For a moment of culture and seabed discovery, don’t hesitate to visit Malta’s national aquarium in Bugibba (St Paul’s Bay).
Tip: With the My Little Malta discount card, you’ll save €3 on aquarium admission. Find out more about the card.
The Malta National Aquarium
Located near St Paul’s Bay, in the north of the island, the aquarium welcomes you every day from 10am to 6pm and on Saturdays until 8pm. The last tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing time.
Built in 2013 with a futuristic starfish design, the aquarium blends very well with the surrounding cityscape. A children’s park located nearby will delight the most playful among them. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the bay and the island of Gozo that can be seen in the distance.
Relatively close to the Bugibba terminus where many bus lines connect, the aquarium is easily accessible. A parking lot with 140 spaces is also available.
The many species of the Malta National Aquarium
As soon as you enter the aquarium itself, the first thing that jumps out is the effort that has been made on the atmosphere. The decorations are very successful, we really have the impression to be at the bottom of the water. The music is well adapted and pleasant: sounds of the sea, birds and marine mammals.
The aquarium is composed of 26 tanks, each with a theme to give you an idea of the species you will find inside. The “Indian Ocean” tank, located in the center of the aquarium, is the largest with a diameter of 12 meters. This pool is also one of the most impressive since it forms a tunnel above the visitors. You will be able to observe many species, including sharks, swimming close to you.
An amphibian/reptile/insect area has also been recently created within the aquarium, an opportunity to discover brightly colored frogs, snakes of all sizes and other species, each more friendly than the last.
In front of each tank is a touch pad. You will find complete information on all the species it contains.
Operation Sharklab
The aquarium is in partnership with Sharklab, an NGO for the defense and protection of elasmobranchs, a family of fish that includes sharks and rays. That’s why you will find shark eggs and young sharks waiting to be released in different parts of the aquarium.
To learn more about Sharklab’s programs, to help them, or to see a baby shark release, please visit their website.
Malta aquarium prices
13 years and over: €15.90 per person
60 years and over: €12.90 per person
Ages 5 to 12: €9.90 per child
Ages 0 to 3: free admission
And if you’re feeling peckish before or after your visit to the aquarium, La Nave Bistro or Café del Mar offer good value for money.
Catering
If you feel hungry before or after your visit, you can find something to eat at La Nave Bistro, which is located in the aquarium, or at Café del Mar, which is located next door. Both offer a good quality/price ratio.
Malta Aquarium entrance ticket
Order your ticket below, receive it by email immediately and save time at the entrance: