Malta’s aquarium is a great reset button on a hot day. You get 52 tanks to explore at your pace, plus that walk-through tunnel where you feel close to the fish. I especially like the focus on both Mediterranean life and animals from farther afield, so it feels bigger than it sounds.

My other favorite part is the starfish-shaped building and the indoor comfort. You’ll also get an easy outing for families, with a children’s play area and plenty to keep kids moving. The main trade-off: the aquarium is smaller than some big-name aquariums, so you may want realistic expectations.

Key Highlights I’d Plan Around

• Walk-through glass tunnel for an up-close view as fish swim overhead and around you
• Starfish-shaped aquarium building that makes the whole visit feel like a themed experience
• Sharks and rays including black-tip sharks, horn sharks, zebra sharks, eels, and rays
• Mediterranean + Indo-Pacific exhibits so you’re not looking at the same “same tank, different sign” effect
• Kids play area and parking fees included for fewer surprises in your budget
• Self-paced visit time where you can linger, loop back, and go at your own speed

Malta National Aquarium in Saint Paul’s Bay: The Simple Pitch

This is the kind of place you can do without stress. You head to Saint Paul’s Bay (from Mellieha), show your ticket, and explore the aquarium on your own time. The total visit window usually lands around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you stop for the big tanks.

What makes it work is the mix. You’ll see classic aquarium favorites like sharks and rays, but you’ll also find reptiles, insects, and amphibians, plus historical artifacts connected to the Maltese islands’ sea. It’s a good “one-stop” outing when you want something educational without a long day plan.

Tickets, Price, and Timing Without the Fuss

The ticket price is $20.30 per person. For that, you’re paying for a well-built indoor attraction with lots of tanks and a self-guided route—so value comes from how much time you spend going slowly and re-checking the tunnels and main displays.

It’s also a ticket that people plan ahead for: on average, it’s booked about 10 days in advance. If you’re visiting during a busy stretch, reserving ahead helps you avoid last-minute uncertainty.

Opening hours run daily 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, during the listed season window (11/10/2025 to 07/31/2026). I’d aim for late morning or early afternoon so you get decent light outside for the views after you exit.

Entering the Starfish-Shaped Building and Finding the 52-Tank Layout

Right away, you’re dealing with an aquarium designed to be easy to navigate. The building has a curved, shell-like look—an iconic structure shaped like a starfish, which also helps you keep your orientation as you move from indoor tanks to the outdoor promenade.

Inside, you’re looking at 52 tanks. That’s a lot of “units” to scan, but it’s not a maze. Most people find an hour and a half is plenty time to see the highlights and still take breaks.

I like that the aquarium doesn’t push you into a tight schedule. You can take as much time as you want, which matters if you’re traveling with kids, or if you’re the type who likes to linger near glass instead of speed-walking.

The Main 12-Meter Tank and That Walk-Through Glass Tunnel

If you only care about one thing, make it the main tank. This one is 12 meters in diameter and includes a walk-through tunnel—the kind of exhibit where fish swim around you instead of just behind flat glass.

This is where the visit gets memorable. You can look up and around while rays and other larger animals cruise past, and it’s the part of the aquarium that tends to pull people back for a second look.

Practical tip: give yourself a little time here even if you feel like you’ve “seen it.” The tunnel views change as you move, and it’s usually worth doing slowly instead of treating it like a quick photo pass.

Sharks, Rays, and Eels: The Exhibits to Prioritize

The aquarium’s animal lineup is where the ticket earns its keep. In the main tank, you can see Indo-pacific species, including black-tip sharks, zebra sharks, rays, and eels. Horn sharks are also mentioned as part of the experience highlights, so keep an eye out for them as you work your way through.

You’ll also find species described as coming from the Mediterranean and from around the globe. That matters because it helps the tanks feel purposeful, not random.

A note on expectations: you may not find the biggest mega-exhibit animals that some larger aquariums are known for. Still, the selection is focused, and the glass tunnel makes even “smaller” spaces feel closer and more dramatic.

Mediterranean-Minded Details: Historical Artefacts and Built-For-Context Tanks

One of the more interesting angles is the way the aquarium connects marine life to Malta. You’ll encounter historical artefacts found in Maltese waters alongside marine exhibits. That adds context, especially if you like travel experiences that feel rooted rather than generic.

Tanks are also described as being designed to replicate underwater environments. You’re not just seeing fish in a plain “storage tank” look—your route is more like a guided timeline of habitats and ocean regions.

And if you care about ocean protection messaging, some exhibits include sustainability and ocean cleanliness-style information. Even when the content isn’t long, it gives your visit a sense of meaning beyond watching animals swim.

