Malte – Dive Systems Malta

Located at Exiles Bay in Sliema, Dive Systems Malta has been a cornerstone of the local diving community since 1978. The centre's position right on the water's edge allows for efficient transitions between the shore and the dive sites, making it an ideal base for both local excursions and trips to Gozo.

As a founding member of the Malta Professional Diving School Association, the centre maintains a strong focus on professional standards and safety. Whether you are looking to complete your first open water qualification or are exploring deep wrecks using Trimix, the facility is designed to support a wide spectrum of diving disciplines.

The team is composed of qualified, energetic instructors who are experienced in guiding divers through the varied topography of the Maltese islands. They are a multilingual group, with English spoken by everyone, alongside instructors capable of guiding in French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and Russian.

Safety is managed through a structured approach, maintaining small group sizes with a ratio of no more than four divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are on a guided boat trip or working through a technical course, you receive attentive and professional supervision.

Training at Dive Systems Malta covers the entire SSI spectrum, from the SSI Basic Diver and Open Water Diver through to the SSI Master Diver. For those looking to advance their skills, they offer the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, and Advanced Wreck Diver courses.

Technical training is a significant part of their curriculum, with courses available for Open Circuit and CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather) diving. They also provide specialised training such as the SSI DPV Diver course for those using underwater scooters, as well as the SSI Science of Diving and Night and Limited Visibility Diver programmes.

The centre operates the Simo, a dedicated hard-body dive boat with a capacity for 14 divers. The vessel is equipped with an elevator to assist with diver entry and exit, making transitions easier. On board, you will find a dry zone, a shower, a refrigerator, and facilities including a toilet, as well as tea and coffee to relax with between dives.

For those heading out on longer excursions, the boat is equipped with GPS, sonar, and VHF radio for navigation and safety. The Simo is used for a variety of trips, including day dives, night dives, and longer excursions to Gozo.

The shore-based facilities at Exiles Bay include a dedicated area to relax before and after your dives, featuring a sunbathing area and a dry zone. For those not diving, the centre is situated near a public garden and various local amenities, with easy access to the beach right in front of the shop.

The centre's retail shop, The Dive Warehouse Malta, is well-stocked with equipment from brands such as Beuchat, Santi, Cressi, and Dolphin Tec. For divers requiring kit hire, a full range is available, including technical configurations such as twinsets and sidemount setups. They also provide rental for rebreather users, as well as masks, fins, and wetsuits.

Technical divers can access specialized gases on-site, including Nitrox and Trimix. The centre also provides cylinder testing, inspection, and maintenance services for your own equipment.

The marine life around Malta is diverse, with many sites offering excellent opportunities to see large pelagics and schooling fish. You will regularly encounter schools of fish, including Amberjack (Seriola), Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and various species of Jack (Carangidae). Large groupers (Epinephelus) and Moray eels (Muraenidae) are often found patrolling the reef edges and wrecks.

For those interested in macro life, the Mediterranean habitats provide plenty of interest. Look out for various species of Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and Squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea). Scorpionfish and Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) can often be found amongst the rocky crevices and sponges.

The seabed and reef structures are beautifully decorated with a variety of life, including many types of Sponge (Porifera), Lobster (Homaridae), and various species of sea stars (Asteroidea). You may also spot sea cucumbers, rays (Batoidea), and triggerfish (Balistidae) during your explorations.

Diving in Malta is highly accessible, with many sites reachable by boat or via land transport. The local topography includes everything from shallow reef flats to deep offshore wrecks, allowing for a wide range of diving experiences depending on your certification level.