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Malta National Aquarium: An Underwater Journey

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Explore Malta's underwater world: Discover diverse marine life at the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra, a must-visit for all ages.

Discover the wonders of marine life at the Malta National Aquarium, located in Qawra. Home to over 175 species, the aquarium offers an immersive experience with Mediterranean and tropical marine biodiversity. Explore themed zones, an underwater tunnel, and interactive exhibits, making it a must-see attraction for families and marine enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Malta National Aquarium

  • Monday 10 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays, especially early morning or late afternoon, to avoid crowds.
  • Book tickets online in advance to secure entry and skip the lines.
  • Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all the exhibits and interactive displays.
  • Check the aquarium's schedule for feeding times and educational talks to enhance your visit.
  • Utilize the free parking available on-site, but arrive early as spaces can fill up quickly.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Malta National Aquarium is easily accessible by bus. Several bus routes serve Qawra, including routes 31, 45, 48, 186, 212, and 221. These buses operate daily from approximately 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. The closest bus stop to the aquarium is 'Qawra Aquarium'. A single bus fare costs €3. From Valletta, buses 45, 48, and 31 will take you to the Aquarium. From the Bugibba Bay 5 bus stop, the aquarium is 1 km away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. Paul's Bay and can take you directly to the Malta National Aquarium. A taxi ride from St. Paul's Bay to the aquarium is a short trip. Taxi fares vary, and it's best to agree on a price before starting your journey. A taxi from Valletta to the Malta National Aquarium is approximately 17.3 km and takes 20 minutes.

  • Car

    If driving, the Malta National Aquarium is located at Triq it-Trunciera, Qawra, San Pawl il-Bahar SPB1500. Free parking is available on the premises for visitors. From Valletta, head northeast on Triq San Ġorġ, continue onto Triq Marsamxett, and then onto Triq ix-Xatt. Merge onto Triq Aldo Moro/Regional Road, then onto Triq Għajn Dwieli/Regional Road. Follow signs for Triq Buqana/Regional Road. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Triq Birkirkara/Santa Venera. Turn right onto Triq Il-Qawra and continue onto Triq It-Trunciera, following signs to the parking lot.

Discover more about Malta National Aquarium

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.

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