St Paul’s Bay: Malta National Aquarium Entry Ticket

The best moment here is the walk-through main tank, where sharks and larger fish pass above you. I like the clear displays tied to Malta’s landmarks, and I like that the visit mixes marine life with reptiles, amphibians, insects, and conservation lessons. It feels like more than a room full of fish tanks.

The catch is size. You may finish in 30 to 45 minutes if you move quickly, while families and careful readers can spend 1 to 2 hours. At $20 per person, the value depends on how much you use the talks, feeding sessions, interactive features, and other on-site facilities.

Key points to know before you go

• Walk beneath sharks and large fish: The main tank tunnel is the aquarium’s clearest highlight and the best photo spot.
• See 51 display tanks: The collection covers Mediterranean and worldwide species, with more than 250 species in all.
• Plan around talks and feedings: Sessions may include piranha and shark feedings, plus short educational presentations.
• Expect a compact visit: Fast visitors may finish in about 30 minutes, but reading every panel and watching activities can fill 1 to 2 hours.
• Good for mixed-age families: Young children have interactive features, while adults get conservation information and Malta-themed exhibits.
• Ticket terms are flexible: The entry ticket is valid for 180 days, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit.

Inside Malta’s starfish-shaped aquarium

The Malta National Aquarium sits in St Paul’s Bay inside a distinctive starfish-shaped building. That unusual exterior gives the visit a bit of character before you even reach the tanks.

Inside, the route leads you through 51 displays with more than 250 species. You can expect saltwater and freshwater fish, jellyfish, reptiles, frogs, insects, and other marine life. The variety matters for families because children who lose interest in fish may still stop for amphibians, reptiles, or the smaller creatures.

The exhibits are arranged around Malta’s historical landmarks. This gives the aquarium a local frame instead of presenting the animals as a disconnected collection. Each display aims to recreate a particular natural underwater setting, while signs explain what you are seeing and how human activity threatens marine habitats.

I would not mistake this for one of Europe’s giant aquariums. It is a compact attraction, and that is both its strength and its limit. You can cover it without losing half a day, but you should not expect endless halls or enormous numbers of tanks.

The main tank tunnel is the star attraction

The walk-through tunnel is the part I would save time for. It places you below the main tank, with larger fish and small to medium-sized sharks moving overhead. The effect is simple but effective, especially for children who want a clear sense of being under the sea.

This area can become crowded. If several people stop at once, your view may be blocked, and visitors do not always take turns politely. Go early if you want a calmer look, particularly during busy holiday periods.

The tunnel also gives you a useful change of pace. Smaller displays ask you to stand close and study details, while the large tank lets you pause and watch movement. You do not need specialist marine knowledge to enjoy it, and the nearby explanations help you understand the animals rather than simply identify them.

Malta-themed displays give the route a local feel

The themed displays connect the aquarium to Malta’s landmarks and past. This is a smart choice because it makes the setting feel specific to Malta, not like a standard attraction that could be anywhere.

You will see habitats designed around the needs of different species. The value is in the detail: tank layout, underwater surroundings, and written information help show why animals live where they do. If you like reading signs, allow extra time. A quick circuit gives you the main sights, but careful reading makes the visit more worthwhile.

The displays cover both local Mediterranean life and species from farther away. That mix gives you a broad look at aquatic environments, though some people may want more fish variety. The aquarium is best understood as a focused, manageable collection rather than a huge catalogue of ocean life.

Talks and feeding sessions can improve the visit

The strongest educational moments come from the scheduled talks and feeding sessions. Staff presentations cover the animals in a more lively way than a sign can, and the sessions are designed to work for children as well as adults.

Piranha feeding is one example. Shark feeding can also be a highlight, especially for children who already have a fascination with sharks. Feeding times are not stated as fixed in the ticket information, so check what is running when you arrive rather than assuming every session will be available.

I would make a point of asking at the entrance about the day’s activities. One family was directed to a shark feeding shortly after arrival, and that small bit of timing made a major difference. The education team has also been praised for its enthusiasm, so a talk is worth choosing over a quick walk past the tank.

Some visitors would prefer a guided visit through the whole aquarium. Standard admission is self-guided, and a full guided tour is not included. That gives you freedom to set your own pace, but you need to read the displays and check the activity times yourself.

Interactive features add variety for children

The aquarium includes interactive points for children and adults. One feature described by visitors is a short submarine simulation, presented as a crashing submarine trip toward the ocean floor. Another is a pressure chamber-style experience lasting about two minutes.

These attractions are not the reason to buy the ticket on their own, but they break up the viewing route. A young child may not stand at every tank long enough to read the information, so small hands-on features can help keep the visit moving.

The aquarium works well for families with children of different ages. Toddlers may enjoy the large fish and movement in the tunnel, while older children can focus on animal facts and conservation. Children who become overwhelmed by crowds may have a harder time during the busiest periods, especially in narrow viewing areas.

Conservation information makes the tanks more meaningful

The aquarium explains the main threats facing marine habitats and presents environmental responsibility as part of its mission. This is important because the visit is not only about seeing attractive animals behind glass.

The conservation message gives parents a natural way to talk with children about plastic, human activity, and damage to the sea. The exact lesson will depend on how carefully you read the material, but the subject is built into the displays.

