Boat for Scuba Divers. Airplanes and Coral Gardens Dive

The "Airplanes and Coral Gardens Dive" offers scuba enthusiasts an exhilarating underwater adventure aboard a private dive boat. With a skilled skipper and certified dive guide, divers can explore remarkable WWII aircraft wrecks and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. From a thrilling 40-minute speedboat ride to Dragutt Shoal, to complimentary refreshments and all necessary rental equipment, this 6-hour excursion promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, this unique experience could be the highlight of your aquatic explorations.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Malta.

Key Points

• The activity includes a 40-minute speedboat ride to reach the Dragutt Shoal dive sites featuring WWII aircraft wrecks and Coral Gardens.
• A private dive boat with a skipper and fuel is provided for the transportation to and from the dive sites.
• The activity includes a certified dive guide to ensure safety and provide guidance during the two 1-hour dives.
• Rental equipment for scuba diving is available, and refreshments like water, coffee, and tea are complimentary.
• The activity requires an Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certification or equivalent, and a shore dive option is available in case of inclement weather.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The activity is titled "Airplanes and Coral Gardens Dive" and takes place over a 6-hour duration.

The starting location is the Kalkara Marina, and the price ranges from €11,616 per group (up to 2 people).

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

On top of that, the booking process allows for flexibility, as patrons can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

This scuba diving excursion promises an unforgettable experience exploring WWII aircraft remnants and the stunning Coral Gardens, all while enjoying the convenience of a private boat and certified dive guide.

Diving Itinerary

This scuba diving excursion begins with a 40-minute speedboat journey to the Dragutt Shoal.

After a 20-minute surface interval, divers will embark on two separate 1-hour dives at the site. The return journey to the Kalkara Marina takes another 40 minutes.

During the dive, participants can:

• Explore the remnants of a WWII Bristol Beaufighter aircraft, including its engines and wheels.

• Dive the P2V Neptune wreck, located 500 meters off Bahar iħ-Čagħaq at 32 meters depth.

• Experience the scenic Coral Gardens, a shallow reef dive with diverse marine life and swim-through tunnels.

Dragutt Shoal Dive Sites

Situated approximately 40 minutes from the Kalkara Marina, Dragutt Shoal offers divers the opportunity to explore two distinct wreck sites.

The first is the Bristol Beaufighter, a WWII aircraft whose remnants, including engines and wheels, now serve as a captivating underwater playground for photographers.

The second wreck, the P2V Neptune, lies 500 meters off Ba’bar ic-‘ag’aq at a depth of 32 meters. Divers can observe the partially buried fuselage and wings of this aircraft, providing a unique glimpse into maritime history.

These two wreck dives, combined with the nearby Madalena Shoals, create a thrilling and diverse diving experience for adventurous scuba enthusiasts.

WWII Airplane Wrecks

Diving the WWII airplane wrecks at Dragutt Shoal promises an extraordinary underwater adventure for scuba enthusiasts.

The sites offer a glimpse into history, with remnants of British and American warplanes resting on the seafloor.

Explorers can:

• Investigate the Bristol Beaufighter wreck, where engines, wheels, and other aircraft parts lay scattered, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography.

• Venture to the P2V Neptune wreck, partially buried in the sand, with the fuselage and wings still visible at 32 meters depth.

• Experience the thrill of swimming through the eerie yet captivating remains of these historic aircraft, set against the backdrop of the vibrant Coral Gardens.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Coral Gardens Dive

Along With the captivating WWII airplane wrecks, the Coral Gardens dive site offers a truly mesmerizing underwater experience.

This shallow reef dive, with an average depth of 5 meters and a maximum of 15 meters, showcases a scenic underwater topography. Divers can explore swim-through tunnels and spot a diverse array of marine life, including crabs, octopuses, and lobsters.

The gentle currents and clear waters make this an ideal location for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the coral formations and their inhabitants.

Included Equipment and Services

This dive adventure includes everything needed for a seamless and enjoyable experience. The package includes:

• A private dive boat with a skipper and fuel to transport divers to the three dive sites.

• A certified dive guide, as well as complimentary light refreshments like water, coffee, and tea.

• Rental of all the necessary dive equipment, ensuring divers can focus on the underwater exploration without additional gear concerns.

The all-inclusive nature of this offering allows guests to simply enjoy the thrilling discovery of airplane wrecks and the vibrant Coral Gardens, without any logistical worries.

Diver Requirements

Unsanctioned dives require divers to hold an Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certificate or an equivalent qualification. An AOWD certification ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to navigate the dive sites safely. For those without the required certification, an option for a certified instructor is available for an additional fee.

Diver Requirements	Unsanctioned Dives	Certified Instructor
Certification	AOWD or equivalent	Available at additional cost
Experience	Demonstrated skills and knowledge	Guidance and supervision provided
Safety	Responsibility to dive within limits	Ensure safe and enjoyable dive

Weather Policy

If the weather is unsuitable for boat diving, the operator will offer a shore dive as an alternative or provide a full refund. This weather policy ensures that divers still have the opportunity to explore the underwater world, even if the boat excursion isn’t feasible:

• Inclement weather, such as strong winds or choppy seas, may prompt the operator to shift the activity to a suitable shore dive site.

• In the event that no reasonable shore dive option is available, the operator will issue a full refund to the divers.

• The goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable diving experience, regardless of the weather conditions on the day of the activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions specified for this activity. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the Airplanes and Coral Gardens Dive, provided they meet the required dive certification level.

What Types of Marine Life Can Be Expected to See?

Divers can expect to see a diverse array of marine life at the Coral Gardens, including crabs, octopuses, and lobsters. The shallow reef dive offers scenic underwater topography and swim-through tunnels for an immersive underwater experience.

Is the Dive Suitable for Beginner Divers?

The dive may not be suitable for beginner divers. It requires an Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certificate or equivalent. However, an option for a certified instructor is available for an additional fee.

Can Additional Dive Sites Be Visited for an Additional Fee?

While the dive itinerary includes three main sites, additional dive stops can’t be visited for an extra fee. The package is fixed and doesn’t offer flexibility to customize the dive plan beyond what’s included.

How Many Divers Can the Boat Accommodate at a Time?

The boat can accommodate up to 2 divers at a time. According to the activity overview, the price is from €11,616 per group (up to 2 people), indicating the boat capacity is for a maximum of 2 divers.

Recap

This exclusive dive tour offers an extraordinary underwater adventure. Divers can explore the historic WWII aircraft wrecks and the vibrant Coral Gardens, all while enjoying complimentary refreshments and top-notch equipment. With a skilled skipper and certified guide, this 6-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience for both novice and experienced scuba enthusiasts. The Airplanes and Coral Gardens Dive is a must-do for anyone seeking an exceptional underwater exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here: