If you’re planning a trip to Malta with children, the Malta National Aquarium should definitely be on your list. Although this aquarium is relatively small, it offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. In addition to the variety of fish, kids will particularly enjoy the reptiles area, as well as the talks with the keepers that provide a great opportunity to learn more about marine life.
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What to See at the Malta National Aquarium
The Malta National Aquarium features 52 tanks. These tanks are home to a stunning array of Mediterranean marine species, reptiles, insects, and amphibians from around the globe, providing visitors with a truly immersive experience in the diversity of nature.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MALTA
To get the most out of your visit to Malta, enjoy the convenience of the all-inclusive Malta Multi Pass. It includes open-top bus rides, cruises, and entry to Heritage Malta and other attractions.
During your trip, you can stay in touch with family and friends with Holafly eSIM and enjoy an unlimited connection at 3G/4G/LTE speeds.
Renting a car in Malta allows you to explore any beach or attraction at your own pace. Plus, you can travel with confidence by securing Heymondo travel insurance, ensuring that your adventures are worry-free.
Aquarium Tanks
The highlight of the aquarium is the main tank, which has a walk-through tunnel and hosts blacktip sharks, zebra sharks, leopard sharks, bamboo sharks, rays, eels, and other Indo-Pacific species. Walking through the tunnel is a thrilling experience as sharks glide above and around you.
In addition to the tanks, the aquarium includes a laboratory, a food preparation room, and quarantine facilities, all part of its commitment to marine life conservation and research. You can visit the food and preparation room with a private tour you can book online or at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.
Malta’s Western Shoreline
The visit to the Malta National Aquarium starts with exploring the Mediterranean waters. In the Western Shoreline zone, you’ll encounter familiar species such as gilt-head sea bream, European sea bass, mullet, grouper, amberjacks, and scorpionfish.
If you look at the sandy bottom, you might also spot undulate rays, relatives of sharks, hiding beneath the surface. This zone also highlights the aquarium’s collaboration with Sharklab Malta, a local NGO. Thanks to their joint efforts, over 300 sharks have been returned to Maltese waters.
Valletta Harbour
In the Valletta Harbour zone, the tanks showcase local species, such as sea bream and mottled grouper, as well as local invertebrates, like the Mediterranean slipper lobster.
Tropical Oceans
In the Tropical Oceans zone, you can see the most colourful marine life. The large main tank simulates the Indo-Pacific Ocean and hosts pompano fish, unicorn tangs, batfish, and bannerfish swimming amongst coral shipwrecks.
Walking through the tunnel, you’ll see above you blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, and zebra sharks swimming. This section is really the most mesmerising part of the visit, and kids will be totally fascinated by sharks.
Roman Times
The Roman Times zone recreates the atmosphere of an ancient shipwreck. Amongst replicas of Roman artefacts, you’ll find damselfish, clownfish, cleaner shrimps and more.
Gozo and Comino
The next zone is a tribute to Malta’s sister islands. Scenes from the iconic Azure Window, the Xwejni saltpans, and the Blue Lagoon represent Gozo and Comino.
Reptiles and Amphibians Area
Beyond marine life, the aquarium offers a Reptiles and Amphibians Area. This section is a big hit with kids and adults alike, showcasing creatures from across the globe.
You’ll see invertebrates like stick insects, beetles, and Brazilian red and white tarantulas. Amongst reptiles, look for black and white Argentine tegus, leopard geckos, snakes and Anole lizards. Amphibians, such as the colourful poison dart frogs, bring even more vibrancy to this zone.
We had the chance to attend an educational talk by a keeper and it was absolutely fascinating, especially for children who could hear interesting facts about snakes and spiders. Plus, inside the snake tanks, two domes allow kids to pop their heads inside and feel like they are part of the habitat. A truly magical experience!
Deep Explorer Experience
One of the standout features at the Malta National Aquarium is the thrilling submarine installation that takes you to the ocean’s depths, complete with a surprise at the end. My son enjoyed it so much that we experienced it five times in a row. This is definitely an attraction you shouldn’t miss!
How to Plan Your Visit to Malta National Aquarium
Although not very large, the Malta National Aquarium is well-organised and engaging. It’s perfect for spending a couple of hours, especially if you have young children.
Inside, there is a dedicated kids’ area with interactive tablets where children can colour fish. The focus on marine conservation and environmental awareness (especially about plastic pollution) is a strong theme throughout the aquarium, making it an ideal visit for educating children on this important issue.
Opening Hours
The Malta National Aquarium is open every day from Monday to Sunday, between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Check the opening time below.
Admission Fee
Malta National Aquarium tickets cost €13.95 for adults, while children between the ages of 4 and 12 can enter for €8.90, and toddlers aged 0 to 3 years are free of charge. There is also a discount for people aged more than 60 years old.
You can buy tickets at the aquarium on the day of your visit or online. If you visit during high season, I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Online, you can purchase your tickets from both the aquarium website and resellers, like GetYourGuide. If you purchase your tickets online through GetYourGuide, they may cost a bit more than the official website.
However, the convenience of having all your tickets for Malta in one place can be quite beneficial. I often use GetYourGuide during my trips for this very reason, as it streamlines the process and makes planning a lot easier!
How to Reach the Malta National Aquarium
The Malta National Aquarium is located in the Qawra area of St. Paul’s Bay, in Northern Malta. We stayed nearby, so we walked to the aquarium. However, if your hotel or apartment is in a different area of Malta, keep in mind that the island is generally easier to explore by car than with public transport. To search for rental cars and compare prices I find DiscoverCars very useful, but you can also check prices on RentalCars.
Near the aquarium there’s a free parking lot; just make sure you validate your parking ticket at the counter when you enter. You can get directions using Google Maps. We used it during our entire trip and it was really convenient.
Malta National Aquarium
Triq it-Trunciera, Qawra, San Pawl il-Bahar SPB 1500
Where to stay in Malta
The best areas to stay in Malta are St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, and Valletta. St. Julian’s is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy evening entertainment. A great place to stay in St. Julian’s is the stunning Mercure St. Julian’s Malta.
Valletta, the walled fortress city and capital of Malta, is filled with beautiful churches, museums, and palaces. I recommend Valletta for a romantic city break, and the luxurious AX The Saint John is the best hotel for an unforgettable stay.
St. Paul’s Bay is perfect for family trips, as it offers a calmer atmosphere compared to St. Julian’s and Valletta, along with several great playgrounds for children. For accommodation, you can choose the Best Western Premier Malta.
Final Thoughts About the Malta National Aquarium
The Malta National Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families, especially for children fascinated by fish and reptiles. Its strong focus on marine conservation makes the visit both fun and educational. Feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
2 comments
Great place to go with family, kids will have a lot of fun, don’t skip the Deep Explorer
I totally agree! Deep Explorer is definitely the most fun attraction in the aquarium