SSI Scuba Diver

The Scuba Diver course is the entry point at Scuba Malta — a one-day programme that ends with 3 dives and a certification allowing you to dive with a professional to 12 m. It's built for people who want a real first certification without the full Open Water commitment, and it's enough to get you into the water at any dive centre worldwide as long as you're diving with a pro.

Theory is delivered digitally before you get in the water, so the day itself focuses on practice. You start in confined water — a pool or sheltered spot — working through the fundamental skills before moving to open water for the actual dives. The instructors at Portomaso Marina have over 5,000 hours in Maltese waters, so by the time you're in open water you'll have someone next to you who knows exactly what to expect from the conditions.

The 3 open-water dives take place near the St. Julian's base, in some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Malta's visibility is one of its real selling points — you're not learning to dive in murky conditions. Groups are kept small, which means the instructor ratio is genuinely attentive rather than just adequate.

Instruction runs in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German. Equipment is included. The PADI version of this course carries a 50 € supplement over the listed 330 € price.