HTML SitemapExplore
logo
Find Things to DoFind The Best Restaurants

Malta National Aquarium — Attraction in Saint Paul's Bay

Name
Malta National Aquarium
Description
The Malta National Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands. It is located in Qawra, in the northern part of the island of Malta, and it hosts more than 175 different species of various animals, including fish, mollusca, reptiles and insects.
Nearby attractions
Qawra Point Beach
St Paul's Bay, Malta
Qawra Tower
XC5F+MRQ, St Paul's Bay, Malta
The Malta Classic Car Collection
Tourist Street Saint Paul's Bay, SPB 1020, Malta
Ix-Xtajta tal-Qawra
St Paul's Bay, Malta
Oracle
Dawret -il - Gzejer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta
Buġibba Temple
35°57'17.0"N 14°25'05., Triq Il-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II, St Paul's Bay, Malta
Buġibba Perched Beach
St Paul's Bay, Malta
SPB Public Beach
25 Islet Promanade, St Paul's Bay, Malta
Quattro Water Park Bugibba
St Paul's Bay, Malta
Nearby restaurants
La Nave
Triq It - Trunciera, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1500, Malta
Vecchia Napoli | Qawra
Dawret Il - Qawra, Qawra, Malta
Trattoria Riccardo
Dawret Il - Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1902, Malta
Cheeky Monkey Gastropub Qawra
Qawra Coast Road, St Paul's Bay, Malta
Luzzu Restaurant
Dawret Il - Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta
Lovage Bistro
Triq l-Imhar, St Paul's Bay, Malta
Ocean Basket
Qawra Road Qawra Saint Pauls Bay SPB, 1905, Malta
Royale Barrel Bistro Bar
Dawret Il - Qawra, Qawra SPB1900, Malta
Minoa
Dawret Il - Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1902, Malta
The Gateway of India Bar & Restaurant
84 Triq l-Imhar, St Paul's Bay SPB 1576, Malta
Nearby hotels
QAWRA Palace Resort & SPA
XC4F+3J6, Dawret Il - Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1900, Malta
Seashells Resort at Suncrest
XC3F+CC2, St Paul's Bay SPB 1902, Malta
Hotel Santana Malta
Il-Maskli, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta
Best Western Premier Malta
Triq It-Tamar, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta
AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa
Dawret Il - Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1981, Malta
Seaview Hotel Malta
Islet Promenade San Pawl il-Baħar, SPB 2441, Malta
Sunseeker
Sunseeker Holiday Complex, Trejqet il-Kulpara, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 2430, Malta
Related posts
Keywords
Malta National Aquarium tourism.Malta National Aquarium hotels.Malta National Aquarium bed and breakfast. flights to Malta National Aquarium.Malta National Aquarium attractions.Malta National Aquarium restaurants.Malta National Aquarium travel.Malta National Aquarium travel guide.Malta National Aquarium travel blog.Malta National Aquarium pictures.Malta National Aquarium photos.Malta National Aquarium travel tips.Malta National Aquarium maps.Malta National Aquarium things to do.
Malta National Aquarium things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Malta National Aquarium
MaltaNorthern RegionSaint Paul's BayMalta National Aquarium

Basic Info

Malta National Aquarium

Triq it-Trunciera, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1500, Malta
4.3(10.5K)
Closed
Save
spot

Ratings & Description

Info

The Malta National Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands. It is located in Qawra, in the northern part of the island of Malta, and it hosts more than 175 different species of various animals, including fish, mollusca, reptiles and insects.

Entertainment
Family friendly
Accessibility
attractions: Qawra Point Beach, Qawra Tower, The Malta Classic Car Collection, Ix-Xtajta tal-Qawra, Oracle, Buġibba Temple, Buġibba Perched Beach, SPB Public Beach, Quattro Water Park Bugibba, restaurants: La Nave, Vecchia Napoli | Qawra, Trattoria Riccardo, Cheeky Monkey Gastropub Qawra, Luzzu Restaurant, Lovage Bistro, Ocean Basket, Royale Barrel Bistro Bar, Minoa, The Gateway of India Bar & Restaurant
logoLearn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Phone
+356 2258 8100
Website
aquarium.com.mt
Open hoursSee all hours
Mon10 AM - 8 PMClosed

Plan your stay

hotel
Pet-friendly Hotels in Saint Paul's Bay
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
hotel
Affordable Hotels in Saint Paul's Bay
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
hotel
The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
hotel
Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Saint Paul's Bay
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Reviews

