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Experience the best of Malta National Aquarium

Visit the Malta National Aquarium and view the fish and sharks from the walk-through tunnel in the main tank. This aquarium has 51 tanks, including reptiles, insects, and amphibians, as well as Mediterranean fish, and historical artifacts related to the Maltese islands!
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Slide 1 of 10, Entrance of Malta National Aquarium with octopus mural on glass facade.
Entrance of Malta National Aquarium with octopus mural on glass facade.

Malta National Aquarium Skip-the-Line Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Get entry tickets to the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands, Malta National Aquarium, home to an assortment of over 250 species.

  • The aquarium has over 5 diverse zones – see scorpionfish at Valletta Harbor, leopard geckos in the Reptile and Amphibian zone, and more.

  • In the Main Tank, find species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean like bamboo sharks, rays, and eels. Observe them at a close range in the walk-through tunnel!

  • The Gozo and Comino zone has a unique exhibit dedicated to the Azure window with the Xwejni salt pans, and the Blue Lagoon with crystal clear waters.

More details

  • Get entry tickets to the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands, Malta National Aquarium, home to an assortment of over 250 species.

  • The aquarium has over 5 diverse zones – see scorpionfish at Valletta Harbor, leopard geckos in the Reptile and Amphibian zone, and more.

  • In the Main Tank, find species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean like bamboo sharks, rays, and eels. Observe them at a close range in the walk-through tunnel!

  • The Gozo and Comino zone has a unique exhibit dedicated to the Azure window with the Xwejni salt pans, and the Blue Lagoon with crystal clear waters.

from
€16.90
Slide 1 of 11, Visitor in Malta National Aquarium tunnel and colorful buildings of Popeye Village.
Visitor in Malta National Aquarium tunnel and colorful buildings of Popeye Village.

Combo (Save 10%): Malta National Aquarium + Popeye Village Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Explore diverse marine life at Malta National Aquarium, from eels to octopi, in captivating exhibits like ocean floors and shipwrecks.

  • 5 themed zones bring forth the mottled groupers of Valletta Harbor, unicorn tangs of the Tropical Oceans, scorpionfish in the Mediterranean, and more.

  • Embrace nostalgia at Popeye Village, nestled on a 1980s film set. Step onto iconic locations, and meet characters like Olive Oyl and Captain Bluto.

  • Go behind-the-scenes with a 15-minute documentary and a visit to the comic museum. This family-friendly combo ensures endless fun.

  • Fun fact: On hot summer days, Anchor Bay turns into an inflatable assault course! Cool off with a refreshing splash and warm up on floating sun decks.

More details

  • Explore diverse marine life at Malta National Aquarium, from eels to octopi, in captivating exhibits like ocean floors and shipwrecks.

  • 5 themed zones bring forth the mottled groupers of Valletta Harbor, unicorn tangs of the Tropical Oceans, scorpionfish in the Mediterranean, and more.

  • Embrace nostalgia at Popeye Village, nestled on a 1980s film set. Step onto iconic locations, and meet characters like Olive Oyl and Captain Bluto.

  • Go behind-the-scenes with a 15-minute documentary and a visit to the comic museum. This family-friendly combo ensures endless fun.

  • Fun fact: On hot summer days, Anchor Bay turns into an inflatable assault course! Cool off with a refreshing splash and warm up on floating sun decks.

from Original price€32.90
€29.61

10% off

Slide 1 of 19, Sea adventure boat with tourists at Blue Lagoon, clear turquoise water.
Sea adventure boat with tourists at Blue Lagoon, clear turquoise water.

Full-Day Gozo & Comino Cruise with Blue Lagoon

5 hrs 30 mins - 7 hrs

  • Cruise from Bugibba Jetty on a 6 to 7-hour route covering Malta’s northern coast, Comino, and Gozo in one full-day boat trip.

  • Swim for about one hour at Blue Lagoon, with direct sea access from the boat, shallow turquoise water, sunbeds, shade, and restrooms nearby.

