A starfish-shaped aquarium in Malta is a fun mission. You’ll spend time with Mediterranean and global sea life, from sharks and rays to reptiles and insects. Plan for a visit that’s easy on your schedule, self-paced, and great when the sun is strong.

What I like: the standout is the up-close glass tunnel inside the main tank, plus the variety across 52 tanks. The other big win is the location setup: you can combine the aquarium with a stroll on the outdoor promenade and let kids burn energy in the play area.

The main drawback is size expectations. It’s smaller than some big-brand aquariums, and a few people found queues or that the exhibits feel more compact than they hoped for at this price.

Key things to know before you go

• 52 tanks covering Mediterranean fish and animals from around the world
• Main tank with a 12-meter diameter and a walk-through glass tunnel for close views
• Sharks, rays, eels, and horn sharks are part of the big indoor highlights
• Extra land-and-bite sections include reptiles, insects, and amphibians
• Outdoor promenade + kids’ play area make it easy to stretch the visit
• Optional add-ons can exist, like a behind-the-scenes tour led by Chris (when available)

Malta National Aquarium entrance: what you’re walking into

The Malta National Aquarium is built for a smooth first impression. The curved, shell-like structure shaped like a starfish gives you instant “you’ve arrived” energy, even before you step inside.

Once you enter, you’re not stuck in a rigid route. The ticket works as admission plus self-guided time, so you can slow down for the tank you care about most and skip the stuff you can handle faster.

Also, this is a good “weather-proof” stop. Several visitors point out how nice it is to get into a cool, controlled building when Malta feels hot and bright outside.

Price and what $20.30 really buys you

At about $20.30 per person, this ticket sits in the middle of the “worth it or not” zone. The key question isn’t whether there’s sea life. It’s whether the experience matches your aquarium expectations.

Here’s what makes it feel like solid value:

• You get admission to 52 tanks with multiple animal categories, not just one showpiece tank
• The building includes a walk-through tunnel where fish swim around you
• You also get the outdoor promenade experience and a kids’ play area as part of the overall visit

Here’s when it can feel pricey:

• The aquarium can feel smaller than expected if you’re used to giant multi-building aquariums
• Some people felt there were not enough “wow” animals for the price, even though the sharks and rays are real standouts

My practical take: if you plan for a 45-minute to 1.5-hour visit and focus on the main tank tunnel, you’ll likely feel good about the price.

Entering the aquarium: set your expectations for a self-paced visit

This is one of those admissions where you start strong and then choose your rhythm. You’ll move from room to room at your pace, staying longer where something catches your eye.

A simple tip: go straight to the main tank first if that’s your priority. That’s where you’ll find the 12-meter-diameter hub and the tunnel that’s described as a highlight by many visitors. Then you can come back for the smaller exhibits with calmer eyes.

Another small heads-up: the aquarium area includes an official photo moment at the start, and people mention you can purchase the photo at the end if you want it. If you’d rather avoid extra purchases, just decide early and walk in with your plan.

Stop inside the 52 tanks: Mediterranean meets global exhibits

The heart of the experience is the tank collection. You’re looking at exhibits arranged across 52 tanks, mixing Mediterranean fish with species from other parts of the world.

This matters because the aquarium isn’t just repeating the same look over and over. You’ll have variety in:

• Fish species (including sharks and rays)
• Animal types beyond fish
• The underwater “set” style, where tanks are designed to resemble their natural environments

One of the cooler angles here is that the exhibits include historical artefact replicas tied to Maltese waters. It’s not a museum instead of an aquarium. It’s an extra layer that helps the displays feel more local.

The main tank and glass tunnel: the up-close moment

If you only remember one thing, make it the glass tunnel. The main tank is described as 12 meters in diameter and includes a walk-through section where you can watch fish from a closer, more immersive angle than in typical viewing areas.

This is also where the “big animal” energy is. Expect Indo-pacific animals in the main tank, with mentions of:

• black-tip sharks
• zebra sharks
• rays
• horn sharks
• eels (in the wider exhibit talk)

Even if you’re not a shark person, the tunnel tends to do the job. It puts you in the water-view zone without needing any extra ticket.

Sharks, rays, and the best places to slow down

Sharks and rays are part of the main attraction, but the real win is how you’re meant to look. The aquarium’s layout encourages lingering, not just quick scanning.

A practical way to enjoy this: pick one “slow tank” category and spend extra time there—sharks for one pass, then rays for another. A few people specifically call out stingrays and jellyfish as memorable. So if those are your favorites, don’t rush past the sections where you spot them.

Also, the underwater environment design helps. Tanks aim to replicate the look and feel of natural habitats, so even common-looking fish can feel more alive when the setting matches.

