Rewards from ABC Diving: Bring a friend or family member & enjoy 10% OFF the PADI Open Water Diver Course. Your discount will be applied automatically at checkout.
PADI Open Water Diver Course Overview
The adventure of learning to scuba dive in Malta starts here!
ABC Diving offers the world’s most popular and widely recognised ‘learn to dive’ courses. The PADI Open Water Diver course. Designed for beginners, this course combines:
PADI eLearning (completed before practical sessions)
Shallow water training
Open water dives in some of Malta’s most scenic dive sites
Upon course completion, you’ll be a certified PADI Open Water Diver, qualified to dive down to 18 meters (12 meters for juniors).
At ABC Diving all of our instructors are recognised as PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with at least 500 dives experience in Maltese waters. Rest assured, you will be in safe hands while scuba diving in Malta with ABC Diving!
If you can swim, smile, and love a bit of adventure, you’re already halfway to being a diver!
Age 10+ – young adventurers welcome
Swimming skills – you don’t need to be an Olympian, just happy in the water.
Good health – if you’re fit for everyday fun, chances are you’re fit to dive.
No experience needed – everyone starts somewhere, and this is the perfect place.
You’ll start with the PADI eLearning, which you can do at your own pace — usually around 8–12 hours of independent study. (Perfect for evenings, weekends, or that “just one more quiz before bed” moment!)
Then comes to the in-water training; Depending on which course option you choose, it takes between 2.5 and 4 days. Think of a “day” as about 8 hours — though honestly, it’ll fly by faster than you expect when you’re busy discovering a whole new world underwater.
In your course you’ll get hands-on with all the essentials:
Mask & snorkel – see clearly underwater and breathe at the surface without lifting your head.
Fins – glide through the water effortlessly, like a dolphin… or at least a very enthusiastic human.
Regulator & cylinder – your magical “air on demand” combo.
Buoyancy control device (BCD) – basically your underwater superhero vest.
Dive computer – your trusty sidekick that does all the tricky maths.
All equipment is supplied by ABC Diving, and we make sure every mask, fin, and regulator is top-quality, regularly inspected, and perfectly maintained, so you can focus on fun and safety, not worrying about gear. Just bring your swimsuit, a towel, and that sense of adventure!
To embark on your PADI Open Water Diver Course, we have 3 fully inclusive options: Our start at for the Budget package (€495), the Standard package (€595), and for the Bespoke experience (€1,190).
All packages include everything you need to get started:
All dive equipment required to complete your course
PADI eLearning educational materials
Certification cost
PADI Open Water Diver Course: THE LEARNING PATH
Confined Water
DIVE 1
DIVE 2
DIVE 3
DIVE 4
Dive 5 (Standard & Bespoke Course)
THEORY
Confined Water
In calm, controlled environments like a pool or a sheltered bay, you’ll develop essential scuba skills, including:
Setting up and using your scuba gear correctly
Clearing water from your mask
Entering and exiting the water safely
Controlling buoyancy for smooth underwater movement
Basic navigation underwater
Safety and emergency procedures
You’ll practise each skill with your instructor until you’re confident and ready for open water adventure.
