Diving in Malta: Top Spots and Courses for International Beginners – Diving Guide

Are you dreaming of finally learning to dive, and Malta is on your list? Good choice! After three years on the island, I can tell you: Few places in Europe offer such consistently good conditions for beginners as Malta and Gozo. But—let me start with this—nothings perfect, not even here.

I’ll explain why Malta is still the ideal place for your first PADI Open Water Diver, which dive schools are actually good (spoiler: not always the ones with the flashiest websites), and at which sites you can discover amazing underwater worlds as a beginner—without getting swept away by currents or having your instructor send you back up after 10 minutes.

Why Malta Is Perfect for Beginner Divers (and Where It Falls Short)

Crystal-Clear Water, Warm Temperatures – The Facts

Let’s start with the numbers: Malta’s underwater visibility ranges between 15 and 40 metres—on a good day, you’ll see further than in most German lakes. Water temperatures range from 16°C (61°F) in February to 26°C (79°F) in September. This means: from May to October, you’ll dive in a 5mm wetsuit; from November to April, you’ll need a 7mm suit or a semi-dry.

What makes Malta especially beginner-friendly are its sheltered bays. At 80% of the dive sites, you can enter the water comfortably from the shore—no need for a boat trip, no hassle with seasickness pills. Currents are usually moderate, and the maximum depth for Open Water courses is a relaxed 18 metres.

The islands attract over 50,000 divers every year—about 30% of them are beginners.

What No One Tells You about Malta’s Dive Conditions

Now for reality: Malta is tiny, and you feel it underwater. At popular spots like the Blue Lagoon or Blue Grotto, you’ll be sharing the water with 20 other dive groups in summer. My tip? Go early or late—at 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m., you’ll have many sites almost to yourself.

The second issue: the wind. The mistral can whip up out of nowhere and turn a relaxed shore dive into a choppy challenge. Good dive schools check the conditions daily and switch to protected sites as needed. Poor schools stick to their program, no matter what. You’ll recognise quality by how they handle this.

And another thing: “Easy entry” spots aren’t always easy. Rocky coastlines mean slippery stones, sharp edges, and sometimes surprise waves. Bring boots with a thick sole—your feet will thank you.

Malta Diving Courses: PADI vs. SSI and What Really Matters

The Best Dive Schools in Malta and Gozo

I’ve dived with a dozen dive schools in Malta, and trust me: the agency (PADI vs. SSI) is less important than the quality of the instructors. Both certifications are internationally recognised and follow similar standards. What really counts is the level of care and instruction.

Dive School	Location	Special Feature	Open Water Price
Neptune Divers	Mellieha	German instructors, small groups	€380-420
Octopus Garden	Sliema	Central, flexible dates	€350-390
Atlantis Diving	Gozo	Quieter sites, authentic	€320-360
Dive Systems	Malta/Gozo	Tech-focused, also for advanced	€400-450

My tip for beginners: Check the group size. More than 4 students per instructor isn’t ideal—especially for the Open Water course. Also ask about the nationality of other participants—mixed groups are often more relaxed than all-out party groups.

Diving Course Costs: Plan Your Budget Realistically

A PADI Open Water Diver in Malta costs between €320 and €450. That sounds like a big range, but here’s where the price differences come from:

• Group size: Private or two-person groups cost €100-150 more
• Equipment: Some schools include all gear; others charge extra for rental equipment (€15-25/day)
• Certification: PADI is usually €20-30 more expensive than SSI
• Location: Sliema and St. Julian’s are pricier than Mellieha or Gozo
• Season: July/August is €50-80 more expensive than March/April

Hidden costs people often forget: logbook (€15), underwater photos (€30-50), and often the Nitrox specialty right away (€80-120). All in all, budget realistically for €500 for the entire course—including extras.

