CAN I DIVE IF I’M NOT A STRONG SWIMMER?

Absolutely. You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer to enjoy scuba diving. What matters most is that you’re comfortable in the water and can stay relaxed. For most first‑experience programs like PADI Discover Scuba Diving, there’s no swim test – your instructor will simply ask you to demonstrate basic water comfort, such as floating or treading water for a short time, and will be right next to you the entire dive. The Mediterranean around Malta is wonderfully buoyant, which makes things even easier.

If you decide to go for a full certification like the PADI Open Water Diver course, you will be required to complete a 200‑metre swim (any stroke, no time limit) or a 300‑metre snorkel, plus a 10‑minute float. Don’t worry if those distances sound daunting – our instructors will help you build stamina and confidence during the pool sessions. Many students who started out feeling unsure finish with a huge smile and a new sense of achievement. We want you to feel safe, never rushed, and fully supported at every step.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO START DIVING?

Diving is a fantastic family activity, and children can begin much earlier than most people think. With PADI’s youth programs, little ones aged 8 and above can join our Bubblemaker sessions, where they get to experience breathing underwater in a shallow, controlled environment (maximum depth 2 metres). For those aged 10 and up, the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course offers a full certification that allows them to dive with a parent or professional buddy, with depth limits that increase as they grow older.

All junior programs are led by instructors specially trained to work with kids, using smaller equipment designed for young bodies and lots of playful encouragement. As a parent you can dive alongside them on the same trip, turning your holiday into a shared underwater adventure. Safety is our top priority, so we keep groups small and always follow the strict age‑depth ratios set by PADI. If you’re wondering whether your child is ready, just get in touch – we’ll happily talk through the options and help you pick the perfect start.

WHAT KIND OF MARINE LIFE WILL I SEE AROUND MALTA?

Malta’s crystal‑clear waters sit at a crossroads of marine ecosystems, giving you an incredible variety of life on almost every dive. Because the islands are surrounded by steep drop‑offs, caves, and an extraordinary density of wrecks, you’ll encounter both coastal residents and passing pelagics. On a typical shore or boat dive you can expect to meet some of the Mediterranean’s most charismatic characters, often within your first few breaths underwater.

Common sightings around our dive sites include:

• Octopus and cuttlefish – masters of disguise, often peeking out from rocky crevices.
• Moray eels – watch for their heads poking out of holes, mouths opening and closing to breathe.
• Barracuda and amberjack – sleek silver hunters that form shimmering schools.
• Flying gurnards and scorpionfish – beautifully bizarre bottom‑dwellers.
• Seahorses and nudibranchs – tiny treasures for those with a keen eye.
• Groupers, bream, and damselfish – constant companions on nearly every reef.

The wrecks of HMS Maori and X127 are also home to hefty groupers, clouds of cardinalfish, and occasional eagle rays. With a little luck, you might even spot a passing loggerhead turtle. Because conditions are so good year‑round, the marine life remains abundant and active no matter when you visit.

DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

We highly recommend booking your dive or course ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. This guarantees your spot and allows us to match you with the right instructor and group. You can easily reserve through our website or by dropping us a message on WhatsApp – we’ll confirm everything within a few hours and send you a simple health questionnaire to complete before your activity.

When you book a first‑experience dive or a guided dive with DiveBase Malta, the price always includes all the scuba equipment you’ll need: a well‑maintained set of regulator, BCD, tank, weights, wetsuit, mask, and fins. We also provide a thorough briefing, a dedicated instructor who stays with you underwater, and full PADI insurance. Many of our packages even offer free pickup from your accommodation in the St. Paul’s Bay / Bugibba area. For courses, the certification fee, digital manual, and logbook are part of the package – no hidden extras. If your plans change, just let us know with at least 24 hours’ notice and we’ll happily reschedule your dive at no extra cost.