Beyond fish: reptiles, insects, amphibians, and a calmer kind of fun

Not every aquarium earns points for land creatures. This one does, and that’s a reason it works for families.

The exhibit set includes reptiles, insects, and amphibians alongside the fish. That means you get breaks from staring at water, plus a different learning rhythm. People mention the reptile section as a standout, and that makes sense: when you alternate animal types, the visit stays interesting.

If you’re traveling with kids, this diversity can be a quiet lifesaver. It gives them multiple “favorite moments” instead of one long focus.

The starfish building, then the promenade: plan for the outdoor half

After the indoor tanks, you’ll likely want fresh air—and there’s a built-in place to do it. The aquarium sits next to an outdoor promenade with landscaped areas and public space.

From there, you can take in sweeping views of St. Paul’s Islands. It’s a nice contrast after you’ve been inside for a while.

The outdoor area also includes:

• a children’s play area
• food outlets nearby
• a beach club
• a gift shop
• a parking garage

This combo is useful because it turns the aquarium from a single-room activity into a flexible half-day plan.

Food, shops, and the extra-cost traps to watch

You’ll find food outlets on site, and some visitors say the restaurant is good, clean, and worth a stop. That said, there are also mixed opinions—one review complains about a rude staff interaction, so you should treat the dining as “convenient” rather than a guaranteed highlight.

The gift shop is also there. Most aquariums have one, and you’ll likely see the usual souvenirs and ocean-themed items.

Two “extra cost” notes from the experience:

• Some visitors mention paying extra for items like the arrival photo
• Parking can be a point of confusion: parking fees are listed as included with the ticket, but at least one person felt there was an extra parking charge. If you drive, double-check what you’re being charged so it doesn’t surprise you at the gate.

Timing it right: how long you need and how to avoid stress

Typical visit time is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. That range is wide because people either:

• focus on the main tank tunnel and a few highlights, or
• slow down for many tanks plus outdoor time

A crowd reality check: some people mention queues, and others say it wasn’t crowded. Since you can’t control when you arrive, your best move is timing. Go earlier in the day if you want calmer walking.

Also, the building includes indoor sections that may feel warm or muggy for some people, especially if masks or other items are part of the day. If you’re planning for comfort, bring what you need for your own comfort level.

Getting there: Mellieha/St. Paul’s Bay area setup

The location is listed around Mellieha and the visit directions point you to Saint Paul’s Bay. Practically, you’re going to plan this as a self-arrival stop in that part of Malta.

Good news: it’s close to public transportation. People also mention easy access, which matters if you’re not renting a car.

If you are driving, there’s parking on site via a parking garage. Just keep an eye on how parking is handled with your ticket so you don’t get an unexpected add-on.

Optional add-ons: when you want more than “just entry”

Most people get plenty out of the self-guided route, but there’s at least one popular add-on experience mentioned in feedback: a behind-the-scenes tour.

One visitor specifically highlights a behind-the-scenes tour with Chris, describing a look at areas such as containment, kitchen, and laboratory, plus a look above the shark tank. There’s also mention of being invited to watch feeding of fish in a bigger tank.

I wouldn’t assume you’ll get these every day or at every time slot. But if you like the idea of understanding how the aquarium works behind the scenes, ask on arrival what’s available that day.

Who should book this aquarium ticket?

This is one of the best picks on a Malta day that needs something simple, indoor-friendly, and kid-accurate.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You’re traveling with families and want multiple animal types
• You care about seeing sharks and rays in a walk-through tunnel setup
• You want an easy schedule with self-paced time
• You want a break from strong sun and heat

It might not be the right choice if:

• You expect the biggest, most expansive aquarium in Europe
• You want lots of “show” programming throughout your visit
• You’re very focused on exotic, rare mega-animals rather than a well-rounded local-and-global mix

Should you book the Malta National Aquarium ticket?

Book it if you want a solid family-friendly aquarium that mixes Mediterranean fish with global species, includes a memorable glass tunnel, and gives you a nice outdoor bonus with St. Paul’s Islands views. I’d especially book it for groups with kids or anyone who likes the idea of taking your time rather than rushing a set route.

Skip or manage expectations if you’re chasing a huge aquarium scale or nonstop presentations. For many people, the decision comes down to one thing: if you’d enjoy spending an hour watching sharks, rays, and fish up close, this ticket fits the moment.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Malta National Aquarium visit?

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much you explore.

What are the opening hours?

From 11/10/2025 to 07/31/2026, it’s open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How much is the entrance ticket?

The ticket price is about $20.30 per person.

Is the aquarium visit self-guided or do I need a tour?

You enter with your admission ticket and explore on your own, with the time to linger at the exhibits.

What’s included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes admission, a children’s play area, and parking fees.

Do children need to be with an adult?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.