Malta National Aquarium is on Triq it-Trunciera in Qawra, beside the coast at St Paul’s Bay. Its exhibits range from fish found in Maltese waters to species from the Indo-Pacific, with reptiles, insects and amphibians along the route. The underwater tunnel brings you beneath a large tank, where sharks and rays pass overhead. Interactive displays, including a deep-diving simulation, add another layer to the visit. The route is easy to follow, and the aquarium suits families or anyone looking for an indoor activity near the bay.
Marine life from Malta and beyond
The aquarium is in Qawra, on the coast of St Paul’s Bay. Its route brings together animals from Maltese waters and marine environments farther afield. Look for local fish alongside species from the Indo-Pacific, including sharks, rays and eels. The exhibits also include reptiles, insects and amphibians, so the visit covers more than fish tanks.
Displays include replicas of historic objects found in the seas around the Maltese islands. These give the marine exhibits a local context, connecting the underwater environment with Malta’s maritime past. Other large exhibits recreate settings from around the islands and beyond.
The underwater tunnel and interactive exhibits
The main tank’s underwater tunnel is a focal point of the visit. As you walk beneath the water, sharks and rays move above you, giving a close view of animals that are harder to observe from the sides of a tank. There is also a smaller tunnel that visitors can crawl through.
For a hands-on change of pace, try the deep-diving simulation. Interactive exhibits and information displays make the aquarium a manageable outing for children as well as adults. The route is described as straightforward to follow, and many visitors complete it in around an hour, though those who stop at the displays can take longer.
Historic replicas and planning your visit
The aquarium’s displays include underwater replicas of St Paul’s shipwreck and the HMS Stubborn submarine, as well as a replica of the bronze Christ of the Abyss statue. An upstairs historical display is another stop to include if you have time beyond the main tanks.
The aquarium has a café and a gift shop, along with parking facilities. Online ticket booking is recommended in the visitor information, and some visitors report that booking ahead helped them avoid waiting at the entrance. Talks, tours and feeding times are also mentioned as part of the day’s programme, so check what is scheduled when planning your visit.
FAQ
How long do you need at Malta National Aquarium?
Plan for about one to two hours. Some visitors complete the exhibits in roughly an hour, while time at the displays can extend the visit.
What is the highlight of Malta National Aquarium?
The underwater tunnel takes you beneath a large tank, with sharks and rays swimming overhead.
Can you buy tickets online?
Yes. Online booking is recommended and can make entry easier when queues form.
Is Malta National Aquarium suitable for children?
Yes. The aquarium is family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and a deep-diving simulation alongside the animal displays.