DIVE 1
Introduction & Confidence
Descend safely to a maximum of 12m / 40ft using a descent line
Clear a partially flooded mask and recover your regulator
Explore the dive site while staying close to your buddy
DIVE 2
Buddy Skills & Safety
Practice neutral buoyancy and underwater navigation
Perform alternate air source drills
Explore the dive site safely and avoid contact with marine life
DIVE 3
Open Water Adventure
Descend to 18m / 60ft without visual reference
Explore the dive site with your buddy
Monitor air supply and ascend safely as a team
DIVE 4
Open Water Adventure
Descend to 18m / 60ft without visual reference
Explore the dive site with your buddy
Monitor air supply and ascend safely as a team
Dive 5 (Standard & Bespoke Course)
Build confidence, precision, and control underwater
Descend slowly while neutralising buoyancy as instructed
Perform bubble checks and acclimatise at 3–6 metres / 10–20 feet
Adjust for neutral buoyancy at depth, guided by your instructor
Demonstrate efficient fin kicks using long, slow strokes and gliding between kicks
Get introduced to the frog kick for improved manoeuvrability
Manoeuvre close to nonliving bottom surfaces like rock or sand without touching, then move back using neutral buoyancy and gentle hand or fin sculling
THEORY
Learn the Basics of Scuba Diving
In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, you’ll explore the essential principles of scuba diving through five clear sections. Topics include:
How depth and pressure affect your body
Equalising airspaces
Swimming and underwater movement
Preparing and gearing up for a dive
Understanding size, distance, and navigation underwater
Planning safe dives
Managing problems underwater
Preventing decompression sickness
Safe oxygen use and flying after diving
This theory gives you the confidence and knowledge to learn to dive in Malta safely and enjoyably.
how the booking Process works
It's As Easy As ABC!
1. Choose your Course Option Below
Click ‘Learn to Dive’ button and complete the booking request form. Only 1 form per group required.
2. Booking approval
Within 3 working hours, your booking request will either be approved or an alternate date suggested.
3. Pack your towel!
Once the booking is approved, a payment request is sent to you. Upon payment, your PADI Open Water Course booking is confirmed.
Choose your course option
ENJOY A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN BOOKING IS FOR 2 OR MORE DIVERS
Bespoke
€1190
- Private Tuition
- Private Transfer Service From Anywhere in Malta
- 4 Day Dive Course
- 5 Confined & 5 Open Water Dives
- Multilingual eLearning
- PADI Open Water Diver Certification
- Premium Dive Equipment Supplied
- You Choose the Days
- Student Dive Insurance Included
- Descent Workshop
- Buoyancy Workshop
- Efficient Finning Workshop
Standard
€595
- Class size up to 4
- Pickup Only – Daily Service from Collection Zone*
- 3 Day Dive Course
- 5 Confined & 5 Open Water Dives
- Multilingual eLearning
- PADI Open Water Diver Certification
- Premium Dive Equipment Supplied
- You Choose the Days
- Student Dive Insurance Included
- Descent Workshop
- Buoyancy Workshop
- Efficient Finning Workshop
Budget
€495
- Class size up to 4
- Pickup Only – Daily Service from Collection Zone*
- 2 & 1/2 Day Dive Course
- 5 Confined & 4 Open Water Dives
- Multilingual eLearning
- PADI Open Water Diver Certification
- Premium Dive Equipment Supplied
- You Choose the Days
- No Student Dive Insurance Included
- No Descent Workshop
- No Buoyancy Workshop
- No Efficient Finning Workshop
FAQ
What is the PADI Open Water Diver Course in Malta?
It’s a beginner scuba certification course where you learn essential diving skills in Malta’s calm open water sites, preparing you to dive safely worldwide.
Who can learn to dive in Malta?
Anyone, with good health, aged 10+ with basic swimming skills. No previous diving experience is required.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The course usually takes 2.5–4 days, including theory lessons, pool training, and open water dives.
What scuba skills will I learn?
Skills include buoyancy control, underwater navigation, clearing flooded masks, using scuba equipment, and practicing safety procedures.
Do I need my own scuba gear?
No. All equipment—including mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BCD, cylinder, and dive computer—is provided by ABC Diving.
How much does it cost to learn to dive in Malta?
Prices start at €495 for the budget option, €595 for Standard, and €1190 for Bespoke. All options include gear, eLearning, and certification.
Is learning to dive in Malta safe?
Yes. Instructors supervise all dives, and Malta’s calm, clear waters make it ideal for beginners.
What happens after certification?
You’re certified to dive up to 18 metres worldwide and can explore Malta’s dive sites or continue with advanced courses.
When is the best time to learn to dive in Malta?
May to October offers calm waters and excellent visibility, though diving is possible year-round.