Reptiles, Insects, and Amphibians: The Section Adults Sometimes Enjoy Most

Aquariums can skew fish-only, which gets repetitive fast. Here, you’re also dealing with reptiles, insects, and amphibians in the same overall visit flow.

This is one of the reasons the aquarium works for families: different ages tend to latch onto different sections. If kids get bored watching fish, they might get a burst of curiosity in the non-fish exhibits. If adults get bored of fish tanks, the reptile and amphibian areas can feel refreshing.

One practical upside: these sections often give you a break from the “same light, same water, same glass” loop. It keeps your eyes and attention moving.

Outdoors After the Tanks: Promenade Views and the Kids Play Area

After you finish the indoor exhibits, you step outside to the landscaped promenade. This is a nice change of pace because you get to breathe and reset your eyes.

From the promenade, you can take in sweeping views of St. Paul’s Islands. That’s a helpful travel rhythm: inside for the animals, outside for the scenery.

There’s also a children’s play area, and it’s included. That’s a real value add if your group includes kids who need a chance to burn off energy before the next stop.

Food, Parking, and the Stuff That Can Change Your Day

There are food outlets on site, but food and drinks aren’t included. Some people find the restaurant fine for a quick meal, while others treat it as something to skip in favor of elsewhere. If you’re picky about meals, I’d plan to treat the on-site option as convenient rather than essential.

Parking fees are listed as included, but you might still want to confirm what that means on the day you arrive, because parking experiences can vary. If you’re driving, I’d arrive with a little extra time so you can sort it out without rushing.

You’ll also likely run into photo points—some visitors mention a photo taken at the start that you can purchase at the end. If that matters to you, ask staff where the photo fit is in the flow so you’re not surprised by it later.

Special Mention: Behind-the-Scenes Tours and Staff Energy

One of the strongest threads in the feedback is how much visitors appreciate the staff. In particular, there’s mention of an information-rich behind-the-scenes tour with Chris. That’s described as a paid add-on, so it’s not part of the entrance ticket itself, but it can be a worthwhile option if it’s available when you go.

Even without the add-on, the aquarium experience benefits from staff who are present and helpful. That matters in smaller attractions, where you might otherwise feel like you’re left to figure it out alone.

Value Check: Is This Ticket Worth Your Time?

For $20.30 per person, you’re buying an air-conditioned indoor outing with 52 tanks, a walk-through tunnel, and family-friendly extras like the kids play area. If you’re going with children, this is exactly the kind of attraction that makes it easy to keep everyone engaged.

For couples or solo visitors, it can still be a good choice—but you should go with the right expectation. The aquarium is described as smaller than some people expect. That doesn’t automatically make it bad. It just means you’ll get your highlights faster, and you may want a plan for after (promenade views, a nearby stroll, or pairing it with another activity in the St. Paul’s Bay area).

If you’re hoping for huge, jaw-dropping exhibits and lots of scheduled programming, you might feel like it’s more of a self-guided option than an event-packed day. Still, the tunnel and the variety (fish plus reptiles/insects/amphibians) do a lot of heavy lifting.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Skip It

This ticket is a strong fit if:

• you want an easy family outing with included kids entertainment
• you love marine animals, especially sharks and rays
• you’re traveling in Malta and need a short, satisfying indoor stop
• you like self-paced attractions where you can spend extra time in one exhibit

It might be less satisfying if:

• you expect the biggest international “wow” aquariums with massive, elaborate attractions
• you need lots of timed shows or presentations during your visit
• you’re sensitive to crowds or queueing (some people do mention lines)

Should You Book the Malta National Aquarium Entrance Ticket?

If you’re in the St. Paul’s Bay area and you want a well-paced aquarium stop that doesn’t eat your whole day, I’d book it. The glass tunnel, the shark and ray exhibits, and the mix beyond just fish make it feel like more than a quick walkthrough.

Go in with realistic size expectations and plan to spend your time where it matters most: the main tank tunnel and the variety sections. If you do that, this ticket turns into a solid Malta day—cool, educational, and family-friendly without being complicated.

FAQ

How long does the Malta National Aquarium entrance visit take?

Most visits run about 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on how long you linger in the tanks and tunnel.

What’s included with the entrance ticket?

The ticket includes admission to the Malta National Aquarium. It also includes the children’s play area and parking fees.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks aren’t included, though there are food outlets on site.

Is the experience self-guided or guided?

You can explore the aquarium on your own, taking as much time as you like. The ticket covers entry, and you move through the exhibits independently.

What languages are available?

The experience is offered in English.

What are the opening hours?

It runs 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, during the listed season window (11/10/2025 – 07/31/2026).

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

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