National Aquarium Malta – Tickets, Opening Hours & Visitor Guide Nazzjonali ta’ Malta
The Aquarium Building & Architecture
In the picture above you see the building that houses the national aquarium of Malta. This architecturally designed building is a gem to behold. The roof is like a stylized starfish supported by wooden trusses that extend outwards and provide shelter for the table of the restaurant. The entrance is on the side (street side).
The National Aquarium Malta opened in Qawra on October 1, 2013, after roughly two years of construction. The building itself is worth a look before you even step inside: its roof is shaped like a stylized starfish, supported by wooden trusses that extend outward to shelter the restaurant terrace below.
The complex covers around 20,000 m² and houses more than 50 tanks — some of them underground — with over 250 species on display, from Mediterranean natives to tropical and freshwater fish, reptiles, and jellyfish.
As you enter, you'll pass through a gift shop offering aquarium-themed souvenirs, educational DVDs, and books. The aquarium also runs daily lectures and school programs, including a collaboration with Sharklab on plastic reduction awareness.
When designing the building, a restaurant, parking space and playground with kiosk were also added.
You will find a beautiful restaurant with sea view in the building. La Nave Bistro open from 09:30 for breakfast, lunch & dinner ; Café del Mar in the afternoon.
What Else Is On Site
Besides the aquarium itself, the site includes:
A restaurant with sea views (La Nave Bistro open from 09:30 for breakfast, lunch & dinner)
A children's playground next to the terrace
A Café del Mar (Only open in the summer in the afternoon until late)
Parking for approximately 160 cars (underground and above-ground)
A nearby water playground with several water features (Only open in the summer)
Visitor Guide
The Malta National Aquarium is one of the island's most popular attractions and an ideal activity for families, couples, and travelers who want to explore Malta even when the weather isn't so good. Located in Qawra (St. Paul's Bay), the aquarium offers a combination of education, relaxation, and impressive underwater worlds.
Why visit the National Aquarium in Malta
The National Aquarium Malta is one of the most popular marine life attractions on the island, offering visitors an engaging and educational experience in Qawra.
The National Aquarium Malta is a popular visitor attraction where guests can easily explore a wide variety of marine life, including diverse marine species and impressive underwater exhibits, making the aquarium a favourite family attraction in Malta.
A family-friendly attraction in Qawra
As a Malta-based travel writer living in Qawra, I experience the National Aquarium Malta almost daily. I have visited the aquarium multiple times and continue to be impressed by both the architecture and the underwater exhibits. The dedicated staff regularly expand the displays and introduce new themes, ensuring that repeat visitors always discover something new. From my own experience, simply watching the diverse marine life is reason enough to visit — it is a relaxing, educational, and memorable attraction for visitors of all ages.
What can you expect?
The aquarium takes you through various themed zones, including:
Mediterranean habitats with local fish species
Tropical seas with colorful fish
Shark tunnel – one of the highlights
Roman shipwreck as a backdrop
Everything is clearly laid out and easily accessible, including for strollers and wheelchairs.
Animals & Exhibits at Malta National Aquarium
250 species of fish that can be found all over the world are located in 53 different tanks, because fish that live in fresh water cannot live in salt water and also the habitat per animal is different, after all it is often warmer in the south than in the north. The main tank is 12 meters in diameter and filled with water, you walk between the hornfish, cat shark fish, octopuses, cat sharks, etc. There is also a terrarium with different tanks with reptiles such as chameleons, snakes, amphibians, exotic invertebrates.
Of course you are not allowed to feed the animals yourself, but the animals are fed by the caretakers throughout the afternoon.
The aquarium consists of five zones, namely:
Zone 1. You discover the west coast of Malta through a replica submarine surrounded with little windows. You come across all kinds of Mediterranean Sea creatures.
Zone 2. You imagine yourself in the Port of Valletta, which is decorated with murals. There you get acquainted with the sea creatures that are in the port.
Zone 3. You walk in the Indo Pacific Ocean and get acquainted with the sea creatures that live here.
Zone 4. You enter an ancient ghost shipwreck, where you will see ancient Roman remains and the anchor of the ship where Apostle Paul suffered a shipwreck. Here you will also find the larger Mediterranean fish species. You will also be introduced to various fish that are bred in Malta.
Zone 5. You will become acquainted with the animal species that are found around the iconic Azure Window, Blue Lagoon and the Xwejni salt pans.
A great and educational walk depends on your interests and takes on average between 60 and 90 minutes. Taking pictures is allowed but no flash.
Reptiles, Amphibians & Terrariums
You are now in the area where reptiles and amphibians live that can be found all over the world.
