Starting scuba diving is much easier than most beginners expect. You don’t need previous diving experience, expensive equipment or advanced swimming skills to begin exploring the underwater world.
Whether you’re interested in trying scuba diving for the first time or earning a scuba diving certification that allows you to dive independently around the world, there are beginner-friendly options designed to help you start safely and confidently.
Most new divers begin with either a Discover Scuba Diving experience (also known as a try dive) or a beginner certification course such as the Open Water Diver course. Both options are specifically designed for people with no prior diving experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to start scuba diving, what requirements you need to meet, whether scuba diving is safe for beginners, how much it costs, what happens during your first dive and the most common mistakes new divers should avoid.
What Does It Mean to Start Scuba Diving?
Starting scuba diving means learning how to safely breathe underwater using scuba equipment while developing the basic skills needed to explore the underwater world.
Unlike snorkeling, where you remain at the surface using a mask, fins and snorkel, scuba diving allows you to stay underwater for extended periods thanks to a self-contained breathing system.
One of the biggest misconceptions about scuba diving is that it requires extensive training before you can even try it. In reality, beginner programs are specifically designed to introduce new divers to the sport gradually and safely.
To start scuba diving, most people choose between two options:
- A try dive experience, which allows you to breathe underwater for the first time under direct instructor supervision.
- An Open Water Diver course, which provides full training and certification.
A try dive is often the easiest and most affordable way to discover whether scuba diving is right for you. Many divers who complete a try dive decide to continue their training shortly afterwards.
An Open Water course typically takes two to three days and teaches the knowledge and practical skills required to become a certified diver. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive with a buddy anywhere in the world within your certification limits.
Do You Need Experience or Certifications to Start?
No previous diving experience or certifications are required to start scuba diving.
Both try dives and beginner certification courses are specifically designed for complete beginners. Your instructor will teach you everything you need to know before entering the water, including equipment use, underwater communication and essential safety procedures.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Start Scuba Diving?
Most scuba diving organisations allow children to start diving from the age of 10.
Junior certification programs are adapted for younger divers and include depth limitations and additional supervision requirements. Adults can start learning to dive at any age as long as they meet the basic health and water comfort requirements.
It’s not uncommon to see people earning their first scuba certification in their 50s, 60s or even later.
Do You Need to Know How to Swim?
You do not need to be an excellent swimmer to try scuba diving, but basic water confidence is important.
For a try dive experience, instructors closely supervise participants and the equipment includes a buoyancy control device (BCD) that helps you stay comfortable at the surface.
If you’re planning to complete an Open Water certification course, you’ll need to demonstrate basic swimming and floating skills. You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer, but you should feel comfortable moving through the water independently.
Are There Any Medical Requirements for Scuba Diving?
Most healthy people can start scuba diving, but certain medical conditions may require medical clearance before participating.
Before your first dive, you’ll complete a medical questionnaire covering topics such as asthma, heart conditions, recent surgeries and other health-related factors.
In many cases, a doctor’s approval is all that’s needed if a condition is identified. Dive centres follow established medical screening procedures to ensure diving remains safe for everyone.
Is Scuba Diving Safe for Beginners?
Scuba diving is extremely safe for beginners when conducted under proper supervision and training standards.
Every beginner diver starts with a detailed briefing and learns skills progressively before moving into deeper water. Instructors remain with students throughout the experience and safety procedures are followed at every stage.
Many first-time divers are surprised by how relaxed scuba diving feels once they’re underwater. The most common challenge isn’t depth or marine life — it’s simply getting used to breathing through a regulator for the first time.
The key to safe diving is simple: follow your instructor’s guidance, dive within your training limits and progress at your own pace.
What Happens During Your First Scuba Dive?
During your first scuba dive, you’ll complete a short briefing, learn basic safety skills and make your first underwater descent under direct instructor supervision.
The experience usually begins with registration and a medical questionnaire. After that, your instructor will explain the basic principles of diving, equipment use and underwater communication.
Once equipped, you’ll enter shallow water and practice a few simple skills before descending.
For a try dive experience, divers typically complete one or two water sessions with a maximum depth of 12 metres.
For an Open Water course, students complete a minimum of six training dives and progress gradually to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
One thing many beginners notice is how quickly they adapt to breathing underwater. After the first few minutes, most people find the experience surprisingly natural.
How Much Does It Cost to Start Scuba Diving?
The cost of starting scuba diving depends on the type of experience you choose, the destination and whether certification is included.
A beginner try dive usually costs between €80 and €200 depending on location and what’s included.
An Open Water certification course typically costs between €450 and €700 across Europe and includes instructor training, equipment rental, certification fees and learning materials.
When comparing prices, it’s worth considering factors such as instructor ratios, equipment quality, included services and overall training standards rather than focusing solely on the lowest price.
What Is the Best Place to Start Scuba Diving?
The best place to start scuba diving is a destination with warm water, good visibility, calm conditions and reputable dive schools.
Locations such as Malta, the Canary Islands and parts of Thailand are popular among beginner divers because they offer excellent conditions for learning throughout much of the year.
Regardless of where you choose to learn, selecting a professional dive centre with certified instructors and a strong safety culture is far more important than the destination itself.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Scuba Diving
The most common beginner mistake is trying to progress too quickly before mastering the fundamentals.
New divers are often excited to advance immediately, purchase expensive equipment or attempt dives beyond their current experience level. Taking a gradual approach usually leads to better skills and greater confidence underwater.
Some common mistakes include:
- Choosing a dive centre based solely on price.
- Skipping or rushing through theory training.
- Buying expensive equipment before understanding your preferences.
- Diving beyond your certification limits.
- Failing to dive regularly after certification.
After earning your Open Water certification, focus on gaining experience through recreational dives before moving on to advanced or specialised training.
Ready to Try Scuba Diving in Malta?
If you’d like to experience your first scuba dive in Malta, a beginner try dive is the easiest way to discover what scuba diving feels like without committing to a full certification course.
For those who already know they want to become certified, an Open Water course provides the training needed to dive independently with a buddy anywhere in the world.
At SCUBA MALTA, our instructors guide beginners step by step through their first underwater experience, with small groups, modern equipment and some of Malta’s best beginner-friendly dive sites.
