New Dimension Scuba

New Dimension Scuba is situated in Qawra, providing a base for exploring the diverse underwater topography of the Maltese archipelago. As the first and only PADI Eco Centre in Malta, the centre integrates environmental responsibility into its daily operations, focusing on reducing plastic waste and minimising its ecological footprint.

The surrounding waters offer some of the most varied diving in the Mediterranean. You can choose between exploring deep, historic shipwrecks, navigating through limestone caves and tunnels, or drifting along spectacular reef walls and arches.

Operating as a PADI 5 Star dive centre, the team provides instruction across the entire spectrum of scuba diving. This includes everything from initial student certifications to professional development for those pursuing a career as a Divemaster or Instructor.

The centre's commitment to the environment is central to its identity. Through the Cross-Re-Tour programme, they have implemented initiatives to reduce their impact, such as using cleaner dive trucks and providing filtered water to eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering all PADI levels. For those starting their journey, the centre offers Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Bubblemaker, and the standard Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses.

Experienced divers can specialise through various PADI Specialty courses, such as Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, Nitrox, and Peak Performance Buoyancy. The centre also provides advanced training in technical areas like Dry Suit Diver and the use of Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPV).

Professional training is a core component of the facility, offering the full Instructor Development Course (IDC) package. This includes pathways to become a Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Open Water Instructor, and EFR Instructor, as well as MSDT packages for those looking to teach specialties.

The centre is equipped with a full range of rental kit, including regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks. For night dives, torches are available to help you navigate the darker corners of the reefs and wrecks.

A significant feature of the shore-based facilities is the reverse osmosis water cooler, allowing you to refill reusable bottles with fresh water before heading out. The shop also stocks essential dive accessories, dive computers, and various pieces of hardware.

The marine life around Malta is diverse, with large schools of fish frequently seen around the wrecks and reefs. You will encounter Salema porgy (Sarpa salpa), Damselfish (Pomacentridae), and various species of Sea bream (Sparidae), alongside larger predators like Amberjack and occasional Tuna.

On the sandy bottoms and near the reef edges, you can find Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of flatfish. Moray eels (Muraenidae) and Conger eel (Congridae) are common inhabitants of the crevices and wreck structures.

For those interested in macro life, the area is a haven for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) and various species of shrimp. You can also find Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) tucked away in the reef architecture.

The seabed is decorated with a variety of fixed life, including corals and various sponges. Keep an eye out for Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) and various species of hermit crabs amongst the rocks and rubble.

Diving in Malta is influenced by the Mediterranean swell and local currents, particularly when diving around the exposed northern coasts of Gozo or near deep wrecks. Many of the most popular sites, such as the Blue Hole or the various wrecks near Cirkewwa, can be affected by weather conditions and sea state.

While many reef and cave dives are sheltered, some sites like Billinghurst Cave are known to be heavily affected by the weather due to their position on the north coast. Divers should always check the local conditions before heading out to ensure the swell and wind are within safe limits for the planned site.