Open Water Diver in 3–4 Days: Here’s How It Works

The typical schedule for a PADI Open Water course in Malta:

1. Day 1: Theory and pool session (or sheltered bay). 3–4 hours theory, then 2–3 hours basic skills in shallow water
2. Day 2: First two open water dives (6–12m depth). Usually at Blue Grotto or Ghar Lapsi
3. Day 3: Third and fourth open water dives (12–18m depth). Often at the P29 wreck or in Cirkewwa
4. Day 4: Optional—extra dive or specialty course

You can do the theory part online in advance (eLearning)—that saves you half a day onsite. It costs €30-50 extra, but if you’re only in Malta for a week, it’s a solid investment.

The 8 Best Dive Sites in Malta for Beginners

Blue Grotto: Instagram-Friendly, but Crowded?

The Blue Grotto is Malta’s most famous dive site—and with good reason. Deep blue water, caves, often 30+ metre visibility. It’s ideal for beginners: easy entry via stone steps, max depth 25m, but already spectacular at 8–12m.

The catch: Everyone wants to dive here. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., underwater traffic jams are common. My tip? Go early at 8 a.m. or late at 4 p.m. That’s when you’ll experience the Blue Grotto as it should be: mystical, tranquil, with beams of sunlight shooting through the cave openings.

What you’ll see: mullet shoals, octopuses, and with luck, even barracuda. The caves are safe for Open Water divers—with direct access to the surface at all times.

Cirkewwa and the P29 Wreck: For Brave Beginners

Cirkewwa is the ferry port to Gozo, but also one of Malta’s most diverse dive sites. The P29 wreck lies at 36m—but as a beginner, you’ll see the upper part already at 18m. The former patrol boat was sunk in 2007 and is now fully covered in marine life.

This spot has it all: wall dives, wreck, caves, and a rich underwater world. I’ve seen octopus, rays, and large schools of amberjack here. Entry is via a purpose-built ramp—much more comfortable than at many other sites.

Only downside: The ferries to Gozo depart every 45 minutes. That means you might need to wait for the water to calm down between departures.

Gozo Dive Sites: Why the Little Island Shines

For many Malta divers, Gozo is the highlight. The little sister island is less crowded, the water is often clearer, and the sites more varied. For beginners, three spots are especially great:

Site	Depth	Highlights	Level
Inland Sea	5–15m	Sheltered lagoon, easy entry	Total beginners
Blue Hole	8–60m	Natural pool, amazing photo ops	Advanced beginners
Xlendi Bay	3–25m	Rich marine life, caves	All levels

The Blue Hole is Gozo’s answer to the Blue Grotto—a natural round pool connected to the open sea by a tunnel. For absolute beginners, the tunnel can be a bit intimidating, but most Open Water students manage just fine.

Getting to Gozo: 25-minute ferry (€1.15/person, €15.70/car), then another 10–30 minutes by car depending on the site. Many dive schools offer Gozo trips—including transport.

Diving in Malta: Seasons, Equipment, and Planning

Best Time for Diving in Malta

Technically, you can dive year-round in Malta. In reality, there are big differences:

• April–June: Optimal conditions. Water 18–22°C (64–72°F), little wind, great visibility. Low-season prices.
• July–September: Warmest period (22–26°C/72–79°F), but crowded and expensive. Sea can be choppy from boat traffic.
• October–November: My secret tip. Still warm (20–24°C/68–75°F), crowds are gone, visibility is excellent.
• December–March: For the hardy. 16–18°C (61–64°F) water, often windy, but some of the year’s best visibility up to 40m.

If you’re flexible: October is the best month for diving in Malta. The water’s still warm from summer, the tourists are gone, and prices drop by 30–40%.

Renting vs. Buying Gear: Practical Guide

As a beginner, you don’t need your own gear yet. Rental quality in Malta is generally high—all schools have modern BCDs, regulators, and wetsuits. What you should bring:

Equipment	Buy	Rent	Reason
Mask	✓	–	Fit is essential, hygiene
Snorkel	✓	–	Cheap, practical for surface time
Fins	–	✓	Bulky to pack, rental quality is fine
Wetsuit	–	✓	Expensive, better size selection on site
BCD/Regulator	–	✓	Maintenance-heavy, unnecessary for beginners

A good dive mask costs €30–60 and is your most important personal item. It needs to fit perfectly—no leaks, but not too tight. Buy it before your trip and test it in a pool.

