St Paul’s Bay: Malta National Aquarium Entry Ticket

The most memorable part of Malta’s National Aquarium is the walk-through tunnel, where sharks and larger fish pass above you. The aquarium also packs in jellyfish, reptiles, frogs, insects, freshwater fish, and Mediterranean species, so there is more variety than the modest building size suggests.

I like the clear displays, especially the tanks linked to Malta’s historical landmarks, and the regular talks and feeding sessions. I also like that you can go at your own pace, then pause for food at the cafe or browse the gift shop. The main drawback is size: some people finish in 30 minutes, while careful readers and families may spend two hours or more.

• Walk-through main tank: See sharks and larger fish overhead in the aquarium’s most memorable space.
• 51 display tanks: View more than 250 species, from Mediterranean fish to jellyfish, frogs, reptiles, and insects.
• Malta-themed exhibits: Tank areas connect marine life with local landmarks and underwater habitats.
• Useful talks and feedings: Plan around the shark or piranha sessions for more context and close-up action.
• Family-friendly extras: Interactive points, a submarine simulation, cafe, toilets, gift shop, and outdoor park nearby.
• Easy, flexible ticket: The entry ticket costs $20 per person, is valid for 180 days, and allows cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit.

Entering the Starfish-Shaped Aquarium

Malta National Aquarium sits in St Paul’s Bay inside an unusual starfish-shaped building. You start at the aquarium itself, not on a guided tour, and scan your ticket at the entrance. The ticket is valid for 180 days, so you have useful flexibility if your Malta plans shift.

The building feels clean and modern, with the main exhibits arranged in an easy route. I would allow at least an hour, though that is only a rough minimum. A quick visit can take about 30 minutes, while families, keen fish watchers, and anyone who reads the information panels can stay for 90 minutes to two hours.

Some people spend three hours by returning to favorite tanks, attending talks, eating at the restaurant, or adding a behind-the-scenes visit if available separately. The basic ticket does not include a tour, so expect a self-guided visit.

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible. Flash photography is not allowed, and pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. These are simple rules, but the no-flash policy matters in a dark aquarium where bright bursts can disturb animals and spoil other people’s view.

The First Tanks: Malta Underwater

The displays are arranged around themes connected to Malta’s historical landmarks. This gives the visit a local frame rather than presenting a random row of tanks. You get a sense of how the aquarium links Malta’s coastal setting with its animal collection.

The tanks aim to recreate each species’ natural underwater environment. That makes the information more useful than a label with only a name and a country. You can stop to read about the animal, its habitat, and the pressures affecting it.

The collection includes both saltwater and freshwater fish. Mediterranean species are central, but the exhibits also bring in animals from farther away. Expect jellyfish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects alongside the fish. The range helps keep younger children interested, particularly if they are less patient with a long series of similar fish tanks.

The displays are not huge, and this is not one of Europe’s giant aquariums. That is both a strength and a limitation. You can see the full attraction without giving up half a day, but anyone expecting a major oceanarium may find the number of large tanks modest.

The Walk-Through Tunnel and Larger Fish

The main tank tunnel is the aquarium’s clear centerpiece. Walk beneath the water and look up as sharks and larger fish move overhead. It is the moment most likely to hold a child’s attention, and it gives the visit a sense of scale that smaller displays cannot match.

The tunnel is also a good place for photographs, although crowded periods can make it harder to linger. The aquarium can become busy, especially later in the day, and visitors may gather around the best viewing points. If you want a quieter visit, arriving close to opening time is sensible. One family found that the site became busy soon after opening, so an early start can make a real difference.

The tunnel is not enormous, so do not expect a long underwater walkway. Its value comes from the close overhead view rather than its length. It works well as a short, dramatic section within a compact aquarium.

Jellyfish, Reptiles, Frogs, and Insects

The non-fish displays give the route welcome variety. Jellyfish tanks provide a slower, more atmospheric pause, while reptiles, frogs, and insects change the pace again. Children who like unusual creatures may enjoy these sections as much as the shark tank.

The number of frogs may disappoint a specialist amphibian fan, and the aquarium could offer more variation in some categories. Still, the collection covers enough ground to keep a family moving from one kind of animal to another.

Information panels are a strong part of the visit. You can simply look at the animals, or take time to read about their behavior and habitat. I would not rush through these signs. The aquarium is small enough that careful reading adds much of the value, especially for adults and older children.

The clean presentation also helps. Tanks and public areas are well cared for, and the layout is easy to follow. That matters when you are visiting with a young child, using a wheelchair, or trying to keep a group together.

Talks, Feeding Sessions, and the Submarine Simulation

Check the day’s schedule when you arrive. Talks and feeding sessions can make the difference between a quick look and a proper learning experience. Shark feeding is particularly useful for children who already love sharks, while piranha feeding offers a different kind of close-up animal encounter.

The education team has been praised for being enthusiastic and clear. You do not need to attend every talk, but I would make room for at least one if the timing works. A short presentation can explain animal behavior more effectively than a wall of text.

There are also interactive points for children and adults. One popular extra is a submarine simulation, presented as a trip toward the bottom of the ocean. It is a short experience rather than a full ride, but it adds a bit of fun between the tanks. One visitor described a pressure chamber section lasting about two minutes, so expect a compact attraction, not a separate major activity.