  • The route includes St Paul’s Island, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria pirate caves, Elephant’s Head, and sea caves along Malta’s coast.

  • Add Gozo land transport to visit Victoria, where you can explore the Citadel, browse local shops, and take in city wall views.

More details

  • Cruise from Bugibba Jetty on a 6 to 7-hour route covering Malta’s northern coast, Comino, and Gozo in one full-day boat trip.

  • Swim for about one hour at Blue Lagoon, with direct sea access from the boat, shallow turquoise water, sunbeds, shade, and restrooms nearby.

  • The route includes St Paul’s Island, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria pirate caves, Elephant’s Head, and sea caves along Malta’s coast.

  • Add Gozo land transport to visit Victoria, where you can explore the Citadel, browse local shops, and take in city wall views.

from
€30
Slide 1 of 9, Malta National Aquarium exhibit and red hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus near a historic building.
Malta National Aquarium exhibit and red hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus near a historic building.

Combo (Save 10%): Malta National Aquarium Tickets + Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Harbor Cruise

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Explore Malta’s highlights flexibly with a hop-on hop-off bus pass and gain entry to the Malta National Aquarium in one cost-saving combo.

  • Take your time to explore 38 top attractions across 2 routes with a 1/2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass as buses arrive every 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Soak up the panoramic views, tune into multilingual audio guides, and upgrade to an add-on harbor cruise to see the forts featured in Game of Thrones.

  • Explore the Malta National Aquarium, where blacktip sharks, seahorses, reptiles, and amphibians thrive in habitats that mirror their natural environments.

  • Step into five themed exhibits showcasing reptiles in a vivarium, Roman aquaculture relics & Valletta’s marvellous shipwreck ecology.

More details

  • Explore Malta’s highlights flexibly with a hop-on hop-off bus pass and gain entry to the Malta National Aquarium in one cost-saving combo.

  • Take your time to explore 38 top attractions across 2 routes with a 1/2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass as buses arrive every 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Soak up the panoramic views, tune into multilingual audio guides, and upgrade to an add-on harbor cruise to see the forts featured in Game of Thrones.

  • Explore the Malta National Aquarium, where blacktip sharks, seahorses, reptiles, and amphibians thrive in habitats that mirror their natural environments.

  • Step into five themed exhibits showcasing reptiles in a vivarium, Roman aquaculture relics & Valletta’s marvellous shipwreck ecology.

from Original price€44.90
€40.41

10% off

Slide 1 of 9, Malta National Aquarium exterior and audience watching Malta 5D show.
Malta National Aquarium exterior and audience watching Malta 5D show.

Combo (Save 10%): Malta National Aquarium + Malta 5D Audio-Visual Show Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Discover an underwater world at the popular Malta National Aquarium, where you can see native species, marine life, and ancient Roman shipwrecks.

  • Roam through more than 5 zones, featuring mottled groupers in Valletta Harbor, scorpionfish in the Mediterranean and more.

  • Delve into Malta's rich history with a captivating 5D cinema experience, offering detailed audio commentary in 17 languages.

  • In the 5D show, you'll feel history with special effects like leg ticklers, air blasts, scents, and more.

More details

  • Discover an underwater world at the popular Malta National Aquarium, where you can see native species, marine life, and ancient Roman shipwrecks.

  • Roam through more than 5 zones, featuring mottled groupers in Valletta Harbor, scorpionfish in the Mediterranean and more.

  • Delve into Malta's rich history with a captivating 5D cinema experience, offering detailed audio commentary in 17 languages.

  • In the 5D show, you'll feel history with special effects like leg ticklers, air blasts, scents, and more.

from Original price€26.90
€24.21

10% off

Slide 1 of 10, Malta National Aquarium tunnel and audience at The Malta Experience show.
Malta National Aquarium tunnel and audience at The Malta Experience show.

Combo (Save 10%): Malta National Aquarium + The Malta Experience Tickets

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Malta’s diverse underwater life, including sharks, rays, octopus, and anemones awaits at the Maltese Islands’ largest aquarium.

