Atlantis Diving Center

Established in 1993, Atlantis Diving Center has become a cornerstone of the diving scene in Marsalforn, Gozo. For over three decades, the centre has operated as a professional hub for divers seeking the unique geological formations and historic wrecks that define the Maltese archipelago.

As a PADI 5-Star IDC centre and a BSAC agency, the facility caters to a broad spectrum of the diving community. Whether you are looking to complete your first Open Water Diver course or are a technical diver planning a complex Trimix or rebreather expedition, the centre's long-standing presence in Gozo provides a reliable foundation for your diving.

The centre is structured to support a wide range of disciplines, from recreational exploration to professional training. As an IDC centre, they are equipped to train the next generation of instructors, maintaining a high standard of professional development.

Instruction is delivered by a multilingual team capable of guiding divers in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. This diversity ensures that international divers can communicate clearly during briefings and underwater, which is essential for safety and learning.

For those pursuing technical specialties, the centre maintains a dedicated department focused on gas blending and advanced wreck diving. The guiding philosophy maintains a ratio of a maximum of three divers per guide, ensuring close supervision during both recreational and technical dives.

The educational programme is extensive, covering the full breadth of PADI and BSAC certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Scuba Diver Course, progressing through to PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver.

For those looking to professionalise their skills, the centre offers the Divemaster Course and the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). Beyond recreational limits, the centre is a significant hub for technical training, offering PADI Tec Rec, TDI courses, and BSAC Tech courses, including specialized training for sidemount and rebreather use.

Other training options include Apnea Freediving and EFR Emergency First Responder certification, providing a holistic approach to underwater skills and safety.

The centre is fully equipped for both recreational and technical diving. For those coming prepared with their own kit, there is ample space, but a full range of rental equipment is available on-site. This includes standard recreational gear as well as specialized technical equipment such as twinsets, sidemount configurations, and CCR setups.

Technical divers will find a well-supported environment with access to Nitrox and Trimix. The facility is designed to handle the specific requirements of advanced divers, ensuring that gas blending and cylinder preparation meet the necessary standards for deep and technical profiles.

The marine life around Gozo is diverse, with much of the action occurring along the vertical walls and wreck structures. You will frequently encounter groupers (Epinephelinae), barracuda (Sphyraena), and various species of reef fish, alongside sea anemone and sponges (Porifera).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe among the crevices and corals. The area is home to nudibranchs, scorpionfish (Scorpaena), shrimp (Caridea), and crabs (Brachyura), as well as various species of octopus (Octopoda) and cuttlefish (Sepiidae).

On the deeper walls and wrecks, larger pelagics and predatory fish can be seen. Look for eagle rays (Aetobatus), amberjack (Seriola), and various species of rays (Batoidea). Seasonal visitors include Mahi Mahi, Caretta caretta turtles, Hippocampus guttulatus, and the Ocean sunfish (Mola mola).

The diving season is most favourable from May to October, when the sea is generally calm, particularly during the summer months. During this period, visibility is excellent, often ranging between 20 and 30 metres.

While the Mediterranean can experience varying conditions, the area around Gozo is known for its spectacular underwater topography, including deep walls and cave systems that remain accessible throughout much of the year.