From Germany to Malta: Travel Tips

Flying with dive gear is tricky. Most airlines allow sport diving equipment (without tanks) as sports baggage—often free, but you need to register in advance. Pack your regulator in your carry-on—they’re delicate and pricey.

Pro tip: Many experienced Malta divers leave their kit on the island. Several dive shops offer equipment storage for regulars (€20–30 per year). It’s worth it if you visit often.

Flights from Germany: Air Malta (no longer operating), Lufthansa, Ryanair and Eurowings fly direct. Flight time: 2.5–3 hours. Prices swing from €80 (winter, Ryanair) to €400 (peak season, last-minute).

Costs, Pitfalls, and Insider Tips for Malta Divers

Let’s talk money—and a few tricks no one tells you. A realistic budget for a week of diving in Malta as a beginner:

• Open Water course: €350–450
• 5 more dives: €200–300 (€40–60 per dive)
• Equipment rental: €100–150 (€15–25 per day)
• Transport (rental car): €150–200/week
• Accommodation: €300–600/week (depending on standard)
• Meals: €200–400/week

Total budget: €1,300–2,100 for one week—excluding flights, but with Open Water certification and 8–10 dives.

Where to save: Dive schools in Gozo are often 20–30% cheaper than in Sliema. The catch? You’ll need a rental car and should budget for the ferry. But you’ll dive at less crowded sites, often with better visibility.

The biggest money trap: Impulse equipment upgrades. Don’t you want the better wetsuit? Only €15 more. Or: You’ll be much more relaxed with an underwater camera—just €40 extra. It all adds up. Set your budget in advance and stick to it.

My insider tip: Many dive schools offer package deals—Open Water plus 4–6 extra dives for a fixed price. That’s usually 10–15% cheaper than booking everything separately. Ask about it even if it isnt advertised.

There’s a tourism tax of €0.50 per person/night. Usually its paid by the hotel, but with Airbnb you often have to pay directly.

Another practical tip: Bring your own logbook. Many dive schools sell PADI logbooks for €15–20, but a simple waterproof notebook from home works, too. The key is to record your dives—you’ll need this for advanced courses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diving in Malta

Can I learn to dive in Malta if I’m not a swimmer?
No. For the PADI Open Water, you need to swim at least 200m and float for 10 minutes. Most dive schools test this in the pool beforehand.

What about language barriers with Maltese dive instructors?
English is an official language—every licensed instructor speaks it fluently. Many Germans work at Malta dive schools too—just ask for instruction in German if you need it.

Do I need dive insurance for Malta?
Highly recommended. The closest recompression chamber is right in Malta (Mater Dei Hospital). DAN insurance costs €30–50/year and covers dive accidents worldwide.

Can I dive in Malta during winter?
Yes, but you’ll need a 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry. Water rarely drops below 16°C (61°F). On the upside, you often get the best visibility of the year.

How can I get to dive sites without a rental car?
Malta has buses, but they rarely go to remote sites like Blue Grotto or Cirkewwa. Most dive schools offer transport service (€10–15 extra).

Are Malta’s dive sites suitable for children?
PADI Bubblemaker (from age 8) and Junior Open Water (from age 10) are very popular in Malta. Many schools run special kids’ programs.

What’s the difference between diving in Malta and Gozo?
Gozo is calmer, less crowded, and often has better visibility. Malta has more infrastructure, more dive schools, and it’s easier to reach. For relaxed diving: Gozo. For convenience: Malta.

Can I dive wrecks in Malta as a beginner?
Yes, the P29 wreck in Cirkewwa is beginner-friendly. It’s shallow, with large openings, and interesting for Open Water divers even from the outside.