  • Walk through the main tank’s tunnel and watch the calm, graceful movement of cownose rays, leopard and zebra sharks, and blacktip reefs.

  • The small island nation of Malta packs 7,000 years of dramatic history. Delve into it with a 45-minute audio-visual show with The Malta Experience.

  • Upgrade to include the Holy Infirmary guided tour. Learn about the triumphs, tragedies, and innovations witnessed by the 16th-century hospital.

More details

  • Malta’s diverse underwater life, including sharks, rays, octopus, and anemones awaits at the Maltese Islands’ largest aquarium.

  • Walk through the main tank’s tunnel and watch the calm, graceful movement of cownose rays, leopard and zebra sharks, and blacktip reefs.

  • The small island nation of Malta packs 7,000 years of dramatic history. Delve into it with a 45-minute audio-visual show with The Malta Experience.

  • Upgrade to include the Holy Infirmary guided tour. Learn about the triumphs, tragedies, and innovations witnessed by the 16th-century hospital.

from Original price€32.90
€29.61

10% off

Slide 1 of 13, Visitor exploring underwater tunnel at Malta National Aquarium; red sightseeing bus in Malta street.
Visitor exploring underwater tunnel at Malta National Aquarium; red sightseeing bus in Malta street.

Combo (Save 10%) : Malta National Aquarium Tickets + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Malta

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Get more out of Malta with one combo that includes Malta National Aquarium entry and a 1 or 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour.

  • Wander through themed zones at the aquarium and spot Mediterranean marine life, exotic fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more.

  • Sightsee your way across Malta’s North & South routes, with buses running every 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Hop off at up to 38 attractions, including Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, Blue Grotto, and other island highlights.

  • Enjoy open-top views with free onboard Wi-Fi and audio commentary in 13 languages.

More details

  • Get more out of Malta with one combo that includes Malta National Aquarium entry and a 1 or 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour.

  • Wander through themed zones at the aquarium and spot Mediterranean marine life, exotic fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more.

  • Sightsee your way across Malta’s North & South routes, with buses running every 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Hop off at up to 38 attractions, including Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, Blue Grotto, and other island highlights.

  • Enjoy open-top views with free onboard Wi-Fi and audio commentary in 13 languages.

from Original price€44.90
€40.41

10% off

Slide 1 of 11, Malta National Aquarium tank and classic cars at Malta Classic Car Collection Museum.
Malta National Aquarium tank and classic cars at Malta Classic Car Collection Museum.

Combo (Save 10%): Malta National Aquarium + Classic Car Collection Museum Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Come face-to-face with bamboo sharks, rays, and eels at the Malta National Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands.

  • Discover 5 diverse zones: encounter scorpionfish, leopard geckos, and more, including Valletta Harbor and Reptile zones.

  • Transport yourself through the ages of motoring history at the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum, featuring over 100 meticulously restored vintage vehicles.

  • Admire the powerful engines of classic sports cars, including renowned models such as the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, and Jaguar E-Type.

More details

  • Come face-to-face with bamboo sharks, rays, and eels at the Malta National Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands.

  • Discover 5 diverse zones: encounter scorpionfish, leopard geckos, and more, including Valletta Harbor and Reptile zones.

  • Transport yourself through the ages of motoring history at the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum, featuring over 100 meticulously restored vintage vehicles.

  • Admire the powerful engines of classic sports cars, including renowned models such as the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, and Jaguar E-Type.

from Original price€26.90
€24.21

10% off

Slide 1 of 11, Boat tour with guide and tourists in the harbor of The Three Fortified Cities, Malta.
Boat tour with guide and tourists in the harbor of The Three Fortified Cities, Malta.

Half-Day Guided Tour of The Three Fortified Cities with Boat Tour

3 hrs 30 mins
2 more

  • Discover the fortified harbour cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua on a guided half-day tour through Malta’s historic maritime heart.