Special program
10:30 am – Baby Sharks Talk
11:00 am – Mediterranean Section Talk & Feeding
12:00 pm – Jellyfish Talk
01:00 pm – Main tank Talk & Feeding
02:30 pm – Piranhas Talk & Feeding
03:15 pm – Reptiles Talk
04:00 pm – Main Tank Talk
05:00 pm – Big Fish Campaign Talk
FAQ and All Visitor Information with Details about the National Aquarium Malta
Opening hours
Monday - Sunday
10:00 - 18:00
Last admission
17:15 – Advice: arrive at least 45 minutes before closing.
Tickets & Prices
Adults (13+ yrs): € 16.90
Senior (60+ yrs): € 13.90
Children (4-12 yrs): € 10.90
Disability Card Holders: € 3.00 + € 1.00
Children up to 3 years: Free
Disability Card Holders: € 3.00 + € 1.00
Children up to 3 years: Free
Prices are indicative and may change. We recommend checking availability and booking tickets in advance.
Family & Annual Passes
Family ticket (2 parents + two children): No option available
Annual family fee €99 (max. 2 adults + 3 children); individual fee €45.
Guided Tours
Guided tour available for €45, please reserve in advance
* Prices are adjusted annually and may differ at the entrance of the attraction.
Where to Buy Tickets for Malta National Aquarium
Buying your entrance ticket online in advance is the easiest way to visit — it saves time and lets you skip the queue. Click here to order your ticket for the National Aquarium Malta
Book your tickets in advance during weekends and school holidays to avoid queues.
A good way to order entrance tickets for the National Aquarium in Qawra, Malta. is online, as this saves you time and allows you to proceed straight away.
Travel with the hop on hop off bus
Enjoy the island of Malta; the buses stops directly in front of the National Aquarium. Click here to order hop-on hop-off bus tickets
Getting There
Address: Triq it-Trunċiera, Qawra (look for the white starfish-shaped dome)
By bus, by hop-on hop-off bus: The bus stops directly in front of the aquarium, by Taxi.
Public transport:
Nearby is the bus stop named "Ben" (the Ta' Fra Ben area), served by buses 45, 186, 212, 214, 221, 280, N11, and N20. The bus terminal, where buses 223 and Airport Direct 1 also stop, is a short walk away.
Taxi:
The most commonly used taxi companies are Bolt and Ecabs. You can order a taxi through an app.
Car & Parking:
Underground and above-ground parking available for approx. 160 cars.
Location & Address of Malta National Aquarium
Click here to view the location and route
Triq it-Trunċiera, Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar, SPB 1500 (recognizable by the white starfish dome).
Triq it-Trunċiera, Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar, SPB 1500 (recognizable by the white starfish dome).
Address and location can be found on our map in the main menu to open the map with markers.
Accessibility at Malta National Aquarium
Wheelchair & Mobility Access
Fully wheelchair accessible, lift available. Mobility scooters allowed (height restrictions apply). Wheelchair accessible toilets. Audio/video kit for hearing-impaired visitors. The are no wheelchairs available for rent.
Facilities for Visitors with Disabilities
Visual aids available. Aquarium is spread over one floor. Only assistance dogs are allowed.
Food, Drinks & Restaurants
The building houses La Nave Bistro with sea views opens at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Next to the building is the exclusive Café del Mar is in the summer available; sea views. The aquarium is located on the boulevard, within walking distance there are kiosks, bars and restaurants.
Rules, Photography & Pets Policy
Photos without flash are allowed. No animals / pets are allowed
Latest news and official website of the attraction
Click here for the official National Aquarium Malta website
Your visit can be combined with fun activities for the whole family in Bugibba & Qawra / sightseeing:
A visit to The Malta Classic Car Collection is also recommended. A little further afield, Salina Park is highly recommended, with its nature park and many children's play equipment, the nature park with salt pans, and, of course, the bird park. This area, with all its attractions, is very educational and enough to fill a day trip. A little further afield is the Roman Path, where tranquility, history, and nature converge.
Children’s Playground & Family Activities
Right next to the aquarium you will find a playground. While you enjoy a drink or snack, the children can play safely next to the terrace area. within walking distance, there's a water playground with various water features.
conservation & education opportunities in Malta National Aquarium
There are daily lectures, school programs, and projects (Sharklab), these programs focused on awareness and plastic reduction. A guided excursion is also very educational.
Beach fun, swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing
The aquarium is located right on the seafront, with a promenade in front of it. Along the promenade, which runs from Qawra, Bugibba, and St. Paul's Bay, you'll find numerous beautiful spots for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and more.
The Bugibba water park
The Bugibba Water Park is also within walking distance. A fun activity for the family for a full day in Bugibba and Qawra.
What else is there to do at the Malta National Aquarium?
For more information and nearby attractions, we refer you to our general information pages about the Municipality of St. Paul’s Bay.
