One sentence before anything else: Malta’s water can make you grin fast. This first scuba try session in Sliema pairs online learning with hands-on coaching, so you’re not just wearing gear and hoping for the best. I like that the instructors focus on safety, calm technique, and real beginner questions, including face-in-water confidence.

What I especially like is the small group size (up to 4 travelers). That means more time for personal help, and instructors can spot when you’re unsure before it turns into panic. I also love that full scuba gear is included, so you can travel lighter and skip the hunt for rentals.

The main drawback to consider is that this isn’t an internationally recognized certification course, and it’s only for swimmers who meet the health rules. If you arrive without required medical approval for listed conditions, or you don’t feel ready in the water, you may not complete the session and refunds may not be possible.

Key things that make this try-session worth your time

• Complete online theory first so you start the day with basics already in your head
• Gear included (plus instructor support for fit and setup) so you’re not wrestling equipment alone
• Two water experiences: a skills-focused training session and a shallow shore session (max 5m)
• Up to 4 people means you get attention, not a one-size-fits-all briefing
• Instructors like Francesca, Emma, Matteo, and Julia are specifically noted for patience and clear communication
• Weather can change the plan, so be ready for scheduling or location shifts

Price and value for a 2.5-hour Malta beginner session

At $96.55 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, this lands in the “reasonable if you’re truly a first-timer” category. You’re paying for two things that matter on your first day: instruction time and safety management. The package includes online learning, a safety briefing, full equipment, two guided underwater experiences, and transport to and from the water location.

You’ll also notice it’s not a half-day “just try it” photo opportunity. The course is built around teaching you how to breathe on scuba gear, practice core skills, and then apply them again during a shallow shoreline session. For first-timers, that structure is usually what makes the difference between a cool memory and an anxious one.

Where you meet in Sliema (and why it helps)

Your meeting point is in Sliema, at the waterfront dive/scuba center area on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana. The session starts and ends back at the meeting spot, which is convenient if you’re staying nearby.

Two practical notes from the way this runs:

1. There’s no hotel pickup. You’ll want to plan how you’ll get there (bus routes are nearby, so you’re not trapped by taxis).
2. They’ll contact you by WhatsApp (or SMS/email if you don’t use WhatsApp) with the eLearning link and the exact starting time. Keep your phone handy. Small delays happen in peak summer.

Before you get in: the online work that actually pays off

This is one of the smarter try-sessions I’ve seen because it asks you to do prep before you show up. Before the day starts, you’ll complete online theory materials in your language. That way, when you arrive, you’re not learning everything from zero while wearing a mask and regulator.

Plan on doing the homework thoughtfully. One of the best pieces of advice that comes through in the feedback is: practice the basic hand signals ahead of time. When you’re calm and ready, underwater communication becomes much easier.

The day’s flow: equipment, skills, and two separate underwater moments

Even without a long formal schedule on paper, the structure is clear once you’re there.

Step 1: check-in, forms, and equipment fitting

You’ll go through documentation and then get fitted with the full scuba kit included in the price. One reason this matters: fit problems create fear fast on day one. When your equipment sits right, breathing feels more predictable and your confidence improves.

Instructors like Aoiffe, Matteo, Alex, and Mark are mentioned for being patient and for explaining details clearly on land first. That dry training time is not just “paperwork.” It’s where you learn what to do when you feel nervous.

Step 2: safety briefing and the first skills practice

Next comes the safety briefing, covering how to handle basic scuba skills and what to watch for. Your first underwater session is built around practicing those fundamentals while instructors stay close and focused.

In feedback, the instructors most often singled out are the ones who:

• talk you through the next step before you do it
• stay reassuring if you’re anxious
• don’t rush your face-in-water comfort

Step 3: the second shallow shore session (max 5m)

Then you get a more exploratory feel during a shallow shore session with a maximum depth of 5 meters. This is the part that turns “training” into “I can actually do this.” In Malta’s clear water, even at shallow depths you can see fish and sea life near the surface.

One example from what I’ve read: people reported seeing shoaling fish and even larger sea life like barracuda. You shouldn’t count on the same sightings every time, but you can be confident the area has enough underwater life to make the day feel special.

Gear included means less packing stress (and fewer setup headaches)

This package includes your complete diving kit. That usually means you don’t have to worry about finding compatible equipment or booking rentals separately. It’s also a big deal for first-timers because instructors can check everything is set up correctly.

Two items you still need to bring:

• a swimsuit
• a towel (they ask you to remember this)

You’ll likely wear a wet suit provided with the kit. Even in months like April, people noted the wet suit helps you stay warm, though you may still feel cold in the water if you run chilly.

Who this works best for (and who should think twice)

This is described as a beginner try-session and is designed for people with at least moderate physical fitness. It’s also for swimmers only. If you’re not comfortable in open water or you’re prone to panic when you can’t stand up, you should be honest with yourself before booking.

The health requirements are a big deal. Written medical approval is mandatory if you have any of the listed serious conditions (examples listed include pregnancy, heart/lungs/blood issues, major neurologic issues, recent surgeries, diabetes, certain ongoing digestive problems, and people taking prescription medications except the specifically mentioned ones).

If you can’t provide written medical consent, the guidance here is to contact them and join the snorkelling tour instead.

One more practical point: the activity is English speaking/understanding required. If English is a problem for you, your safety depends on understanding instructions quickly.

Safety, paperwork, and medical rules you shouldn’t skip

Scuba is not the place to wing it. This program is upfront about the safety rules, and I’m glad it is. Here’s what to take seriously before you go:

• You must meet the linguistic and health requirements
• You must be a swimmer
• If you have listed medical conditions, you need written written approval from a physician

They also recommend waiting at least 12 hours (recommended 24 hours) before flying after the activity. This isn’t just a “suggestion.” It’s one of those basic planning steps that keeps the day smooth afterward.

Also, if you’re late and health requirements aren’t met, they state they can’t guarantee participation and refunds may not be possible. In plain terms: arrive early enough to get checked in and fitted without stress.

Malta water conditions: crystal-clear can still mean choppy

Malta is known for visibility, but sea conditions can change fast. One person in the feedback mentioned super choppy water and poor visibility, and the center handled it by trying to relocate the session to better conditions. That matters because it shows flexibility, not stubbornness.

In practice, you should assume:

• timing can shift due to weather, sea state, traffic, and parking
• the duration might vary a bit

The upside? Even when conditions aren’t perfect, a well-run beginner course focuses on safety and skills first. Your main win is leaving knowing how breathing and buoyancy feel, not chasing a specific wreck or deep wall.

Transportation and timing: small details that affect the experience

There’s transport to and from the water location, but no hotel pickup. So you should plan to be at the meeting spot on time.

Most first-time problems happen when people show up flustered. If you can, aim to arrive with time buffer. You’ll handle forms, equipment fitting, and nerves better when you’re not sprinting.

Certification expectations: this is a try-session, not a license

This course explicitly says it does not provide an internationally recognized certification. If you’re thinking about earning a scuba license later, this is still valuable as a first experience—but keep your expectations aligned.

If you want to pursue a license, they point you to their scuba courses for that pathway.

The instructors: what you’re paying for in real life

Let’s talk about the human part. Many first-timers come in nervous. The difference between good and great instruction is how instructors respond to that nervousness.

In feedback, instructors including Francesca, Emma, Julia, Alex, and Matteo are repeatedly associated with:

• clear, patient explanations
• careful supervision so you don’t feel abandoned underwater
• reassurance when someone struggles early

And yes, there are moments where you might realize scuba is not for you. One unhappy experience described a guest who couldn’t feel comfortable placing their face in the water and did not continue. That doesn’t mean the center is unsafe. It means scuba has a mental component as much as a technical one.

What to do to get the best experience

If you want your first underwater try-session to go smoothly, here’s my practical checklist:

• do the online materials before you arrive
• practice hand signals once or twice (seriously)
• bring a swimsuit and a towel
• sleep well the night before
• eat lightly if you’re prone to stomach upset
• be ready to admit you need more time in training mode

If you’re the type who gets anxious, tell the instructor early. The better they know your headspace, the easier your coaching will be.

Should you book this first scuba try session in Malta?

I’d book it if:

• you’re a true beginner and want a structured, coached first experience
• you like the idea of online prep and a shallow max-depth learning plan
• you want a small group so questions don’t get swallowed by the clock
• you can meet the swimming and health requirements

I’d think twice if:

• you can’t meet the medical approval rules and aren’t sure how they apply to you
• you’re uncomfortable with open water or you know you panic easily when you can’t stand
• you’re hoping for a recognized scuba certification in one afternoon

If you match the target audience, this is a solid value way to try scuba in Malta’s clear water—without turning it into a stressful experiment. The big win is learning the basics with patient guidance, then getting that first taste of underwater life at a safe, shallow depth.

FAQ

How long is the first scuba try session?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), and the exact duration can change due to weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, participant abilities, and punctuality.

What depth will I be at during the session?

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

Do I get any scuba certification at the end?

No. This experience does not provide an internationally recognized certification for scuba diving. If you want a license, you can contact them about scuba diving courses.

What’s included in the price?

You get online theory materials, a safety briefing, the complete diving kit, 1 training underwater session, 1 shore session (max 5m), and transportation to and from the water location.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your own towel and swimsuit. Transportation is not included from hotels, so you’ll also need to get yourself to the meeting point.

Is English required?

Yes. You need English speaking/understanding for the session.

What if I have medical conditions?

The safety info says that if you have listed serious medical conditions, you must obtain written approval from a physician before diving. If you cannot provide medical consent, you should contact them and join the snorkelling tour instead.

Who can participate?

It’s for swimmers only with moderate physical fitness. Minors must be at least 10 years old and need tutor/parental written consent. The group size is capped at a maximum of 4 travelers.