Starfish-shaped tanks make this quick stop feel fun. Inside the Malta National Aquarium, I like the walk-through glass tunnel for up-close swimming moments and the Indo-Pacific main tank with black-tip sharks, zebra sharks, rays, and more. One thing to plan for: it’s a smaller aquarium experience than some big-name places, and you may hit queues at peak hours.

You’ll get a self-guided visit, so you can slow down for the fish, speed up when the kids want the playground, and mix in a stroll outside afterward. The building itself is a curved shell design that looks like a starfish, and it sits right by a landscaped promenade with breezy views.

If you’re hoping for a huge, action-packed aquarium all day, this may feel “right sized” rather than grand—especially in busier moments. Budget time for browsing, and also be ready for some optional extras (like souvenirs or add-on experiences) that aren’t part of the basic ticket.

Key things that make this aquarium ticket worth your time

• Walk-through tunnel where you can see sharks and rays from very close range
• 52 tanks covering Mediterranean life plus species from around the world
• Main tank is 12 meters across, with a glass tunnel built for face-to-face viewing
• More than fish: reptiles, insects, and amphibians, plus historical artefact replicas from Maltese waters
• Outdoor promenade + kids’ play area right next to the aquarium, with views of St. Paul’s Islands

Mellieħa to St. Paul’s Bay: a simple outing with big “vacation vibes”

Even though the aquarium is listed around Mellieħa, the visit itself feels centered in Saint Paul’s Bay. That matters because you’re pairing an indoor stop with an easy outdoor setting, so you don’t lose the day to transport or weather.

The location also makes your day flexible. You can do the aquarium first (cooler and calmer), then walk the promenade and let kids burn energy outside. If you’re traveling with limited time, this is the kind of stop that fits neatly between other Malta plans.

Entering the starfish-shaped building and getting your bearings fast

The Malta National Aquarium is a curved structure shaped like a starfish shell. From the outside, that design gives you an immediate “this place is different” moment, and once you’re inside the layout helps you orient quickly.

Your ticket gets you admission into the exhibits, and you’re free to explore on your own. Plan on roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how many tanks you linger at and whether you pause for the kids’ play area or photos.

You may also encounter a photo moment early in the visit. One visitor noted that there’s a photo taken at the start that you can purchase later if you want it. It’s optional, but knowing it’s part of the flow helps you avoid surprise costs.

The 52-tank self-guided route: how to avoid feeling rushed

This is a 52-tank aquarium with a mix of Mediterranean fish and animals from other regions, plus non-fish exhibits. The way the route works is simple: you wander tank to tank at your own pace, and the design of the aquarium encourages you to stop when something catches your eye.

If you tend to “scan and move on,” you’ll probably still get plenty out of it. But if you like to read labels and watch animals settle into their routines, you’ll want more time than you think. The most satisfying visits are usually the ones where you slow down for the biggest viewing areas.

Also, because it’s family-friendly, you can expect a steady flow of people. If you’re sensitive to crowds, going earlier in the opening window can make the tunnels and main displays feel more comfortable.

The walk-through glass tunnel: your best chance for close-up sharks and rays

One of the standout features is the glass tunnel in the main tank. Instead of looking at fish from one angle, you walk through a tunnel designed so sharks and rays swim around you.

This is where the aquarium feels less like a checklist and more like an experience. The fish often move in ways that are hard to predict, so you may need a second pass with your eyes to catch the moments you missed. It’s also a great spot to take photos or short videos—without leaving your route.

If you’re visiting with kids, this is also the part most likely to keep attention. Even visitors who called the aquarium smaller than expected still pointed to the tunnel as a major highlight.

Main tank focus: black-tip sharks, zebra sharks, eels, and rays

The main tank is a big deal here: it measures 12 meters in diameter and houses Indo-Pacific animals. It’s one of those “where do I look first?” spaces because there’s so much happening at once.

From the information provided, you can see species such as black-tip sharks, zebra sharks, rays, eels, and other Indo-Pacific animals. The exact visibility can change depending on the time of day, but the design aims to give you repeated views from different angles as you walk the exhibit route.

If sharks and rays are your priority, plan your day around being present when you can fully watch. It’s tempting to rush straight to the tunnel, but it pays to give yourself a few minutes to settle in so you don’t miss the animals while you’re adjusting to the lighting and crowd flow.

More than fish: reptiles, insects, amphibians, and Maltese-water artefacts

What I like about this aquarium is that it doesn’t treat fish as the only story. Alongside Mediterranean species, you’ll find exhibits featuring reptiles, insects, and amphibians—a nice break from endless tanks of the same shape.

There are also replicas of historical artefacts found in Maltese waters. That adds a local, place-based layer to the visit, so it doesn’t feel like a generic “see fish from somewhere else” stop. It’s a clever way to connect the aquarium to Malta, especially for kids who learn better with stories than just with species names.

One practical tip: if you’re short on time, don’t skip this “non-fish” section. Even when people said the aquarium was smaller than expected, they often still highlighted reptiles as a standout part of the day.

Outdoor promenade and St. Paul’s Islands views: where the visit stretches naturally

Right outside, you get a landscaped promenade where you can walk between the aquarium and the surrounding area. This matters because you’re not stuck indoors the whole time—especially in Malta’s warmer months.