I also appreciate the contrast between the colorful tanks and the more serious information beside them. You get the pleasure of watching jellyfish or fish move through the water, then a reminder that these habitats are not protected from human choices. That balance gives the aquarium some purpose beyond a rainy-day activity.

Allow 30 minutes or two hours, depending on your pace

Timing is the most personal part of this visit. A fast circuit can take around 30 minutes. If you stop at each display, read the panels, watch a talk, and spend time in the tunnel, 1 to 2 hours is more realistic.

Some families report spending about two hours with the exhibits. That is a good target if you want the visit to feel unhurried. The aquarium is not huge, so you do not need to block out an entire day unless you plan to eat on site or add another activity.

A repeat walk through the route can also work for children. You can return to favorite tanks after reaching the end, and the second pass may be calmer if the first was crowded.

The aquarium is also useful when Malta’s weather turns unpleasant. It gives you a structured indoor activity without demanding a full day. If your schedule is tight, the compact size makes it easier to fit between other St Paul’s Bay plans.

The café, restaurant, shop, and extra areas

A café and restaurant are available on site, along with a gift shop. The restaurant has received particularly strong praise for its food, making it possible to turn a short aquarium visit into a longer afternoon outing.

The gift shop sells items such as bracelets, magnets, and children’s soft toys. Prices vary, so keep in mind that souvenir photos and shop purchases cost extra. One photo was priced at €7, which is easy to mistake for a complimentary keepsake if you do not check first.

There is also a separate upper floor connected with Malta, including historical information and objects recovered from the sea. This adds another layer to the visit, although the ticket information centers on aquarium entry, so you should confirm what areas are open on your date.

The building and facilities are generally described as clean and well maintained. Toilets are available, and a park outside gives families a place to pause before or after the aquarium.

Is the $20 ticket good value?

At $20 per person, the ticket is fair if you plan to stay for at least an hour and use the full experience. The tunnel, talks, feeding sessions, interactive features, and additional areas can make the price feel reasonable.

The value is weaker if you rush through in 30 minutes. Several factors affect your visit: crowd levels, how much you read, whether a feeding session is running, and how long children remain interested.

The ticket is valid for 180 days, which is useful if you are arranging a Malta itinerary before finalizing each day. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the visit. Those terms reduce the risk of booking too early.

Standard admission includes only entry. It does not include a tour, and behind-the-scenes access requires an additional payment if available. That extra visit has included food preparation, laboratories, and staff explanations, but it is not part of this basic ticket.

Getting there and choosing your time

You start at the Malta National Aquarium in St Paul’s Bay. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, which makes it practical for many family groups and mixed-mobility parties.

Public buses run along the road near the attraction. Taxis are another option, and one family placed the ride from St Julian’s at about €15. That fare can vary, so treat it as a rough guide rather than a fixed price.

Arrive near opening if you want the best chance of viewing the tanks without heavy crowds. The aquarium can fill quickly, and crowded viewing points make it harder to stop with a stroller or let a child watch the fish.

Before entering, ask about talks, shark feeding, and piranha feeding. These activities can turn a short visit into a fuller one, and the staff can point you toward the next session.

Do not use flash photography. Alcohol, drugs, and pets are not allowed. These rules are simple, but they matter in a dark aquarium where bright flashes can disturb animals and other visitors.

Who will enjoy this aquarium most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families with young children, couples looking for an easy indoor activity, and anyone interested in Malta’s sea life without committing to a large attraction.

It also suits visitors who like to set their own pace. You can move quickly, return to a favorite tank, or stop for a talk without being tied to a group guide. The downside is that you must create your own structure, since the entry ticket does not include a guided tour.

Adults should not dismiss it as only a children’s attraction. The conservation displays, Malta-themed presentation, reptiles, amphibians, and underwater artifacts give you enough variety for a pleasant visit. Still, if you have already seen several major aquariums, the smaller scale may feel limited.

For a child who loves sharks, feeding sessions can be the deciding feature. For a child who needs quiet and space, go early and allow for the possibility that busy viewing areas may feel stressful.

Should you book the Malta National Aquarium?

Book it if you want a manageable family activity with a strong tunnel experience, useful talks, and a mix of marine and land-based animals. The aquarium is clean, accessible, easy to navigate, and simple to fit into a St Paul’s Bay day.

Skip it if you expect a huge aquarium or need a full-day attraction. At $20, you get better value by staying for the educational sessions, reading the displays, visiting the extra areas, and using the café or restaurant. Check the activity times at arrival, go early for a calmer visit, and treat the ticket as a 1 to 2-hour outing rather than an all-day event.

FAQ

How long is the Malta National Aquarium visit?

A quick visit can take about 30 minutes. If you read the display information, watch talks or feeding sessions, and take your time, plan on 1 to 2 hours.

What does the entry ticket include?

The ticket includes entry to the Malta National Aquarium. A guided tour and behind-the-scenes access are not included.

How many tanks and species are at the aquarium?

The aquarium has 51 display tanks and more than 250 species. Displays include freshwater and saltwater fish, jellyfish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Malta National Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 180 days. You should check availability for the starting times offered on your chosen date.