These extras help the aquarium work for mixed-age groups. A toddler may not study every habitat, but can watch a feeding, press an interactive feature, or enjoy the submarine sequence. An adult can use the same visit to learn about conservation and local marine life.

Conservation Without a Heavy Lecture

The aquarium does more than display animals. It explains how human activity threatens marine habitats and promotes environmental responsibility. The conservation message is practical because it is tied to the animals and habitats in front of you.

This section is worth your attention, particularly if you are visiting Malta’s coast, swimming, snorkeling, or spending time around the sea. The displays connect attractive animals with the less attractive problems affecting them. That gives children a useful lesson without requiring a separate museum visit.

The information is detailed enough for adults who want to read, but the visit remains approachable. You can spend a few minutes at each panel or move on quickly. That flexibility is one reason the aquarium suits both casual visitors and people who like to study exhibits.

How Long Should You Plan?

For a fast visit, allow around 30 to 60 minutes. That gives you time to walk through the route, see the major tanks, and spend a little time in the main tunnel.

For most people, 90 minutes to two hours is a better plan. You can read the signs, stop at the reptiles and amphibians, watch a talk, and take photos without hurrying. Families with small children may stay longer because they move at a different pace and may want to repeat the submarine simulation or favorite tanks.

Three hours is possible if you add meals, talks, feeding sessions, shopping, or a separate behind-the-scenes experience. A behind-the-scenes tour costs extra and is not part of this ticket. It may include areas such as food preparation and laboratories, but you should treat it as an optional add-on rather than part of the standard visit.

The aquarium’s compact size also makes it useful on a warm, windy, or rainy day. It is a manageable indoor stop rather than a full-day commitment. That makes it easy to pair with other activities around St Paul’s Bay.

Food, Shopping, and the Area Around the Aquarium

The building has a cafe or restaurant, toilets, and a gift shop. This makes the visit easier with children, since you do not need to leave the site immediately for a drink or snack.

The gift shop sells the usual souvenirs, along with children’s soft toys and Malta-themed items. Prices vary, so check before buying. A printed attraction photo, for example, may cost around €7, while basic fridge magnets have been seen at about €3.50. Those prices are useful to know if you are budgeting for a family.

There is also a park outside, and bus services run along the road. One visitor found a McDonald’s about a 15-minute walk away. The aquarium’s position near St Paul’s Bay hotels can make it convenient, and a taxi from St Julian’s has been described as about €15, though your fare will depend on traffic and pickup point.

The site is not a guided walking tour of St Paul’s Bay. If you want local sights, ask at the desk for ideas and combine the aquarium with time outdoors.

Is $20 Good Value?

At $20 per person, the ticket is fair value if you treat the aquarium as a one to two-hour attraction and use the talks or feeding schedule. The walk-through tunnel, varied animal collection, clean setting, and conservation material give the ticket more substance than a quick photo stop.

The value is weaker if you only want to rush through. Some adults may see the main route in 30 minutes, especially if they skip the information panels. In that case, the ticket can feel expensive for the size of the attraction.

Families usually get more from the price. Children can watch the larger fish, see reptiles and frogs, try interactive features, and take a break at the cafe. The flexible 180-day validity also reduces pressure to force the visit into a fixed time slot.

I would book if you have children, enjoy aquariums, want an indoor activity, or are willing to plan around a talk or feeding. I would think twice if you have already visited several large aquariums and expect a huge collection.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This works best for families with young children, couples looking for a relaxed indoor activity, and adults who enjoy reading about animal habitats. The aquarium is calm when visitor numbers are low, but crowds can make the narrow viewing areas feel less restful.

It also suits a mixed group. One person can read every panel while another moves quickly to the tunnel. The layout is simple enough that nobody needs a guide to find the main exhibits.

People with limited time should arrive early and head first toward the tunnel and scheduled talks. Visitors who prefer a slower pace should allow two hours and read the conservation information. Wheelchair users can use the accessible facility, though busy periods may still make viewing points harder to approach.

Should You Book the Malta National Aquarium?

Book it if you want a clean, family-friendly aquarium with a strong local theme, a good walk-through tank, and enough variety for a relaxed hour or two. Plan your timing around shark or piranha feeding and the education talks, since these add real value to the ticket.

Skip it if your main goal is a massive aquarium with dozens of enormous tanks. Malta National Aquarium is compact, and a quick visitor may finish sooner than expected. For most families and curious adults, though, the manageable size is useful: you see the full collection without losing an entire day.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the visit for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That flexibility, along with wheelchair access and 180-day validity, makes this an easy activity to fit into a Malta itinerary.

FAQ

Where is Malta National Aquarium located?

It is located in St Paul’s Bay, Malta. Start the activity at the Malta National Aquarium.

How much does the entry ticket cost?

The listed price is $20 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 180 days. Check availability for the available starting times.

How long does a visit usually take?

A quick visit may take about 30 minutes, while a fuller visit with reading, talks, and feeding sessions can take one to two hours or more.

Is a guided tour included?

No. The ticket includes entry only, and a tour is not included. Behind-the-scenes visits may be available for an additional fee.

How many tanks are inside the aquarium?

The aquarium has 51 display tanks.

How many species can you see?

You can see more than 250 species, including freshwater and saltwater fish, jellyfish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Malta National Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

Can I take flash photographs?

No. Flash photography is not allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.