Course overview

Earn the world's most recognised entry-level certification with the PADI Open Water Diver course in Malta and Gozo, qualifying you to dive independently to 18 metres anywhere. The calm, clear bays off Gozo and Cirkewwa, with visibility often over 30 metres, make an outstanding classroom for your first training dives. You finish a certified diver, ready to explore the islands' reefs and shallower wrecks.

What you’ll learn

• Assemble, check and maintain scuba equipment
• Master essential skills like mask clearing and regulator recovery
• Achieve neutral buoyancy and controlled ascents and descents
• Plan dives with tables or a computer within no-stop limits
• Respond to common problems and assist a buddy
• Dive independently with a certified buddy to 18 metres

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior Open Water Diver) or 15 for full certification
• Able to swim and be comfortable in water
• No prior diving experience required
• Completed medical questionnaire (physician sign-off if indicated)

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Theory & confined water

   Knowledge development and the first confined-water skill sessions in a sheltered, shallow bay.
2. Day2
   Confined-water skills

   Complete the remaining confined-water skills and prepare for open water.
3. Day3
   Open-water dives 1-2

   First two training dives at a calm Cirkewwa or Gozo shore site, applying your skills in open water.
4. Day4
   Open-water dives 3-4

   Final two training dives to 18 metres, skills assessment and certification.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Malta Gozo.

Frequently asked questions