A tunnel through the main tank is the wow moment. This Malta National Aquarium sits inside an iconic starfish-shaped shell and turns a simple entry ticket into a hands-on, family-friendly visit packed with themed habitats, walkways, and educational displays.

What I like most is the walk-through tunnel in the big tank and how the exhibits feel designed for real learning, not just pretty fish. You’ll also get a strong sense of Malta’s local environment through habitat recreations and conservation-focused information. One drawback to plan around: the whole place is compact, so during busy times it can feel a bit loud and you may finish faster than a bigger “mega-aquarium” style outing.

Key Things You’ll Notice Right Away

• Walk-through tunnel in the main tank, built for close-up views
• 51 tanks with 250+ species, spanning Mediterranean and beyond
• Malta-history themed exhibits, tying animals to local landmarks and habitats
• Conservation messaging about threats to marine life
• Scheduled talks and feedings that break up the self-guided route
• On-site extras like a café/restaurant and gift shop

Malta National Aquarium: Starfish Shell Setting in St Paul’s Bay

The Malta National Aquarium is in St Paul’s Bay, and the building is part of the experience. It’s inside that distinctive starfish-shaped shell, and once you step in, you get the feeling that the aquarium was built to be walked through slowly rather than rushed past.

Inside, the layout keeps you moving on walkways between tank zones. The place also feels well kept—clean, tidy, and easy to navigate. If you like attractions where the signage actually helps (and you don’t have to guess what you’re looking at), this one plays to that strength.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids, the setting matters. Reviews and general visitor flow point to a calmer, indoor “rain-friendly” outing. It’s a great option when you’d rather not spend the whole day outside in Malta’s sun and you want something that still feels special.

The Main Tank Walk-Through Tunnel: Best Views for Sharks and Big Fish

Let’s talk about the centerpiece: the walk-through tunnel. This is where the aquarium earns its reputation. You’re not just standing in front of glass; you’re inside a moving-feeling corridor while fish swim above you. People love it because the perspective is different—like you’re inside the habitat instead of observing from the side.

This is also where you’ll get some of the most memorable moments: big fish, and even shark sightings overhead in the tunnel area. If you’re bringing children, they tend to react strongly here because it feels like a mini “journey,” not a hallway of tanks.

One practical tip: if the aquarium is busy, the tunnel can turn into a bottleneck. Go at a steady pace, but don’t linger so long that you block others. You’ll enjoy it more if you take a few slow looks, then move on to the next habitat zone.

Pressure-Chamber Fun and the Mini Sub Ride (If Running)

Beyond the main tunnel, the aquarium includes a couple of fun add-ons that people mention often: a pressure chamber moment and a small submarine-style ride that simulates going down into the ocean.

These are the kinds of elements that make the visit feel less like homework and more like an experience your group talks about afterward. They’re especially helpful if you’ve got a child who gets restless after 30–45 minutes of reading labels.

Because the exact availability can depend on the day, I’d treat them as bonuses. Still, they’re popular enough that you should keep an eye out for signs or staff directions during your visit.

51 Tanks and 250+ Species: How the Exhibits Are Organized

With 51 display tanks and over 250 species, you won’t run out of things to see quickly. But here’s the key point: the aquarium isn’t only about quantity. Many tanks focus on natural-looking conditions and habitat themes, which helps you understand why animals look the way they do and how they live.

You’ll see animals native to the Mediterranean as well as species beyond that region. Expect a mix of:

• Fish (freshwater and saltwater)
• Jellyfish
• Reptiles and amphibians
• Insects and other small critters

This variety matters because not everyone in your group will want the same thing. If one person is chasing sharks and big predators, you have options. If someone else is more curious about frogs, reptiles, or tiny details, the exhibits are set up so those interests get their own space.

That said, the size of the aquarium is still modest compared with the world’s largest aquariums. Some visitors feel it’s a “short but well made” outing. If you’re the type who wants a full half-day spent only in exhibition halls, plan for a longer day overall by adding a nearby break.

Malta-Themed Habitat Displays: Turning Local Landmarks Into Learning

One of the smarter things this aquarium does is connect marine life to Malta itself. Many displays are themed in accordance with Malta’s historical landmarks, and each tank aims to recreate a specific type of underwater environment.

That theme gives the visit structure. Instead of wandering and hoping you’ll understand what you’re seeing, you get a sense of progression: here’s an animal, here’s where it fits, here’s what makes it survive.

You also get strong conservation education. The information focuses on human activities that threaten marine habitats and the aquarium’s mission to encourage environmental responsibility. If you want an attraction that’s fun and not just fluorescent-lit scenery, this is a big reason people leave feeling like they got more than they paid for.

Talks, Feedings, and Staff Energy: When to Time Your Visit

A big part of the aquarium’s charm is the schedule of short education moments. People often highlight the talks as engaging and delivered with genuine enthusiasm, not a scripted monotone.

