News
Scubaverse Dive Into Malta 2018
The three islands that form the Maltese archipelago offer some of the finest diving in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan Malta, unspoilt Gozo and tiny Comino boast crystal clear waters and a diversity of underwater experiences to satisfy every kind of diver.
The stunning, rugged landscape above water becomes an underwater playground with arches, caves and tunnels just waiting to be explored. Malta also lives up to its reputation as the top wreck diving destination in Europe, it’s fascinating history reflected in a treasure trove of spectacular ship, plane and submarine wrecks.
Malta’s famous wrecks attract legions of Technical Divers but the islands also feature plenty of calm, sheltered coves that make them the perfect learn to dive destination. Underwater Photographers are also spoilt by the exceptional visibility and spectacular topography.
Most dive centres offer a flexible choice of shore or boat diving, allowing more time to discover the many topside attractions. The Maltese islands offer some of the most interesting and exciting diving to be found anywhere, but it is the warm, welcoming culture that will also keep you returning to Malta, year after year.
Let Scubaverse introduce you to Malta’s top dive operators and the special offers that are available from them this year…
Divewise
PHONE: 00356 2135 6441
EMAIL: info@divewise.com.mt
WEBSITE: www.divewise.com.mt
Our team of PADI Staff Instructors are led by 2 Course Directors. We are based in the Westin Dragonara – a 5 Star Resort and have our very own house reef and 2 pools for training right on our doorstep. All the main hot spot dive sites are only max 20 – 30 minutes away for some fabulous diving in clear, blue, warm water with some great ship and plane wrecks to suit all levels.
We can offer Discover Scuba experiences for beginners and can take you to a new career in Scuba Diving, up to Instructor level and beyond. We also have a full Professional Training Program, which includes Management Training, Risk Management, Sales & Marketing, and much more.
SPECIAL OFFER: Open Water Course / Enriched Air / 1 Pleasure Dive = 460 Euros.
Orange Shark
PHONE: 00356 2152 1329 (Resort) / 00356 7900 1802 (Mobile)
EMAIL: info@orangeshark.eu
WEBSITE: www.orangeshark.eu
Orangeshark D.c. has 2 locations in Malta. At Radisson Blu Golden Sands and at Ramla bay resort, in front of Gozo and Comino islands.
We offer accompanied dives and courses from beginner to instructor and tec diving too. Our must is the Diving Boat “PAOLA ONE”. We can reach all the dive sites around Malta, Gozo and Comino. We do courses, rent and sale Suex DPV and Ocean Reef Full Face masks.
We can book our divers directly into the hotel and airport transfers too.
You can find us at www.orangeshark.eu or read an overview at https://www.myguidemalta.com/things-to-do/orange-shark-h2o-diving-centres.
SPECIAL OFFER: 7 Nights + 10 Dives
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April 2018 – €480.00
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October 2018 – €560.00
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November 2018 – March 2019 – €440.00
*In 4 star hotel B&B (Excluding 24/12/18 – 02/01/19).
Dive Systems
PHONE: 00356 2131 9123/00356 7931 9123
EMAIL: info@divesystemsmalta.com
WEBSITE: www.divesystemsmalta.com/www.facebook.com/divesystems
Dive Systems – 40 Years of Diving Excellence
Since 1978, Dive Systems has been at the forefront of the diving industry in Malta. The Company started out as a family business in Msida and is now run by the second generation in a purpose-built sea-front dive centre which is probably the largest and most well-equipped on the Island.
The philosophy at Dive Systems is to offer clients a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere before, during and after each dive. Dive Systems therefore ensures that it has the best team of Diving Instructors to offer clients a wide range of diving services with an excellent record for safety.
Dive Systems is situated on the water’s edge in Sliema – Malta’s top tourist resort and nightlife destination. Within walking distance from Dive Systems there are many hotels, several restaurants, cafes, a playground, public garden and all the amenities one requires.
Dive Systems Offers:
- Snorkelling & Freediving
- PADI courses & specialities
- Accompanied dives and diving packages
- Hire, retail and servicing of equipment
- Refilling of tanks with Air, Nitrox and Trimix
- Instructor Development Courses
- Boat Charter
Why Malta?
10 things that make Malta Europe’s Top Diving Destination:
- Proximity – Malta, Gozo & Comino offer over 50 dive sites within a few kilometers.
- 40m Visibility – Our waters are among the cleanest & clearest of the Mediterranean.
- Climate – With a very short winter and mostly sunny days we can dive all year round.
- Wrecks – From WWII planes to recently scuttled patrol boats, there are wrecks for all levels.
- Marine Life – The underwater seascape is teaming with Mediterranean sealife.
- Great After-Diving – Rich in history & culture & with a buzzing nightlife.
- Fantastic People – The Maltese are warm, welcoming and tourist-friendly.
- Top-notch Dive Centres – The PDSA & the Tourism Authority ensure that all centres maintain very high standards.
- Cost – Low cost of living, value for money accommodation & low cost airlines from major cities.
- Technical Diving – a large variety of technical diving sites within a short distance.
SPECIAL OFFER: 10 dive-pack* with 7 nights at a 3 star hotel in Sliema/St. Julians area Eur 515 **
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Free Airport Transfers
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Free Hotel Pickup
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Special Prices for Groups
* Including land transport, instructor, tanks and weights
** Based on 2 adults sharing in a standard twin room on bed and breakfast basis in low season – Eur 640 in Mid Season and Eur 725 in High Season.
Dive Deep Blue
PHONE: 00356 2158 3946/00356 9986 8957
EMAIL: dive@divedeepblue.com
WEBSITE: www.divedeepblue.com
DIVE DEEP BLUE MALTA is a multi-agency Dive Centre with 5 Star facilities affiliated to PADI, BSAC, SSI TDI and the only BSAC Centre of Excellence to be recognized by HM forces as an accredited ComMAC (Ministry of Defense approved dive center).
Over the Past 20 years of operation with a business philosophy built on safety and customer satisfaction we have gained a loyal family of divers and an outstanding reputation for delivering a first class diving support service while having the privilege of showing all the many beautiful dive sites that can found around the shores of Malta, Gozo and Comino. Each of these beautiful Islands offers a multitude of superb dive sites including cavern, wreck and reefs at depth ranges accessible to all with something to bring a smile to the face of all divers at every level.
In addition to our recreational diving services we were the first operator in Malta to offer a technical training and support facility with the on site resources to deliver what we promised and some of the best deep wreck diving in the world.
Located in the Bugibba/Qawra area of St Paul’s Bay, Dive Deep Blue Malta is owner operated so we are with our divers on a daily basis to ensure that their holiday goes to plan. At Dive Deep Blue we offer our divers so much more. Dive shop, private parking, spacious equipment wash and storage, training pool, a massive stock of rental equipment, air conditioned class rooms, showers, free Wi-Fi… the list goes on. We cater for every aspect of diving services from training, guided diving, independent diving services and technical diving for individuals and families on through too organizing large group holidays including accommodation and transfers if requested. For a quick and detailed reply to any enquiry please contact us at dive@divedeepblue.com.
SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off our PADI, BSAC or SSI Nitrox Specialty courses together with free nitrox up to 32% for all remaining dives completed with us during that week.
Maltaqua
PHONE: 00356 2157 1111
EMAIL: dive@maltaqua.com
WEBSITE: www.maltaqua.com / www.staymalta.com
Merhba! Maltaqua is a multi-agency diver training centre on Malta, providing BSAC, PADI, TDI and now also RAID diver training. Our great Instructor team are able to teach in English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Dutch or Danish. For those already certified, choose from our 7 or 3 & 4 night holiday breaks, including a selection of escorted diving, accommodation and airport shuttle. Our self-catering apartments by the dive centre offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for up to 32 persons. For those of you looking for a little extra luxury, why not stay at our beach front Villa on Qawra’s Promenade.
Whether you are travelling on your own or given the task to organise a group trip, do get in touch and let the Maltaqua family help you plan your dive vacation. Non divers most welcome – with so much to do and see on Malta, they are sure to find lots to occupy themselves while you are out diving. We hope you will join us in 2018, for what will be our 49th dive season!!
SPECIAL OFFER: DIVE & APARTMENT PACKAGE – APRIL €340pp
We have put together the following extra value package including:
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Airport pick up and drop off
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7 Nights apartment accommodation (based on 2 persons sharing a room)
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6 Shore dives escorted by one of our Instructors
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Tank and weight hire
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Road transport for 6 dives
Price is €340 per person. Kindly add €95 supplement per week for single occupancy.
With regards to airport transfers, guests arriving/departing after office hours (08:30 – 16:00), kindly add €20 to the cost of the above package price.
Upgrade this package to 10 escorted shore dives for an extra €115 per person.
