Tips For A Holiday In Malta

Night diving is often associated with a scary and nerve-wracking experience as daunting imaginations quickly pile up as a result of a terrifying notion.  The very thought of exploring the depth of a sea in darkness is intimidating. The experience is different from the underwater environment changes at night.

Armed with a diving certificate is necessary but not enough to make your night diving in Malta journey a pleasant one.  It is crucial to know the important things that will guide you to make your first and succeeding dives enjoying and relaxing.

Be familiar with the diving site

Initially, you need to choose a site that you have dived during the daytime.  This will give you a first-hand experience of the place and how to navigate it.  Familiarity with the geography of the reef will guide you, hence eliminating your worries for your night dive.

Let’s say you are about to make your first appearance in Cirkewwa, it would be practical to know that Madonna statue and the deep wrecks P29 and Tugboat Rozi await your underwater adventure not to forget that jacks and barracuda are some of the thrilling treats that you will see.  It is also encouraged to choose a shallow dive location at night to avoid harsh currents that can lead to accidents.

Stay close to your guide

Whether you’re a novice or an expert diver, note that it’s better to have someone you can rely on especially on challenging times under the ocean.  Your guide knows the do’s and don’ts of diving especially its moody environment.

Professional diving schools like Atlantis Malta are equipped with the ultimate a to z list of safety and emergency equipment, so you do not have to overstress yourself.

Note that dive masters have a deep knowledge of dive sites to finding the secret caves that you’ve been searching. Popular diving destinations like Malta and Australia, dubbed as two of the premier diving destinations in the world, cater for every diver’s needs, be it first time diver or a certified diver.

Start at twilight or dusk

Twilight is less threatening for night diving especially for those who will have this exciting journey as their first.  When twilight sets in, you get to see the shift in the behavior of the creatures from day to night.

Those that are used to day life will be preparing to position for the night while night time animals like sharks and rays will begin to be more active.  These changes will allow you to adjust to the environment under the sea.

Have a complete set of diving lights

The most important pieces of equipment that divers need at night are the primary and backup dive torches.  The primary dive light should be bigger and brighter than the backup light.  It is highly suggested that you get rechargeable torches.

It is costlier but it is more practical to use especially if you plan to embrace yourself in a series of night dives. Secure your dive lights by attaching them to lanyards or wrist straps.  These extra accessories will prevent the lights from dropping.

Maintain proper communication with your colleagues

The moment you decide to dive at night, make sure that you set a clear communication among other divers in your team.  Agreeing on a system of hand or light signals is integral prior to entering the water. An example is by moving your light up if you mean ‘Yes” and moving it down if you mean “No.”

This simple orientation between divers will maintain safety and proper understanding of the rules.

Respect the marine life

Practice responsible diving by not disturbing the marine life.  Many fish species sleep during night time and others display a nocturnal behavior.  Sleeping animals avoid lights to rest.  They do not like the idea of divers’ shining their torches directly to their eyes as this setting will cause stress and disorientation to the creatures.

Turtles, for instance, they tend to lessen their heart beats every minute to enable them to sleep.  Of course, you do not want to invite sharks to your direction when they get stimulated by torch beams.

Relax and have fun

Cast your worries and fears away as these barriers will not help you enjoy your night diving experience.  Instead, focus on the positive side and be guided by your goal of a happy and thrilling diving in the dark.

You get to earn new friends with under the sea creatures and you strengthen your bond with your fellow divers.  After all, a rich diving experience consists of insights, safety and enjoyment.