Nearby attractions of Malta National Aquarium

Qawra Point Beach

Qawra Tower

The Malta Classic Car Collection

Ix-Xtajta tal-Qawra

Oracle

Buġibba Temple

Buġibba Perched Beach

SPB Public Beach

Quattro Water Park Bugibba

Qawra Point Beach

Qawra Point Beach

4.5

(681)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Qawra Tower

Qawra Tower

4.3

(115)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
The Malta Classic Car Collection

The Malta Classic Car Collection

4.8

(1.6K)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Ix-Xtajta tal-Qawra

Ix-Xtajta tal-Qawra

4.5

(23)

Open 24 hours
Click for details

Things to do nearby

A Pastizzi Experience by Michela Cammarota Cefai
A Pastizzi Experience by Michela Cammarota Cefai
Thu, Dec 11 • 4:00 PM
Sliema, SLM1521, Malta
View details
Valletta Walking Tour
Valletta Walking Tour
Tue, Dec 9 • 10:00 AM
Valletta, RBT1970, Malta
View details
Mdina and Rabat Insiders Tour
Mdina and Rabat Insiders Tour
Wed, Dec 10 • 3:00 PM
Mdina, MDN, Malta
View details

Nearby restaurants of Malta National Aquarium

La Nave

Vecchia Napoli | Qawra

Trattoria Riccardo

Cheeky Monkey Gastropub Qawra

Luzzu Restaurant

Lovage Bistro

Ocean Basket

Royale Barrel Bistro Bar

Minoa

The Gateway of India Bar & Restaurant

La Nave

La Nave

4.4

(837)

$$

Click for details
Vecchia Napoli | Qawra

Vecchia Napoli | Qawra

4.2

(1.1K)

$$

Click for details
Trattoria Riccardo

Trattoria Riccardo

4.8

(1.2K)

Click for details
Cheeky Monkey Gastropub Qawra

Cheeky Monkey Gastropub Qawra

4.4

(1.4K)

$$

Click for details
Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
Wanderboat LogoWanderboat

Your everyday Al companion for getaway ideas

CompanyAbout Us
InformationAI Trip PlannerSitemap
SocialXInstagramTiktokLinkedin
LegalTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy

Get the app

© 2025 Wanderboat. All rights reserved.
logo

Reviews of Malta National Aquarium

4.3
(10,452)
avatar
5.0
15w

The Malta National Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions on the island of Malta, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating underwater world. Located in the picturesque town of Qawra, the aquarium is home to a wide range of marine life, ranging from colourful tropical fish to impressive sharks and rays. The modern complex is not only a tourist attraction, but also plays an important role in education and conservation.

The aquarium consists of several themed areas that represent the diverse ecosystems of the Mediterranean and other parts of the world. An impressive tunnel where you are surrounded by sharks and other sea creatures makes for a breathtaking experience. There are also feeding sessions and interactive exhibits where children and adults can learn more about life under the sea.

For those who want something a little more special, the Malta National Aquarium offers the exclusive ‘Back of House’ tour. This tour gives a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium and reveals how the keepers and biologists care for the animals on a daily basis. You will learn about the feeding schedules, water filtration systems and medical care needed to keep the animals healthy.

The ‘Back of House’ tour gives visitors access to the laboratories and quarantine facilities, where new or sick animals are temporarily housed and cared for. It is a unique opportunity to see how scientists work on research projects and how the aquarium is committed to protecting endangered species. This part of the tour not only provides an educational experience, but also raises awareness of the impact of human activities on the oceans. The tour ends with a view of the enormous water tank from above.

In addition to the exhibitions and tours, the Malta National Aquarium also offers a range of activities and workshops for schools and families. Interactive presentations provide insight into marine biology, ecology and ocean conservation. This makes the aquarium an ideal destination for an educational and fun day out, especially if the weather in...

   Read more
avatar
5.0
1y

As a mother of four, finding the perfect family-friendly activity during our holiday in Malta was essential, and the Malta National Aquarium exceeded all our expectations! This place is an absolute gem for families, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

From the moment we walked in, the kid-friendliness of the aquarium was evident. My children were immediately captivated by the vibrant marine life on display. The layout is incredibly thoughtful, allowing for easy navigation even with a stroller. The tanks are at the perfect height for little ones, ensuring they get an up-close view of the fascinating creatures.

One of the standout features is the interactive tablets placed throughout the aquarium. These were a huge hit with my older kids, who loved learning about the different species through fun and engaging information. The tablets provided a fantastic educational component, making the visit not just entertaining but also highly informative.

The playground area was a lifesaver! After exploring the exhibits, the kids had a blast burning off some energy on the play structures. It's safe, clean, and conveniently located, giving parents a chance to relax while keeping an eye on their children.