Buddies Dive Cove
PHONE: 00356 2757 6266/00356 7777 9558
EMAIL: dive@buddiesmalta.com
WEBSITE: www.buddiesmalta.com
Buddies Dive Cove is Malta’s friendliest dive centre. A family run PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre & retailer centrally located in Bugibba. Only 5 minutes walk from Qawra & St Pauls Bay on the northern coast of Malta, with the islands of Gozo and Comino just minutes away by boat. Together with our team of highly qualified and experienced PADI Instructors, we pride ourselves in giving you our full personal attention to ensure that your scuba diving Malta experience is a total success.
Whether you are interested in a Discover Scuba Diving session, joining one of our PADI Open Water Diver courses, Divemaster Internships or becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor at one of our IDCs, you are assured that we will meet your expectations while maintaining the highest possible standards of diver safety and education.
If you are looking for guided diving in the jewel of the Mediterranean during your vacation in Malta, we run daily boat and shore dives around the three islands. While we are taking care of all the logistics, you can go ahead and enjoy wrecks, caverns, reefs and the spectacular underwater landscape that the Maltese islands are famous for. For the more Tec minded, we offer PADI TecRec diver training and Nitrox / Trimix facilities. We also offer facilities for rebreather divers.
SPECIAL OFFER: 10 Dive Packs: €270pp or €372pp inc equipment rental.
Techwise
PHONE: 00356 2138 4453
EMAIL: info@techwise.com.mt
WEBSITE: www.techwise.com.mt
Back Mount – Side Mount – CCR – Cave – Trimix.
The purpose of Techwise (the technical partner of Divewise) is to provide the best in technical diving, courses and diving expeditions in Malta, Gozo and Comino. Providing technical diving excursions and expert training, whatever your level. Whether you are a seasoned technical diver looking to explore the sites of Malta or a beginner looking for your first technical diving experience, We cater for your additional equipment needs, with an advanced gas blending system offering air, nitrox and trimix gas fills. Our focus is on diver safety and commitment to providing quality technical diving training experiences, education, enhancement and overall enjoyment.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book PADI TEC45 and TEC50 and get upgraded to PADI Trimix45 and Trimix50.
AquaVenture Malta
PHONE: 00356 2152 2141/00356 2152 2356
EMAIL: info@aquaventuremalta.com
WEBSITE: www.aquaventuremalta.com
Scuba Diving in Malta with Aquaventure Ltd
Aquaventure Ltd was formed in 1992 and has grown to become one of Malta’s leading dive centres, with a total commitment to customer care and satisfaction. Our focus has always been on providing a very high level of customer service at a price that offers excellent value for money.
Based in the north of Malta and located all year round at the Mellieha Bay Hotel, Aquaventure is ideally situated for quick and easy access to all the main dive sites on Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Some of our favourite dive sites include ‘The Madonna Statue’ at Cirkewwa, the wreck of the ‘MV Rozi’ and the ‘Blue Hole’ in Gozo. More information about these dives and many of the others can be found on our website www.aquaventuremalta.com.
We offer all levels of PADI training from Discover Scuba Diving to Assistant Instructor and due to our dedicated classroom and access to two onsite training pools can provide excellent, safe and comfortable training no matter what level you arrive at.
Our daily dive trips, by both boat and from the shore, cater for all qualification and experience levels and are led when required by qualified and experienced Instructors. The dive centre also stocks a full range of equipment for hire and for purchase from a number of different manufacturers and suppliers.
Aquaventure also offers an exciting range of options for groups and clubs as well as being able to organise various types of accommodation making it the ideal partner when planning a trip, no matter how big or small your group is.
SPECIAL OFFER: One free dive when taking a 10 dive pack. Must quote offer code SV10 when booking.
Wreck Finder Charters
PHONE: 00356 2138 4453
EMAIL: info@wreckfindercharters.com
WEBSITE: www.wreckfindercharters.com
The ultimate boat charter service for both recreational and technical divers. Leymor is the first purpose built British diving catamaran to operate in Maltese waters. Bringing with her some of the comforts, such as a divelift, making it much more dignified getting out of the water after those long deco dives.
At Wreck Finder Charters, we cater for both recreational divers and technical divers covering all of the Maltese islands. None of the dive sites are ever too far away. As well as catering to divers, Leymor is also the perfect filming boat; with huge open and closed deckspace, she’s stable, comfortable, fast, there’s plenty of room and the kettle is always on.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book a 5 day charter and only pay for 4 days.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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