PADI Open Water Diver Course

PADI OPEN WATER DIVER

This course is the world's most popular and widely recognized scuba course. Millions of people have learned to scuba dive and fallen in love with our seas. If you've always wanted to take scuba diving lessons and experience adventure, this is where it starts.

To enrol in the PADI Open Water Diver course (or Junior Open Water Diver course), you must be at least 10 years old. You need adequate swimming skills and should be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required. 

The course takes just 3 full days to complete, or can be split between full and half days. Our schedules are flexible to make sure you're getting the most out of your time diving in Malta. After completing the course, you will be qualified to dive to 18m (or 12m on the Junior Open Water course).

Malta diving is widely considered to be the best warm-water diving in Europe. Join us to see what all the fuss is about.

What will I do on the course?

First, you will be given your eLearning, to learn the dive theory before you arrive. On the first day of the course, we meet in the morning at the dive centre, introduce ourselves, get your equipment sorted out and have a dive briefing. Then we'll head straight down to the water's edge for your first breaths underwater! We start off with your first confined water session - these skill-practice sessions take place in shallow, sheltered sea pools that offer perfect calm conditions for learning (pictured above). Once you're ready, we'll explore a little deeper and complete your four qualifying open water dives. This is the fun part - while these dives still do have some skill requirements, this is where you really start to explore and have fun diving. We will visit a variety of dive sites during your course (weather conditions permitting) to make sure that you experience the best that Malta has to offer.

Our course fee includes everything you need:

• 5 confined open water training sessions to learn the basics
• 4 open water qualifying dives to use your skills and explore
• Online training materials (PADI eLearning)
• Full Scuba Equipment rental and gas fills
• Certification costs
• Road transportation to dive sites

Before any in-water activities, you will complete a pre-dive medical. Please read the Medical Form carefully to verify whether you will need a doctor's approval of fitness to dive before getting into the water. 

We also offer a free hotel pick up/drop off service if you are staying in the St Pauls Bay, Bugibba, Qawra or Xemxija areas. 

Book to secure your space:

If you are planning your PADI Open Water Diver course in advance, you will need to pay a €150 deposit, which covers your eLearning and secures your place on the course. We will then send you your eLearning code and you can get started on your theory in your own time so that you're ready when you get here. You may also pay in full if you prefer to have everything paid before you arrive. Click the button below to pay your deposit.

PAY DEPOSIT

Certification

Once you have completed your course with us, you will receive your PADI Open Water electronic certification, allowing you to continue your underwater adventures. 

Is this right for me?

Need some help deciding if this is the right program is for you? Read our blog to learn the differences between the PADI Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Scuba Diver, and PADI Open Water Diver programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me to the dive centre?

A towel, swimwear and water/snacks (or some cash to buy them). We will provide the rest. If you are diving in the summer, its important to protect yourself from the sun (reef-friendly sunscreen is ideal, or a rash vest)

How do I book / when can I start?

As we keep all our group sizes small, our course schedules are flexible to suit your needs. Email us with your availability and we can put a diving schedule together for you. Once we've agreed on the course dates, then you just need to pay your deposit to secure your space.

I've only paid a deposit - when do I pay the balance of the course?

When you arrive at the dive centre – we accept card or cash. If you’d prefer to pay the full amount ahead of time instead of a deposit, that is also fine.

How many people will I dive with?

We keep our groups small, so we can focus on everyone's safety and enjoyment. We don’t have more than 3 divers with one instructor.

Can I have a pick up from my hotel?

Yes, if you are staying in St Pauls Bay, Qawra, Bugibba or Xemxija we can pick you up/drop you off free of charge at your hotel. 

I have a "yes" answer on the medical form, what do I do?

If your answers on the medical form indicate a need for a doctor's approval of fitness to dive, then you will need to print the full form and take it to your doctor. This is best done before you arrive, to save time on your holiday. However, we appreciate that this is not always easy, so if you don't manage to get it sorted out before you get here, then we can direct you to some local clinics in Malta where they also provide this service.

Please note that not all "yes" answers will necessarily require a doctor's signature - read the form carefully for instructions, and if you're confused, just ask.