From the promenade, you can take in sweeping views of St. Paul’s Islands. It’s a simple sightseeing bonus that doesn’t require extra planning, and it makes the aquarium feel like part of a bigger morning.

There’s also a children’s play area outside. One reason families like this stop is that the kids aren’t stuck waiting indoors once they’ve seen the sharks. After a tunnel moment or two, the playground gives you a natural reset.

Food, parking, and the extra costs you might forget

The aquarium grounds include food outlets, a gift shop, and a beach-club type area. That’s convenient, but it also means you’ll be tempted by snacks and drinks while you’re there. Food and drinks are not included with the ticket, so if you’re trying to keep costs tight, check prices before ordering.

Parking is listed as included, and there’s a parking garage on-site. Still, at least one visitor mentioned paying extra to park, so if you’re driving, it’s worth confirming what your voucher covers and which parking entrance you should use.

Souvenirs can also add up. Many attractions do this, but one specific note from the visit flow is that there’s an optional photo offer tied to a shot taken at the start of your visit.

Timing: when to go so tunnels feel calm and not chaotic

The aquarium is open daily during the stated period: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Plan a visit that matches your mood. If you want the tunnel to feel less crowded, you’ll likely prefer arriving earlier rather than at the middle of the afternoon.

You’ll also get better results if you treat it like a slow walk, not a sprint. The visit duration can land near 45 minutes if you move quickly, but 1 to 1.5 hours is a more comfortable target if you’re reading, watching animals change, and taking short breaks.

Booking tends to happen ahead of time; on average it’s booked about 10 days in advance. If you’re traveling during busy periods, booking earlier helps you avoid last-minute stress.

Value for money: what $20.30 gets you in real terms

At about $20.30 per person, this is not a bargain aquarium, but it also doesn’t pretend to be a massive theme-park show. The value comes from a few things you can actually feel during the visit.

First, you get self-paced access to 52 tanks plus the tunnel experience. Second, the selection isn’t only Mediterranean fish—it includes Indo-Pacific animals in the main tank and additional non-fish categories (reptiles, insects, amphibians). Third, you get “time with a purpose”: when your kids are tired, you still have the promenade and playground outside.

Where value can drop for some people is when expectations are set by bigger, more world-famous aquariums. If you’re expecting huge, exotic displays or lots of live presentations, you might feel the experience is smaller and more low-key. For families, though, that’s often a plus.

Who this aquarium suits best (and who may want a bigger venue)

This is a strong fit for families. The combination of indoor exhibits, an outdoor promenade, and a kids’ play area means your day doesn’t end when the first wave of excitement fades.

It’s also a good match if you like learning through signage and watching animal behavior rather than only chasing “wow moments.” People who enjoy close viewing tend to rate this higher because the tunnel changes how you see sharks and rays.

On the other hand, if you’re an adult who wants nonstop size, scale, and spectacle, you may feel underwhelmed. And if accessibility is a major concern for your group, note that some visitors felt the facility wasn’t fully disabled friendly—so it’s smart to plan around your specific needs and check details before you go.

A practical “how to enjoy it” plan for your visit

Here’s a simple way to get the best flow without getting tired or missing your top priorities.

Start with the main highlights first so your energy is high. Then circle back for the labels and the non-fish exhibits, including reptiles and insects. After that, head outside for the promenade views of St. Paul’s Islands and let the kids reset in the play area.

If you’re traveling with different ages, it helps to agree on a quick plan: one “must-see” (the tunnel), one “nice-to-see” (reptiles/insects), and one “burn energy” stop (the playground). You’ll end up spending less time negotiating and more time enjoying.

Should you book the Malta National Aquarium ticket?

Yes, if you want a family-friendly indoor aquarium with a memorable viewing feature and an easy outdoor add-on. The glass tunnel and the main tank’s sharks and rays are the kinds of experiences that stick, and the starfish-shell building makes it feel like a proper stop rather than a drive-by exhibit.

Maybe not, if your group expects a massive aquarium with lots of presentations and nonstop surprises. The experience is best when you treat it as a relaxed, well-paced outing that fits into a half-day plan, with a promenade stroll afterward.

If you’re booking, lock in your timing to avoid the busiest moments, and budget a little extra for food, optional souvenirs, and anything beyond the standard admission.

FAQ

How much does a Malta National Aquarium entrance ticket cost?

The price is $20.30 per person.

Where is the aquarium located?

It’s in Mellieha, Malta, with the visit experience centered in Saint Paul’s Bay.

How long should I plan for the visit?

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

What time is the aquarium open?

During the listed period, it’s open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

What languages are the tickets offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What can I see at the aquarium?

You can explore 52 tanks with Mediterranean fish and animals from around the globe, including sharks, rays, and other fish. There are also exhibits with reptiles, insects, and amphibians, plus replica historical artefacts related to Maltese waters.

Is it self-guided or guided?

It’s self-guided, and you can take as much time as you like to explore the aquarium on your own.

What’s included with the ticket?

The ticket includes admission to the aquarium plus access to the children’s play area and parking fees.

What costs are not included in the ticket price?

Food and drinks are not included, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included.