We also had an incredible time at the sea adventure experience attraction. This unique feature allowed us to feel like we were embarking on an underwater journey, complete with special effects and immersive displays. It was thrilling and added an extra layer of excitement to our visit.

Overall, the Malta National Aquarium is a must-visit for families. The combination of educational exhibits, interactive elements, and dedicated play areas makes it the perfect destination for children of all ages. Our holiday in Malta was truly enriched by our time here, and we left with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for marine life....

   Read more
avatar
5.0
16w

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Absolute Must-Visit – The Best Aquarium Experience We’ve Had in Europe!

We visited the Malta National Aquarium yesterday, and it completely blew us away. The recommended visiting time is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours – we stayed the full 1.5 hours, but honestly, you could easily spend 2–3 hours here without getting bored.

We’re very animal-friendly and sensitive to how animals are kept. Here, everything looked fantastic – the tanks were spacious, beautifully maintained, and perfectly themed. There are around 52 tanks with an incredible variety of fish and sea creatures.

The layout and interior design are stunning. Highlights included: • A section recreating the coast of Valletta with local fish species • A darker deep-sea area with fascinating species like seahorses and clownfish • A reptile section with snakes, tarantulas, and poison frogs • Informative mini-tours led by staff with portable speakers, explaining details about the animals

One particularly memorable feature was the “submarine lift” at the end – a fun simulation where you “dive” in a submarine and get “attacked” by a giant octopus. It’s brilliantly done and adds a playful finale to the visit.

We also loved the small sustainable touch at the exit – a box to return tickets and flyers for recycling. The souvenir shop had a great variety of gifts, from magnets to plush toys. There’s even a restaurant with a beautiful view (we only had iced coffee to go, but wished we had stayed for more).

In comparison to aquariums we’ve visited in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, this one stands out as the most beautiful and well-designed. The tanks felt open and natural, yet visitors are kindly reminded not to touch the water and to turn off camera flashes to protect the animals.

Friendly staff, excellent organization, and an unforgettable experience – absolutely...

   Read more
Page 1 of 7
Previous
Next

Posts

Elizabeth Hughes-HagemanElizabeth Hughes-Hageman
As a mother of four, finding the perfect family-friendly activity during our holiday in Malta was essential, and the Malta National Aquarium exceeded all our expectations! This place is an absolute gem for families, and I can't recommend it highly enough. From the moment we walked in, the kid-friendliness of the aquarium was evident. My children were immediately captivated by the vibrant marine life on display. The layout is incredibly thoughtful, allowing for easy navigation even with a stroller. The tanks are at the perfect height for little ones, ensuring they get an up-close view of the fascinating creatures. One of the standout features is the interactive tablets placed throughout the aquarium. These were a huge hit with my older kids, who loved learning about the different species through fun and engaging information. The tablets provided a fantastic educational component, making the visit not just entertaining but also highly informative. The playground area was a lifesaver! After exploring the exhibits, the kids had a blast burning off some energy on the play structures. It's safe, clean, and conveniently located, giving parents a chance to relax while keeping an eye on their children. We also had an incredible time at the sea adventure experience attraction. This unique feature allowed us to feel like we were embarking on an underwater journey, complete with special effects and immersive displays. It was thrilling and added an extra layer of excitement to our visit. Overall, the Malta National Aquarium is a must-visit for families. The combination of educational exhibits, interactive elements, and dedicated play areas makes it the perfect destination for children of all ages. Our holiday in Malta was truly enriched by our time here, and we left with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for marine life. Don't miss it!
Ms. E.Ms. E.
Well worth the visit and great experience for all the family, no matter the age as it was enjoyed by both adults and kids alike. It was the best place to bring the kids cos you can do the aquarium with free Winter Wonderland, free playground and eateries. Oh did I mention it's by the beach? You can take a stroll, relax or bathe. Plus it's a chilled part of St Paul's Bay which is an added bonus. We didn't even drive nor take the bus here, which is right outside cos it was only a 20mins walk and well worth it as weather was superb! We saw the ice cream van through the glass inside and by the time we were done, he ran out of ice cream ha. Please note that kids under 3years old are free, so highly recommended and the photo keepsakes are a must too. Staff were exceptional, making sure we kids were well looked after and one of the best moments was the "reading with Mickey Mouse". His assistant was amazing, she read really well and kept kids engaged. Even the baby in the pram was engaged, payed attention and we all loved it when Minnie Mouse then joined in. These are all free extras and must say massive "thank you" to the lovely staff. You're all phenomenal and so nice to see you all enjoy what you do which really helps, so definitely made this our best experience in Malta.
PyrognatsPyrognats
The aquarium is not big, only indoors but it was much more interesting than expected. Each zone was a nice discovery. The tanks were clean, well-maintained and the glass clear which allowed good views of the lively aquatic life. For an extra 5 Euros each, we joined a tour of the backstage areas. It included more in-depth explanations of food preparation, medical treatments and we saw how Zebra sharks were fed. The tour was unrushed and our knowledgeable guide provided lots of fun facts. The reptiles and amphibians area was small but fun as we got closeups of the insects and reptiles. Another worthy mention is the 4D motion ride and tumble to the bottom of the ocean. Although it lasted merely a few minutes but it was fun with the shaking floors and the video which created sense of adventure and danger from a make-believe giant squid attack. The heritage area on the top floor was informative with photos and writeups. There is also a small theatre screen short clips. You won't miss much here if you decide to skip. WHEN TO VISIT: At close to noon on a weekend, the venue was packed especially at the ticketing counter and at the start of the exhibits. The crowd thinned around 3pm.
See more posts
See more posts
hotel
Find your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Saint Paul's Bay