Feedings are a highlight too. You may catch moments like shark feedings and piranha feedings depending on the time of day. One useful strategy: when you arrive, ask staff what’s coming up soon. If a feeding is scheduled shortly after you enter, adjust your route so you’re positioned to see it.

This is also where the aquarium shifts from “look” to “learn.” A good feeding moment turns questions into instant answers: why that animal behaves a certain way, what it needs, and what threats it faces in the wild.

If your group is sensitive to sound, keep this in mind: the aquarium can get noisy at peak times, and waiting for feedings can add stress. Try to arrive earlier in the day if you can, so you’re not trapped behind a crowd when you want your calm tunnel moment.

How Long Should You Plan? A Realistic Self-Guided Route

Most visitors should plan on about 1–2 hours to see everything at a normal pace. If you read labels closely, pause for photos, and catch a talk or feeding, you can stretch it longer.

If you’re short on time, you can move through more quickly—some people finish in about 30 minutes when they skip a chunk of reading. A good compromise is a “two-pass” strategy: do a fast first loop to see all tanks, then go back for the habitat zones that grabbed you most.

If you’ve got younger kids or someone who can’t stand in place for long, plan for a slower pace with a walk-through break. Indoor space can feel busy, and it helps to give your group permission to move at their own speed.

Crowds, Noise, and Tank Viewing Etiquette

This aquarium can get crowded, especially near popular viewing points like the tunnel and during feedings. When that happens, you might find it tougher to enjoy the tank details because people press in.

I’d treat it like a “popular show” in a small venue. Move with intent: pause, look, then step aside to let the next person see. If your group wants quieter viewing, go early and avoid late afternoon rush.

One small frustration you might encounter: if someone cuts in line or blocks your view, your experience can swing from relaxing to annoying. The best fix is timing—arriving close to opening helps, and being flexible with your order of exhibits helps even more.

Where to Eat, Rest, and Refuel Inside

This isn’t a barebones aquarium ticket where you’re stuck with vending machine snacks. There’s a café/restaurant on site, and people speak highly of the food. You’ll also find practical basics like toilets (reported as available and spacious).

If you plan to spend a couple hours, this matters. It lets you keep the day comfortable for both adults and kids, and it helps you avoid the “walk back out hungry” problem that ruins the vibe.

Outside the aquarium, you can also pair your visit with nearby strolling. Many visitors treat it like a full half-day anchor activity in St Paul’s Bay: aquarium inside, then you’re free to move on.

Price and Value: Is $20 a Fair Deal?

At about $20 per person, the value depends on what you want out of the experience.

Here’s why it can feel like a smart buy:

• The walk-through tunnel is a standout attraction.
• You get 51 tanks and 250+ species, so the variety stays high.
• The conservation and Malta-themed habitat approach gives the visit meaning, not just entertainment.

Here’s why some people feel slightly underwhelmed:

• The aquarium is not huge, and it can feel short if you’re expecting a giant, all-afternoon museum-style experience.
• If you hit it during a busy time, the enjoyment can drop when crowds make viewing rushed.

My practical take: this ticket is best value when you’re pairing it with a relaxed pace and at least one “moment” that’s timed (like a talk or feeding). If you only want to snap a few photos and leave, you might feel like you paid more than you needed. If you’re the kind of traveler who reads, watches, and lets an attraction sink in, the price makes more sense fast.

Who Should Book This Aquarium Ticket?

This works especially well if:

• You’re traveling with kids who love animals and immersive views like the tunnel
• You want a rainy-day or indoor activity with structure
• You care about marine conservation and want learning built into the displays
• You like self-guided attractions where you can go at your own speed

It may feel less ideal if:

• You’re chasing a massive aquarium with huge crowds and endless halls
• You’re highly noise-sensitive and can’t handle waiting during popular moments
• You want a full guided tour as part of the base ticket (this admission ticket is just that—entry)

Booking Choice: Should You Get This Ticket?

If you’re in Malta and you want an easy, family-friendly indoor plan in St Paul’s Bay, I’d book it. The tunnel experience and the Malta-themed, conservation-focused exhibits make it more than a basic animal stop, and the variety across tanks keeps it interesting.

Just don’t over-promise the time. Plan for about 1–2 hours, and pair it with food or a nearby break so your day feels complete. If you arrive early, move efficiently, and catch at least one talk or feeding, you’ll feel like you used your money well.

FAQ

How long can I spend at the Malta National Aquarium?

Most people plan for about 1–2 hours, with some visitors finishing quicker and others staying longer if they read more or catch talks and feedings.

What is included with this ticket?

This ticket includes entry to the Malta National Aquarium.

Is there a tour included?

A tour is not included with this entry ticket.

Is the ticket valid for a limited time?

The ticket is valid for 180 days, and you’ll want to check availability to see starting times.

Can I bring flash photography equipment?

Flash photography is not allowed.

Are pets allowed inside?

Pets are not allowed.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the aquarium is wheelchair accessible.