St Paul’s Bay: Malta National Aquarium Entry Ticket

If you want a family-friendly break in Malta that’s both easy and surprisingly educational, the Malta National Aquarium in St Paul’s Bay is a solid pick. It sits inside a starfish-shaped shell, and the big draw is the walk-through tunnel in the main tank, where you see marine life from very close range.

What I like most are two things: the exhibits that feel thoughtfully connected to Malta’s own underwater past, and the staff who actually seem to enjoy talking about animals. Visitors repeatedly mention informative scheduled talks, plus staff who guide you to key moments like feedings so you don’t miss the good stuff.

One watch-out: it can get noisy and crowded, especially around popular viewing spots and busy times. A few reviews also say it’s not huge, so plan for a calm 1–2 hour visit (or longer if you read everything).

Key things to know before you go

• Starfish-shell building + walk-through tunnel for close-up views
• 51 display tanks and 250+ species with habitats designed to match different environments
• Malta-themed exhibits tied to historical landmarks, not just generic fish panels
• Knowledgeable education team and feedings that make the visit feel alive
• On-site café/restaurant and a gift shop for an easy, full outing
• Rules matter: no flash photography, no alcohol/drugs, and pets aren’t allowed

You can check availability for your dates here:

Where the Starfish Shell Starts Your Visit

Start right at the Malta National Aquarium. The whole place has a built-in wow-factor: you’re entering an aquarium housed in an iconic starfish-shaped shell, and the building’s design helps you feel like you’re stepping into another world.

From the moment you walk in, the layout makes sense for families. It’s not one of those big maze aquariums where you lose track of time. Here, you can move at your own pace and still get to the highlight tank without a complicated route.

If you’re traveling with kids, that matters. Several visitors say the aquarium works well for younger children because it’s manageable to see in one go, even if you need breaks.

Tickets, Validity, and Getting In Without Stress

This is an entry ticket experience—simple and straightforward. No tour is included with the ticket itself, so you’re essentially paying for admission to the exhibits.

A few practical booking perks are baked in:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Reserve now & pay later (you can hold your spot without paying right away)
• Valid for 180 days, so you’re not locked into one specific day
• Wheelchair accessible, which makes planning easier if you’re traveling with mobility needs

One small thing to remember: starting times can depend on availability, so it’s worth checking what times are open when you book.

A Quick Tour Route: Tunnel Tank, Malta-Themed Displays, Then the Rest

You can do this visit in “wander mode” and still get the best parts. Still, it helps to know what comes first so you don’t rush past the main features.

Most visitors naturally start by heading toward the big show tank area, since that’s where you’ll want to spend time. Then you work through the rest of the 51 tanks, which are designed to recreate habitats and show species you wouldn’t always see at home.

Many people also end up going up for extra Malta-focused content. Reviews mention a separate top-floor history area with sea-related artifacts, which gives the day a nice Malta angle beyond just marine biology.

51 Tanks and 250+ Species: What That Means in Real Life

Numbers are great, but what matters is how it feels on the ground. With 51 display tanks and 250+ species, you’ll find variety without needing to sprint through corridors.

The exhibits are described as recreating specific species environments, and that’s a big quality point. You’re not just looking at fish in a bare tank. The way tanks are organized helps you understand what you’re seeing—marine life native to the Mediterranean and beyond, plus freshwater and saltwater species.

You’ll also notice the mix of animal groups:

• jellyfish
• reptiles
• amphibians and frogs
• and even insects

Some visitors wanted even more variety in specific groups (like frogs), but overall the mix is wide enough that kids and adults usually find something interesting quickly.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Walk-Through Tunnel: The Closest You’ll Get (Without Getting Wet)

This is the moment most people talk about. The walk-through tunnel puts you inside the main tank viewing area, so fish swim above and around you.

A lot of the excitement comes from scale and closeness. Several reviews mention shark-like sightings in the tunnel area, and that kind of view changes how you experience an aquarium—suddenly it’s not a screen of fish, it’s a scene you’re inside.

If you’re traveling at a busy time, the tunnel can feel like a traffic jam. A few visitors complained about crowding and people blocking views, so if you care about a clear line of sight, consider going earlier in the day.

Education Talks and Staff Who Actually Know Their Stuff

One of the strongest reasons to choose this aquarium is the human side. Many visitors highlight how passionate and knowledgeable the education team is, and that makes a difference when you’re standing in front of glass and trying to care.

People specifically mention scheduled talks being informative and engaging. One review notes that staff were quick to connect a child’s interest in sharks with what was happening next—so they helped them catch a shark feeding shortly after arrival.

A staff member named Suz is mentioned as being friendly and helpful, including assisting visitors during the experience. It’s the kind of detail that makes the place feel personal rather than like a factory of attractions.

You’ll also see references to feedings like piranha feeding, which many families clearly love. Even if you don’t catch every feeding, the talks add structure to the day, so it doesn’t feel like you’re just walking in circles.

Beyond Fish: Jellyfish, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Insects

Aquariums can sometimes feel too focused on one “look.” Here, the animal groups broaden the appeal.

The displays include jellyfish, plus reptiles and amphibians (including frogs). There are also mentions of insects, which helps the aquarium feel like more of a full natural history stop, not only a fish parade.

If you’re visiting with a child who hyper-focuses on one animal type, you’ll likely find something that clicks. Reviews mention kids enjoying the variety and being able to return to favorite areas because there are lots of separate tanks and viewing angles.

Malta-Linked Themes: More Than Just an Aquarium

This is where the experience becomes more distinctly Malta. Exhibits are themed in accordance with Malta’s historical landmarks, and that helps you connect what you’re seeing to where you are.

You’ll also learn about conservation and the biggest threats to local habitats. The goal is to promote environmental awareness and responsibility, and it shows in how the exhibits explain human activities that affect marine life.

If you like travel that has meaning—not just photos—this part is a real plus. It gives the visit a reason to exist beyond entertainment.

Pressure Chamber and the Small Submarine Ride

Some visitors mention extra in-attraction experiences that add to the fun. One review highlights a pressure chamber that lasts about two minutes, described as a fun add-on.

Another mentions a small ride that simulates being in a crashing submarine and going down to the bottom of the ocean. These are the kinds of moments that help the day feel more than a static museum.

Important note: your ticket is for entry to the aquarium. If these extras require additional tickets or timing, you’ll want to check on-site when you arrive.

Food and Breaks: Café and Restaurant On Site

After an hour of tanks, you’ll probably want a pause. Reviews mention a café and a restaurant on site, and people describe the food as very good.

That matters for families, because it means you can keep your day flowing without hunting down a meal in the neighborhood. It also helps if the aquarium is warm or crowded—food gives you an easy reset.

If you’re traveling with picky eaters, an on-site option reduces the stress factor.

Gift Shop Stamps, Photos, and Little Souvenirs

The gift shop gets multiple mentions, and it sounds like it’s worth a quick stop. Visitors mention bracelets and other small items, plus printed photo options (with at least one note that a photo print wasn’t free).

So if you want photos, plan your expectations. It doesn’t sound like a deal-breaker, just something to budget for if you’re collecting memories.

Crowds, Noise, and When You’ll Enjoy It Most

Not every aquarium visit feels relaxing. One reviewer notes that the noise level can be an issue, even though the aquarium itself is beautiful.

Another recurring theme: crowds make viewing harder. If you’re sensitive to sensory overload, especially around popular tanks like the tunnel, aim for a calmer time window.

A practical strategy: arrive when the place is less busy, then spend your best viewing time at the tunnel before the crowd thickens. After that, you can slow down and read the exhibits at your own pace.

How Long Should You Plan for?

Based on visitor notes, plan around 1–2 hours. If you read a lot of the information and linger over the tanks, it can stretch longer.

A few reviews describe shorter visits of about 30 minutes when someone is less able to stand and look for long. If you do that, a good approach is to repeat your route—finish the highlights once, then loop back for anything you missed.

Also, if you’re traveling with little kids, you can often “visit twice” without trying to force them to do the whole thing in one go.

Accessibility and House Rules You Need to Know

This is one of the easier attractions to plan for because it’s wheelchair accessible.

On the rules side, your visit should be smooth as long as you remember:

• No flash photography
• No alcohol and drugs
• No pets

Those rules are the kind that protect both visitors and the animals, so it’s worth respecting them.

Price and Value: Is $20 Worth It?

$20 per person sounds reasonable for what you get, and reviews support that idea. The aquarium isn’t presented as the biggest in the world, but value comes from the combination of:

• a signature tunnel tank
• a large number of display tanks
• educational talks
• and a visit length that works for both short trips and slower reading sessions

A few people say it feels a bit short for the money, and that usually comes down to expectations: if you want a massive multi-hour megacomplex, this may not scratch that itch. But if you want a clean, well-organized, easy outing, it lands in a good sweet spot.

If you’re thinking about traveling as a family, the “reasonable cost + kids actually enjoy it” formula is where the value shows.

Who This Aquarium Is Best For

This aquarium fits best for travelers who want:

• an easy indoor activity that feels Malta-specific
• a family outing with variety (not just one type of animal)
• educational content without needing a formal guided tour
• a strong highlight experience like the tunnel

Families with young children are mentioned often. Adults also seem to like it, especially because the place is tidy and the information is thorough.

If your group includes someone who can handle sensory stimulation well, the tunnel viewing can be a big win. If someone is sensitive to noise or crowds, you’ll want to go earlier and plan for breaks.

Should You Book This Malta National Aquarium Ticket?

Book it if you want a practical, well-run aquarium visit in Malta that’s easy to fit into your day. Choose this ticket if you’re happy to explore at your own pace and enjoy the exhibits, with optional energy coming from talks and feedings.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a huge aquarium experience that takes most of your day, or if you’re very bothered by crowds and sound. In that case, you can still go, but you should be pickier about timing.

If you do book: arrive early, prioritize the walk-through tunnel first, and then aim for the education talks and feeding moments while you still have energy. That way you’ll get the best mix of animals, learning, and fun without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here: