You've decided Malta is the trip. Now the practical part — and the good news is it's one of the easiest international dive trips an American can put together. Here's everything you need to plan it.
I get a version of this email all the time from divers in the States: "Malta looks incredible — but what do I actually need to sort out to make it happen?" The honest answer is: less than you'd think. Malta is set up for visitors, it's English-speaking, and now that Delta flies direct from New York, the hardest part is choosing your dates. Let's walk through it.
Getting There & Entry Requirements
The headline: Delta now runs a direct New York–Malta service, roughly 9 to 10 hours. No layovers, no lost bags in a European connection. If you're flying from elsewhere in the US, you'll connect through New York or a European hub.
For entry, US citizens currently visit Malta (part of the EU/Schengen area) visa-free for stays up to 90 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay. One thing to check before you book: the EU is rolling out ETIAS, a quick online travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors (similar to the US ESTA). Confirm whether it's required for your travel dates and, if so, apply online before you fly — it's inexpensive and fast.
When to Go
Malta dives year-round, but for most US visitors the sweet spot is May through October — warm water, long sunny days, and flat seas. Peak summer (July/August) is hottest and busiest; late spring and September/October are arguably ideal: warm water, fewer crowds, better prices.
Water, in US units
Summer: ~75–82°F surface, mid-60s°F at depth.
Winter: ~59–63°F — drysuit or 7mm.
Visibility: routinely 100+ feet.
Diving the deep technical wrecks happens all year. And remember to build in a topside day or two — there's plenty to see above the water.
Gear: Bring vs Rent
You do not need to haul your entire setup across the Atlantic. Here's the simple rule:
- Bring: your dive computer, mask, and — if you dive your own — your regulators. The personal, fitted, safety-critical stuff.
- Rent here: tanks and weights are always included; BCDs/wings, regulators, drysuits and technical kit (twinsets, stages) are all available through the dive centre. Renting the heavy, bulky items saves you baggage fees and hassle.
If you're doing a course, training gear is included in the price — see the prices page for exactly what's covered. If you dive a rebreather, units are available to rent too; just let me know your unit when you enquire.
Dive Insurance & Certs
Two things every visiting diver should sort before they travel:
- Dive insurance. A DAN (Divers Alert Network) membership/insurance policy is the standard, inexpensive, and strongly recommended — make sure it covers the depths and type of diving you'll be doing.
- Your certification cards and logbook. Bring proof of your certifications and, for technical courses, proof of logged dives and experience. Your Advanced Nitrox, deco or trimix prerequisites need to be documented — and divers from any major agency are welcome.
The Little Stuff That Trips People Up
US Diver Quick Reference
Language: English (official) — everywhere.
Money: Euro (€). Cards accepted widely; carry some cash for small spots.
Plugs: UK-style 3-pin (Type G), 230V. Bring an adapter; most US chargers are dual-voltage (check the label).
Driving: on the left. Short distances; ride-share and taxis are easy.
Phone: grab an eSIM before you fly for cheap data.
Time zone: Central European Time (6 hrs ahead of US East Coast).
One more reassurance for safety-conscious divers: Malta has a recompression chamber (hyperbaric unit at Mater Dei Hospital) and excellent English-speaking medical care. It's one of the reasons Malta is such a comfortable place to dive seriously.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in Sliema or St Julian's — the main hotel areas, right next to the diving and a short transfer from the dive centre in Sliema. Options run from apartments to five-star resorts, including the Vegas Hotel in St Julian's, with the new Hard Rock Hotel on the way. If you'd rather be near the Gozo sites, there's accommodation over there too.
Bringing a Group?
If you're organizing a club trip or getting a group of buddies together, a direct flight makes it far easier — and we can handle the whole package: boat, gas, guided diving and training. For flights, hotels and transfers we work alongside Robert & Arrigo, a long-established Maltese travel agency, so the trip can be arranged end to end.
Putting It Together — A Sample Week
- Day 1: Fly in from New York, check in to Sliema/St Julian's, easy evening.
- Days 2–6: Diving — guided wrecks and reefs, or a full course (Advanced Nitrox + Deco, or Trimix).
- Day 7: Topside no-fly day — Valletta, Mdina or a Gozo road trip.
- Day 8: Fly home, rested and certified.
That's a genuinely achievable week — world-class diving, a new certification, and a real taste of the island, all on one direct flight.
Tell me your dates, your experience level and what you want to get out of the trip — I'll help you build the right week, whether you're coming solo or bringing a group.
Start Planning Your Trip