Malta: PADI Open Water Diver Course in Il-Melliea

If you’ve ever thought about trying scuba diving but weren’t sure where to start, this Malta-based PADI Open Water Diver course might just be the perfect fit. It’s designed for beginners, offering a chance to learn the ropes in one of Europe’s top diving spots, with warm waters, clear visibility, and an experienced instructor guiding you every step of the way. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but from what’s shared, it sounds like a solid choice for anyone wanting to dip their toes into the underwater world.

What really draws us in is how accessible and comprehensive this course seems—combining online theory, practical skills, and open water dives, all in just four days. Plus, the fact that Malta’s waters are known for their natural beauty makes for a pretty spectacular backdrop. On the flip side, some might find the price a tad steep, especially if they’re curious but not fully committed to diving long-term. Still, for those serious about getting certified and enjoying Malta’s underwater scenery, this experience can be a real game-changer.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who love water activities, beginners eager for a structured course, or anyone looking for a safe, guided way to start their diving journey. It’s not tailored for kids under 10 or folks with certain health issues, but for most adults wanting a quality introduction, it checks many boxes.

Key Points

• Certification: Gain a globally recognized PADI Open Water Diver certification.
• Location: Malta’s Il-Mellieha offers calm, clear waters perfect for learning.
• Duration & Flexibility: Four days of guided instruction, with online theory beforehand.
• All-Inclusive: High-quality gear, tanks, dive computer, transfers, and registration are included.
• Small Groups: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Language Options: Instructors speak multiple languages including English, Italian, French, and more.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the PADI Open Water Diver Course in Malta?

This isn’t just a fun activity—it’s a comprehensive program designed to turn beginners into certified divers ready to explore the underwater world safely. Over four days, you’ll move through a mix of e-learning, confined water skills, and open water dives at a beautiful dive site. The goal? Equip you with the skills and confidence to confidently dive to a depth of 18 meters alongside a buddy with the same or higher certification.

Pre-Trip Preparation: Before arriving in Malta, you’ll receive an access code for online learning, which you can complete at your own pace. This means that once you get to the dive center, you’re primarily focused on practical skills and open water experience—this helps keep the in-water part more engaging and less rushed.

On the First Day: Expect paperwork, equipment fittings, and a quick introduction with your instructor. After that, you’re transported to a nearby, protected dive spot—calm waters, excellent visibility, and scenic surroundings make it an ideal setting for beginners to learn and practice skills.

The Course Itself: What Will You Do?

The course balances theory, skill development, and actual diving, making sure you’re comfortable and competent at each stage. The online component covers fundamental concepts, safety standards, and equipment use, while the in-person training emphasizes practical skills.

Confined Water Skills: You’ll practice essential techniques like mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. These are the building blocks that make diving safer and more enjoyable.

Open Water Dives: The real highlight is getting to put your skills into action in the open water. Here, you’ll explore Malta’s well-known underwater landscape, which is praised for its natural beauty. You’ll likely find the sea conditions suitable, with gentle currents and warm waters, especially during summer.

Depth & Safety: You’ll be diving to a maximum of 18 meters, which is ample depth for beginners and allows you to see plenty without feeling overwhelmed. The instructor emphasizes safety and the importance of buddy systems, so you’ll always have support.

Location and Dive Sites: Why Malta?

Malta is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diversity of marine life, making it a top choice for beginner and experienced divers alike. The Il-Mellieha area is particularly praised for its calm, shallow entry points, which are ideal for learning. The scenery underwater includes vibrant reefs, interesting formations, and possibly even encounters with local marine creatures—adding to the thrill of your first supervised dives.

Travelers who have completed similar courses note that Malta’s underwater visibility often exceeds expectations, with some mentioning that the water remains warm throughout the summer, extending the comfort of a full day of diving.

What’s Included in the Price?