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

As a mother of four, finding the perfect family-friendly activity during our holiday in Malta was essential, and the Malta National Aquarium exceeded all our expectations! This place is an absolute gem for families, and I can't recommend it highly enough. From the moment we walked in, the kid-friendliness of the aquarium was evident. My children were immediately captivated by the vibrant marine life on display. The layout is incredibly thoughtful, allowing for easy navigation even with a stroller. The tanks are at the perfect height for little ones, ensuring they get an up-close view of the fascinating creatures. One of the standout features is the interactive tablets placed throughout the aquarium. These were a huge hit with my older kids, who loved learning about the different species through fun and engaging information. The tablets provided a fantastic educational component, making the visit not just entertaining but also highly informative. The playground area was a lifesaver! After exploring the exhibits, the kids had a blast burning off some energy on the play structures. It's safe, clean, and conveniently located, giving parents a chance to relax while keeping an eye on their children. We also had an incredible time at the sea adventure experience attraction. This unique feature allowed us to feel like we were embarking on an underwater journey, complete with special effects and immersive displays. It was thrilling and added an extra layer of excitement to our visit. Overall, the Malta National Aquarium is a must-visit for families. The combination of educational exhibits, interactive elements, and dedicated play areas makes it the perfect destination for children of all ages. Our holiday in Malta was truly enriched by our time here, and we left with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for marine life. Don't miss it!
Elizabeth Hughes-Hageman

Elizabeth Hughes-Hageman

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Saint Paul's Bay

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
Well worth the visit and great experience for all the family, no matter the age as it was enjoyed by both adults and kids alike. It was the best place to bring the kids cos you can do the aquarium with free Winter Wonderland, free playground and eateries. Oh did I mention it's by the beach? You can take a stroll, relax or bathe. Plus it's a chilled part of St Paul's Bay which is an added bonus. We didn't even drive nor take the bus here, which is right outside cos it was only a 20mins walk and well worth it as weather was superb! We saw the ice cream van through the glass inside and by the time we were done, he ran out of ice cream ha. Please note that kids under 3years old are free, so highly recommended and the photo keepsakes are a must too. Staff were exceptional, making sure we kids were well looked after and one of the best moments was the "reading with Mickey Mouse". His assistant was amazing, she read really well and kept kids engaged. Even the baby in the pram was engaged, payed attention and we all loved it when Minnie Mouse then joined in. These are all free extras and must say massive "thank you" to the lovely staff. You're all phenomenal and so nice to see you all enjoy what you do which really helps, so definitely made this our best experience in Malta.
Ms. E.

Ms. E.

hotel
Find your stay

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Saint Paul's Bay

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

The aquarium is not big, only indoors but it was much more interesting than expected. Each zone was a nice discovery. The tanks were clean, well-maintained and the glass clear which allowed good views of the lively aquatic life. For an extra 5 Euros each, we joined a tour of the backstage areas. It included more in-depth explanations of food preparation, medical treatments and we saw how Zebra sharks were fed. The tour was unrushed and our knowledgeable guide provided lots of fun facts. The reptiles and amphibians area was small but fun as we got closeups of the insects and reptiles. Another worthy mention is the 4D motion ride and tumble to the bottom of the ocean. Although it lasted merely a few minutes but it was fun with the shaking floors and the video which created sense of adventure and danger from a make-believe giant squid attack. The heritage area on the top floor was informative with photos and writeups. There is also a small theatre screen short clips. You won't miss much here if you decide to skip. WHEN TO VISIT: At close to noon on a weekend, the venue was packed especially at the ticketing counter and at the start of the exhibits. The crowd thinned around 3pm.
Pyrognats

Pyrognats

See more posts
See more posts