  • Enjoy a scenic cruise through the colourful harbour creeks aboard a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” fishing boat.

  • Explore Vittoriosa’s winding medieval streets, historic waterfront, and landmarks shaped by centuries of maritime history.

  • Visit Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and Fort Saint Angelo.

  • Travel comfortably with included hotel transfers and multilingual guided commentary available in five languages.

  • Inclusions

More details

  • Discover the fortified harbour cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua on a guided half-day tour through Malta’s historic maritime heart.

  • Enjoy a scenic cruise through the colourful harbour creeks aboard a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” fishing boat.

  • Explore Vittoriosa’s winding medieval streets, historic waterfront, and landmarks shaped by centuries of maritime history.

  • Visit Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and Fort Saint Angelo.

  • Travel comfortably with included hotel transfers and multilingual guided commentary available in five languages.

  • Inclusions

from
€40

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Standard entry is the core product; child and senior tickets are reduced-price versions of the same self-guided visit, and family bundles may exist. Adult pricing sits in the lower tens of euros, but exact figures and age bands change, so check the live ticket page before choosing.

Online tickets mainly save time at the ticket-purchase desk. They do not bypass bag checks, turnstiles, or crowding inside the tunnel, so treat pre-booking as convenience and peak-day insurance rather than a full fast track.

Choose early morning or late afternoon if you want calmer galleries. Mid-day, rainy days, and high-season afternoons are the times most often linked with school groups, families, and bottlenecks around viewing windows.

This is usually a 1.5–2.5 hour self-guided visit. If you expect a large all-day aquarium, compare the ticket cost against your Malta plan and consider pairing it with the Qawra/Bugibba promenade, a meal, or another nearby stop.

From Valletta or Sliema, bus is cheaper but slower and can be crowded; allow an extra 15–20 minutes beyond timetable estimates. If you have small children, limited mobility, or cruise-ship time limits, taxi or app taxi is the more predictable option.

Do not expect a guided tour or audio guide as part of standard admission. The regular visit is self-paced, with static signage and conservation panels, so it suits visitors who are comfortable exploring on their own.

Annual membership only makes sense if you expect several visits over about 12 months, such as local families or long-stay visitors. For most tourists, a single standard or concession ticket is the better-value choice.

If you want more value from a paid outing, compare combo tickets that pair the aquarium with Popeye Village, the Malta Classic Car Collection, Malta 5D, The Malta Experience, or hop-on hop-off bus options with harbour cruise variants.

Similar things to do in St Pauls Bay

About Malta National Aquarium

A starfish-shaped seafront building and a mostly one-way indoor route make Malta National Aquarium easy to fit into a half-day in Qawra. The exhibits move from Maltese coastal habitats and wider Mediterranean ecosystems to tropical tanks, so the visit combines local context with brighter reef-style displays. It also stays step-free enough for many prams and wheelchairs.

AddressTriq it-Trunciera, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1500, Malta
Also known asMalta Aquarium
Year opened2013
Founded byVincenzo Bellomo
Expected wait time - Standard0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The Malta National Aquarium building has a starfish-shaped footprint when seen from above, making it easy to spot on aerial maps and satellite images.

The aquarium opened to the public in the early 2010s as part of a broader regeneration of the Qawra seafront area.

If you arrive by bus, the nearest stop is literally called “Aquarium,” and it is about 0.1 km, or roughly a 2-minute walk, from the entrance.

School visits and educational programmes are a regular part of the aquarium’s use, which is why weekday mornings can feel busier than some visitors expect.

Lighting is intentionally subdued around some tanks to highlight the fish and reduce glare, a design choice that some visitors enjoy and others find darker for reading labels.

Why visit Malta National Aquarium?

Walk-Through Tunnel With Rays Overhead

The main tunnel is the section many visitors remember longest. Fish and rays pass overhead and beside the viewing path, creating the aquarium’s most immersive area and one of its most photographed stops.

Maltese and Mediterranean Marine Habitats

The aquarium’s core themes include Maltese coastal habitats and wider Mediterranean ecosystems. These tanks help visitors connect the sea outside Qawra with local species, habitat replicas, and conservation panels on issues such as overfishing and habitat protection.

Tropical Tanks Add Color and Contrast

Tropical displays provide a clear change of mood after the local and Mediterranean sections. Reef-style tanks with colourful fish and corals add visual variety and give the route a stronger contrast between local marine life and warmer-water exhibits.

Simple One-Way Indoor Visitor Route

Visitors follow a mostly one-way route through the aquarium, which keeps navigation straightforward and reduces backtracking. Reviews also describe the route as generally step-free, making it easier for many families with prams and visitors using wheelchairs.

Qawra Seafront Setting With Café

The aquarium stands on the Qawra seafront in a distinctive starfish-shaped building. After the exhibits, visitors reach the gift shop and onsite café or restaurant, then can continue the outing along the adjacent promenade and nearby sea-view areas.

Plan your visit

Main Public Entrance

This is the main visitor entrance on the seafront side of the Malta National Aquarium building on Triq it-Trunciera in Qawra. It is the entrance used by all regular visitors, including families, groups, and guests with pre-booked tickets. The door is easy to identify from the nearby “Aquarium” bus stop and from the distinctive starfish-shaped building. Inside, tickets are checked at the entrance desk and/or turnstiles near reception. Visitor reports describe the approach as step-free, making it suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Queues are usually short to moderate on normal days, but they can grow on rainy days and during high-season afternoons.

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What our guests say

Malena R

Paraguay
Couple
3 weeks ago
I did love the cruise. People on the boat was very nice and the places we went we're must. Highly recommended 🥰

Full-Day Gozo & Comino Cruise with Blue Lagoon

Zrinka B

Austria
Group
May 2026

+2 more

A wonderful day trip! The trip to the Blue Lagoon, the speedboat ride, and the cave tour are highly recommended. 👍

Full-Day Gozo & Comino Cruise with Blue Lagoon

Grana E

Greece
Family
Jun 2026

+4 more

Everything was wonderful—such a unique venue—and I'm so glad we found tickets right here on the app!!!! It's much easier to find tickets this way.

Combo: Malta National Aquarium + Popeye Village Tickets

Rosemary P

Ireland
Couple
May 2026
What really stands out is how well the location blends nostalgia with natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo, there’s something genuinely uplifting about the place. Kids will love the entertainment, while adults can appreciate the history and incredible coastal views. Overall, Popeye Village is more than just a tourist spot—it’s a unique experience that captures the imagination and showcases one of Malta’s most scenic locations. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something a little different and memorable.

Combo: Malta National Aquarium + Popeye Village Tickets

Andrew H

United Kingdom
Couple
2 weeks ago
South tour - saw some other intersting parts of Malta. No booklet/information given. Had to call to find out timetable for specific stop. Worth doing for the harbour tour - that was very good.

Combo: Malta National Aquarium Tickets + Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Harbor Cruise

J A

United Kingdom
Group
Sep 2026
Easy access to the bus, friendly drivers, lovely viewpoints, stops as major tourist destinations for 10 mins so easy to spot the bus and get on it, audio guides were available, best way to do a full tour comfortablely

Combo: Malta National Aquarium Tickets + Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Harbor Cruise

Mrs J V

United Kingdom
Group
Sep 2026
Lovely collection of classic cars in fantastic condition, very interesting and enjoyable visit. Would highly recommend. Nice staff, good value for money.

Combo: Malta National Aquarium + Classic Car Collection Museum Tickets

Maria S

Greece
Family
Aug 2026
Everything was perfect. But the skip the line tickets for the aquarium DIDN'T EXIST. I had to wait in the long queue with a 3year old to take my ticket from the cashier desk. Please keep on mind that anyone who books in advance, book for a reason. NOT TO GET IN TROUBLE THERE IN THE LINE with a small kid.

Malta National Aquarium Skip-the-Line Tickets

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