For $698 per person, you get quite a comprehensive package that covers everything needed to become certified. This includes high-quality diving gear, a scuba tank, a dive computer, and all necessary administrative fees like PADI registration and the certification itself. Plus, transfers to and from the dive site are included, which simplifies logistics.

Knowing that the gear is high-quality and well-maintained adds peace of mind, especially for beginners who might be nervous about unfamiliar equipment. The small group size ensures you get personal attention, making the learning process smoother and more tailored to your pace.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience with the Instructor

Most reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the instructors. They speak multiple languages, so communication usually isn’t an issue. The group is limited to 8 people, which means that you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and everyone gets the attention they need.

One reviewer noted, “The instructor was patient and clear, making me feel confident from the start,” which is exactly the kind of reassurance newbies need. The instructor’s expertise is crucial in making sure all skills are mastered and safety standards are upheld.

Practicalities: What to Expect Day-to-Day

Day 1: Arrive early, fill out paperwork, get fitted with equipment, and complete online theory. Then, head to the dive site for shallow water skills—think of this as your gentle introduction to breathing underwater and handling your gear.

Day 2-3: Progress to deeper open water dives, practicing skills learned in confined water. The instructor will guide you through emergency procedures, underwater navigation, and buoyancy control, all while you explore Malta’s calm, clear waters.

Day 4: Final dives, often at a different site, to consolidate skills. Once successful, you’ll receive your certification, opening the door to explore the oceans further.

What Do Travelers Say?

Reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the stunning views and the well-structured course. One person shared, “The water was so clear, and I loved seeing the reefs up close. It felt safe, and I learned a lot.” Others appreciated the flexibility of the online theory, which saved time during the trip.

Some minor drawbacks include the cost—it’s not cheap, but considering the inclusions and certification, many find the value justified. A few mentioned that the course might be a bit intensive if you’re not comfortable with water activities, but generally, the small group size and good instruction mitigate that.

Who Should Consider This Course?

This experience is ideal for beginners eager to learn a new skill and see Malta’s underwater scenery firsthand. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, safe introduction to diving, with the flexibility of online theory. However, it’s not suited for children under 10, non-swimmers, or individuals with certain health conditions like heart problems. Also, if you’re significantly over 260 lbs (118 kg), you might need to check with the center beforehand.

The Sum Up

For anyone dreaming of exploring the underwater world, this Malta-based PADI Open Water Diver course offers an excellent starting point. It combines expert instruction, a supportive small-group environment, and Malta’s stunning underwater scenery—all in a manageable four-day package. If you’re looking for a safe, structured way to earn your diving certification and start a new adventure, this experience deserves serious consideration.

While the price may seem high, the all-inclusive nature, quality gear, and the opportunity to dive in such a renowned location make it a worthwhile investment. It’s most suitable for curious travelers ready to commit to a beginner’s course who value safety, professional guidance, and beautiful surroundings.

FAQ

Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. The course is designed specifically for beginners, combining online theory with practical skills in a safe, controlled environment.

What do I need to bring?
You should bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Just be sure to arrive 30 minutes early and complete your online theory beforehand if you opt for that.

Can I do the theory part online?
Yes. You will be sent an access code to do the e-learning before your arrival, which helps streamline the in-person part.

Is the water temperature comfortable during the course?
Yes, especially in summer, the waters are warm, making your open water experience enjoyable. Malta’s waters are also known for their clarity and calmness.

What’s included in the price?
High-quality diving gear, tanks, dive computer, transfers, PADI registration fee, and your certification are all covered.

How many dives will I do?
You’ll complete at least two open water dives to a maximum of 18 meters, plus skills practice in confined water.

Is this experience family-friendly?
It’s suitable for most adults interested in learning to dive. However, it’s not recommended for children under 10 or individuals with certain health issues.

If you’re ready to take your first breath underwater and see Malta’s spectacular marine life, this course offers a practical, well-organized, and memorable way to get started.

You can check availability for your dates here: