveling solo or with family—this experience offers excellent value. It’s particularly well-suited for those aged 10 and up who want a safe, beginner-friendly peek into the underwater world.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners: Online theory combined with a guided shallow water experience.
• Expert instruction: Calm, experienced PADI instructors focus on safety and enjoyment.
• All equipment provided: No need to worry about bringing gear; just bring swimwear, towel, and water.
• Small group size: Ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Exploration on the house reef: Easy, shallow environment ideal for first-timers.
• Good value for money: At $88, you get a comprehensive intro with two dives if you choose.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Malta Discover Scuba Experience

This 2-hour adventure begins well before you hit the water, with online theory that you do at your own pace beforehand. This approach means you come prepared and confident—knowing the basics of breathing underwater and safety protocols from the get-go. Once at the dive centre, you’ll get a friendly equipment orientation, where guides walk you through each piece, making sure you’re comfortable before entering the water.

The partnered dive shop, New Dimension Scuba, is conveniently located in St Pauls Bay, just up the hill from the swimming pool and near the tower, making it easy to find. The meeting point features a straightforward sign above the door, and the whole setup has a welcoming vibe that puts first-timers at ease.

The Dive Itinerary

Once geared up, you’ll start with a pre-dive briefing where your instructor explains what to expect, safety instructions, and introduces the equipment. The dive itself takes place on the house reef, which includes shallow, calm waters perfect for beginners. This environment allows you to practice basic skills in a confined area before venturing further.

You’ll likely spend some time doing confined skill practice, which essentially involves familiarizing yourself with breathing through a regulator, equalizing your ears, and buoyancy control—all in a safe, shallow setting. From there, your guide leads you further out to explore the underwater scenery, which is said to be vibrant and teeming with life.

Experience Highlights

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the knowledgeable guides. Lea, who rated it a perfect 5, mentioned, “Super nice people! And they’ve got a lot of patience 🙂 if something doesn’t work out.” Her comment highlights the patience and professionalism of the staff, which is crucial for first-time divers.

The small group sizes are another feature that enhances the experience. With fewer people, guides can give more personalized instructions and ensure everyone feels safe and confident. Beata echoed this sentiment, saying, “Great instructor,” which speaks volumes about the quality of guidance.

Additional Dive Opportunities

After the initial dive, you may have the chance to complete a second Discover Scuba Dive at another site, with a maximum depth of 12 meters. This optional extension is a great way to extend your experience and see more of Malta’s underwater world, though it depends on your comfort level and the instructor’s availability.

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Practical Details and Logistics

The cost of $88 per person offers excellent value, considering you get all necessary equipment, online theory, and guided instruction. Plus, the simplicity of the logistics—just bring swimwear, a towel, and water—makes it an easy addition to your Malta itinerary.

The activity is suitable for ages 10 and above, and participants must be medically fit to dive. The provided medical screening questions are thorough, covering common concerns like lung, heart, or ear issues, and ensuring safety is a priority.

The experience is offered in English, and booking is flexible—you can reserve your spot and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a low-pressure, well-guided introduction to scuba diving. It provides a safe environment to learn the basics, with the chance to explore Malta’s underwater scenery without requiring any prior experience or certification.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides make this a reassuring choice for nervous first-timers or those traveling with family members. The emphasis on safety and enjoyment means you’re in capable hands, and the inclusion of online theory beforehand helps cut down on on-site stress.

It’s also a fantastic way to see Malta’s marine life, which reviewers have described as vibrant and beautiful. If you’re curious about trying scuba, this tour offers a meaningful taste of the underwater world at an accessible price.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for beginners, families with older children, and solo travelers looking to try scuba in a safe setting. It’s a good fit if you want a quick, fun, and educational introduction without the commitment of a full certification course.

Travelers seeking patient instruction and a small-group atmosphere will find it particularly appealing. Those who appreciate the chance to explore Malta’s reefs in calm, shallow waters will also benefit from this experience.

If you’re unsure about long-term diving but want to see what it’s all about, this is a perfect starting point. However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with certain medical conditions (as detailed in the medical screening questions).

FAQs

Do I need prior experience to join?
No, this is designed for complete beginners, with online theory beforehand and guided practice in shallow waters.

What should I bring?
Just bring swimwear, a towel, and water. The rest of the equipment is provided for you.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, participants must be at least 10 years old to take part.

Can I do more than one dive?
Yes, after your first Discover Scuba dive, you may opt for a second dive at a different site, to a maximum depth of 12 meters.

Is this experience safe?
Absolutely. The guides are trained PADI professionals who focus on safety and tailored instruction, especially for beginners.

What if I have medical concerns?
You should review the medical screening questions beforehand. A “yes” answer may require a doctor’s approval to participate.

Is the activity suitable for non-English speakers?
Currently, it’s offered in English.

How long does the activity last?
Approximately 2 hours, including theory, equipment orientation, and the dives.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the Malta St Pauls Bay: PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience offers a well-rounded, beginner-friendly introduction to the underwater world. The combination of online preparation, professional guides, and a calm reef environment creates a safe and enjoyable setting to explore your first breaths underwater.

The value for money is clear—at $88, you get all the essentials, expert guidance, and the chance to see Malta’s marine beauty firsthand. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater or if you’re contemplating a future diving adventure, this experience makes a perfect starting point.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family members eager to try something new, it’s a memorable way to add a unique twist to your Malta holiday. Just remember to check your medical fitness and come prepared to enjoy this tranquil, colorful slice of the sea.

In summary, this is a solid, thoughtfully organized introduction to scuba diving that offers real value. Expect professional guides, a safe environment, and loads of underwater fun—ideal for those wanting a taste of the aquatic life without diving certification. For anyone curious about what lies beneath Malta’s waves, it’s a chance to start that journey confidently and comfortably.

You can check availability for your dates here: