Malta National Aquarium
Qawra Point, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Last reviewed: August 2026
Introduction
The Malta National Aquarium is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for all visitors.
Situated at Qawra Point in St Paul’s Bay, the Malta National Aquarium has been designed to educate, entertain and provide an engaging journey through marine and freshwater environments from Malta, the Mediterranean and other parts of the world.
We recognise that visitors may have different mobility, sensory, communication and other access requirements. Our aim is to provide clear information about the facilities available so that visitors can plan their visit in advance.
The visitor experience is spread across different levels. The main Aquarium exhibits are located on the lower level, while the visitor journey continues to the upper-floor Heritage Trail. Lift access is available between the main visitor floors.
The Heritage Trail may also be used for certain organised group activities.
We recommend allowing at least 45 minutes to visit the Aquarium, although many visitors choose to spend longer.
Members of staff are available throughout the attraction and may provide assistance where required.
If you have specific access requirements or would like to discuss your visit in advance, please call +356 2158 8100 or visit our Contact Us page.
Transport
Public Transport
Bus stops are located close to the Malta National Aquarium.
The nearest stops provide connections between Qawra, St Paul’s Bay and other areas of Malta.
Many public buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users. Visitors requiring an accessible service are advised to check current accessibility information, routes and timetables with the transport operator before travelling.
For current information on travelling to the Aquarium, visit our Getting Here page.
Taxi and Private Transport
Taxi services may drop off and collect visitors close to the Aquarium entrance.
Visitors requiring wheelchair-accessible or specially adapted transport are advised to arrange an appropriate service in advance.
Car Parking and Arrival
The Malta National Aquarium has a private on-site car park situated beside the attraction.
There are approximately 200 parking spaces, including three designated accessible parking spaces located approximately 40 metres from the main entrance.
A lowered ramp provides wheelchair access from the parking area onto the adjoining pavement.
A barrier controls entry to the car park and visitors receive a parking ticket on entry.
Complimentary parking is available to Malta National Aquarium visitors. Parking tickets can be validated at the Aquarium reception desk.
Additional parking is available across the road from the Aquarium.
The on-site car park surface is predominantly tarmac, with a paved route leading towards the main entrance. The car park is illuminated at night by overhead lighting.
The main road outside the Aquarium has a wide paved pedestrian route. Where there is a change in level between the road and pavement, ramps are available nearby.
Benches are available outside the Aquarium for visitors who may wish to rest before or after their visit.
Staff assistance may be requested where required.
Main Entrance
The main entrance to the Malta National Aquarium is situated on the ground floor.
There is step-free, level access into the reception and ticketing area.
The main entrance has automatic double glass doors with a total opening of approximately 214 cm when fully open.
The reception area has a tiled, generally even floor surface and is illuminated by overhead lighting and natural light.
Reception and Ticketing Area
The reception and ticketing area is located on the ground floor.
The main ticketing desk is approximately 91 cm high, with a lowered section of approximately 75 cm to improve access for wheelchair users.
The ticketing area is open and does not rely on communication through enclosed glass screens, helping visitors who may rely on lip reading or direct communication with staff.
Staff members are available at reception to provide information and assistance.
Seating is available in the surrounding ground-floor areas, including within La Nave.
Levels and Lift Access
The main visitor areas are distributed across multiple levels:
- Lower Level: Main Aquarium exhibition
- Ground Floor: Reception, ticketing, La Nave and The Reef Gift Shop
- Upper Floor: Heritage Trail
Lift access is available between the main visitor floors.
The upper floor may also be used for certain organised group activities.
Visitors who require assistance using the lift or moving between floors may speak to a member of staff.
Stairs and Handrails
Staircases within the attraction have metal handrails.
Handrails are positioned to provide support for visitors of different heights.
Lighting is provided around stair areas to improve visibility.
Visitors who are unable or prefer not to use the stairs may use the lift.
Aquarium Visitor Route
The main Aquarium exhibition is located one level below the reception area.
The principal visitor route is accessible to wheelchair users.
Some sections of the floor may be slightly uneven, and visitors should take appropriate care when moving through these areas.
The Aquarium tanks are designed to be visible from both seated and standing positions.
Members of staff are present throughout the attraction and may provide assistance or additional information.
Rest points and seating are available at various locations along the visitor route.
Heritage Trail
The Heritage Trail is located on the upper floor and forms part of the visitor experience at the Malta National Aquarium.
The upper floor can be accessed by both lift and stairs.
The Heritage Trail provides an additional experience beyond the main aquatic exhibits.
The area may also be used for selected organised group activities.
Visitors requiring assistance accessing or moving through the Heritage Trail should speak to a member of staff.
Visitor Information and Interpretation
Digital information displays are located throughout the Aquarium and provide information about species, habitats and the different exhibition areas.
Information is primarily provided in English.
Aquarium team members are also available throughout the visitor route to provide supplementary information and assistance.
Some staff members speak additional languages.
Visitors who require assistance in a particular language are advised to contact us at least one week before their visit. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests, subject to staff availability.
Lighting
Lighting levels vary throughout the visitor experience.
Some areas of the Aquarium are intentionally dimly lit to support the presentation of the exhibits and improve visibility within individual tanks.
Individual tanks, digital information displays and key visitor areas are illuminated.
Ground-floor areas receive a combination of natural and artificial lighting.
Visitors who may require assistance in lower-light areas are encouraged to inform a member of staff.
Sound and Sensory Environment
Ambient sounds and sound effects are used within certain areas of the Aquarium as part of the visitor experience.
Sound levels and effects may vary between exhibition zones.
Visitors with sensory requirements who would like more information before their visit are encouraged to contact the Aquarium in advance.
Floor Surfaces
Floor surfaces vary throughout the attraction.
The reception area is tiled and generally level.
Some areas within the Aquarium may be slightly uneven.
Due to the nature of an aquarium environment, floors may occasionally become wet.
Where an unusual amount of water is present, warning signage will be used and staff will take appropriate action.
Visitors are advised to take care when walking through the attraction.
Seating and Rest Areas
Seating and rest points are available at various locations throughout the Malta National Aquarium complex.
Additional seating is available within:
- La Nave
- Pjazza San Pawl
- Exterior areas around the Aquarium
Where possible, furniture may be repositioned to improve access for visitors.
Public and Accessible Toilets
Public toilet facilities are available within the Malta National Aquarium complex.
Toilets are available:
- On the ground floor
- Near La Nave and Pjazza San Pawl
- Within the Aquarium visitor route
Accessible toilet facilities are provided and are clearly signposted.
The accessible toilet door width is approximately 97 cm.
Baby-changing facilities are available within selected accessible toilets around the complex.
Visitors requiring directions to the nearest accessible toilet may ask a member of staff.
La Nave
La Nave is located on the ground floor beside the Malta National Aquarium reception.
The restaurant has step-free, level access from the Aquarium reception area and from Pjazza San Pawl.
Entrance doors have an opening of approximately 214 cm.
La Nave benefits from natural daylight through its large windows, with additional overhead lighting where required.
Tables and chairs are movable and can be repositioned, where possible, to provide additional space for wheelchair users or visitors with other accessibility requirements.
Tables are approximately 75 cm high and chairs approximately 48.5 cm high.
High chairs are available for younger children.
La Nave provides table service.
Visitors with food allergies, intolerances or specific dietary requirements should inform a member of staff before ordering.
Staff are available to assist with seating, menus and other requirements.
Kiosk at Pjazza San Pawl
The kiosk is situated within Pjazza San Pawl on the ground floor, close to La Nave and the main Aquarium entrance.
The kiosk operates with counter service.
Staff may provide assistance where required.
Outdoor tables and chairs are available, together with shaded seating areas.
The Reef Gift Shop
The Reef Gift Shop is located on the ground floor beside the Aquarium reception.
The shop is accessible to both Aquarium visitors and non-visitors.
The retail area is located on one level and benefits from overhead lighting and natural light.
Shelving begins at approximately 51 cm above floor level, providing access to a range of products from lower heights.
The cashier counter is approximately 88.5 cm high.
Prices are displayed on products.
Visitors requiring assistance locating merchandise, reading prices or completing a purchase may ask a member of staff.
Playground
The outdoor playground is located within Pjazza San Pawl.
The surrounding area has a paved, step-free approach.
The playground includes safety flooring and a range of slides, swings and climbing equipment.
Not all playground equipment is suitable for wheelchair users, and wheelchair-accessible swings are not currently provided.
Children must be appropriately supervised while using the playground.
Dogs and heeled footwear are not permitted within the playground area.
First Aid
First-aid equipment is available at the Aquarium reception.
Members of staff are available to provide assistance in the event of a minor accident or emergency.
Visitors requiring first aid should speak to the nearest member of staff.
Emergency Procedures and Evacuation
The Malta National Aquarium has established emergency and evacuation procedures.
The fire alarm includes an audible warning.
In the event of an emergency, members of staff will assist visitors who require additional support, including visitors with mobility, visual, hearing or other accessibility requirements.
Alternative emergency routes, including ramp access where required, are available.
Emergency exits are identified using standard green and white exit signage.
The designated assembly points are:
- Kiosk Area, near the public toilets
- Terrace Car Park, near the payment machine
The Manager and staff on duty will coordinate emergency procedures and assist visitors in leaving the affected area safely.
Visitors who believe they may require specific assistance during an evacuation are encouraged to make staff aware on arrival.
Staff Assistance
Members of staff receive regular operational briefings and appropriate training, including customer service and disability awareness.
Staff are available throughout the Malta National Aquarium complex to provide reasonable assistance where required.
Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact us before their visit so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed wherever possible.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about access or require assistance when planning your visit, please contact us.
Malta National Aquarium
Qawra Point, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Telephone: +356 2158 8100
Online: Contact the Malta National Aquarium
We recommend contacting us in advance if you have specific mobility, sensory, communication or other access requirements so that we can provide the most appropriate information and assistance.