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 moreAs 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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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...
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