Seashell Dive Centre

Seashell Dive Centre is situated in the Blu' Beach Complex on the north-east coast of Malta, right on the sands of Mellieha Bay. Having been established in 2004, the centre has spent two decades operating as a primary hub for divers looking to explore the Mediterranean's unique underwater topography.

The location is ideal for accessing the best of the Maltese archipelago. From this base, you can reach the diverse reefs and historical wrecks of Malta, the sheltered waters of Comino, and the deeper, more challenging sites around Gozo.

This is a family-run centre where safety and service are central to the daily operation. The team is experienced in handling a wide variety of divers, from those taking their first breaths underwater to technical divers running complex decompression profiles.

Instruction is conducted in English, Maltese, Italian, Russian, and German. To ensure a focused and safe environment, the centre maintains a ratio of a maximum of 4 divers per guide during guided trips and training sessions.

The training programme is extensive, covering both PADI and SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the various Open Water Diver pathways. For those looking to progress, the centre offers Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster training.

Technical divers will find a robust selection of advanced courses, including PADI TecRec (Tec 40, 45, and 50) and Trimix certifications. The centre also provides specialised TDI training, such as Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, and various CCR courses for JJCCR or XCCR rebreather configurations.

The centre operates two distinct vessels to suit different diving requirements. The larger hard hull boat is a custom-built 11m vessel, launched in 2018, which can carry up to 34 divers. It is designed for comfort on longer trips, featuring plenty of shade, onboard toilets, and a lift to assist divers with their kit.

For smaller groups or trips to more remote sites, the centre uses an 8.5m semi-rigid RIB. This boat is equipped with a ladder for easy access and provides a more agile way to reach specific dive locations. Both boats are prepared for various trip types, including day trips and night dives, with Nitrox and Trimix available on board.

The shore-based facilities are located in recently renovated premises at Mellieha Bay. The centre offers full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, covering everything needed for recreational or technical diving.

For those looking to extend their bottom time or dive deeper, the centre is fully equipped to support advanced profiles with Nitrox and Trimix capabilities. The centre is also set up to support technical diving, including rebreather operations.

The reefs and wrecks of the area are home to a diverse range of Mediterranean species. You will frequently encounter schools of silver seabreams, jacks, and barracudas patrolling the open water, alongside groupers and large moray eels sheltering in the crevices.

Macro life is abundant for those who enjoy searching the seabed and reef structures. Divers can find various nudibranchs, octopus, and scorpionfish hiding among the rocks, as well as seahorses and many different types of anemones.

The surrounding waters also host rays, parrotfish, and various species of cuttlefish. During your dives, keep an eye out for the distinctive fried egg jellyfish and the smaller inhabitants like stonefish and fireworms that live within the reef ecosystem.

Diving in Malta is possible year-round, with the official season running from April to October. The underwater environment is generally characterised by very little current, making it a reliable location for both recreational and technical diving.

The sites vary from shallow, sheltered bays like Anchor Bay to deeper offshore wrecks, allowing for a wide range of diving experiences depending on the swell and weather conditions on the day.