Malta National Aquarium, Bugibba Travel Guide

The Malta National Aquarium, situated in Qawra, is the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands, offering visitors an exciting glimpse into the underwater world. Opened in October 2013, the aquarium's design resembles a stylized starfish, making it an architectural landmark on the Qawra seafront.The aquarium features 51 tanks showcasing over 250 species of fish, reptiles, insects, and amphibians from the Mediterranean Sea and other parts of the world. The tanks are divided into themed zones, including the Mediterranean Sea Zone, Tropical Oceans Zone, and Gozo and Comino Zone, each recreating different marine habitats. The Tropical Oceans zone features a large tank with an underwater tunnel, where visitors can view blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, zebra sharks, rays, and colorful fish. Replicas of historical artifacts found around the Maltese Islands are also displayed.Beyond its exhibits, the Malta National Aquarium is committed to education, conservation, and sustainability. It collaborates with the iLearn Biology Team to deliver educational programs and offers daily public talks to promote awareness of marine conservation issues. The aquarium also partners with Sharklab Malta to rescue and release baby sharks back into Maltese waters.Visitors can enjoy additional amenities such as a restaurant with views of St. Paul's Islands, a beach club, and a children's play area. The aquarium is accessible to wheelchair users and offers free parking for visitors.