FAQ

About the Aquarium

How can I apply for a job at the Aquarium?

Current vacancies and application information are published on the Careers page. View current vacancies

Accessibility & Support

Is the Aquarium accessible for wheelchairs, prams and mobility scooters?

The Aquarium is wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with step-free access and lifts between reception and the attraction. The route is accessible, although the floor is slightly uneven in places. Some mobility scooters can be accommodated depending on their size; please contact us before visiting. A wheelchair is available on request, subject to availability.

Do you offer friendly hours for visitors with hidden disabilities?

Yes. Earlier, quieter opening can be arranged on request for visitors who may be overwhelmed by sound, lighting or crowds. During friendly hours, sound is reduced, and support such as ear defenders and access to the quiet room may be available. Please complete the request form in advance and the team will contact you. Request friendly hours

Are accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities and first aid available?

Yes. Accessible toilets and unisex baby-changing facilities are available in the Aquarium complex. A first-aid box is kept at reception, and trained team members can assist if you need help during your visit.

Is there a private area for breastfeeding?

Yes. Please speak to a team member during your visit; the quiet room can usually be made available for breastfeeding.

Can I bring a pet or assistance dog?

Pets are not permitted inside the Aquarium. Trained assistance dogs are welcome but must not come into direct contact with exhibits. Please contact the team before your visit if you would like to discuss arrangements.

Animals & Visitor Guidelines

What animals can I see at the Aquarium?

The Aquarium has 52 tanks showcasing more than 250 species. Its collection features Mediterranean and tropical saltwater, freshwater, and terrestrial animals including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. The exhibits are themed around Maltese landmarks and are designed to reflect the animals’ natural environments.

Is there a digital guide inside the Aquarium?

Yes. A digital guide is available on the tablets positioned next to each tank, allowing you to learn more about the animals and exhibits as you explore at your own pace.

Can I take photos or videos inside the Aquarium?

Yes, personal photography and video are welcome, but flash must not be used because it can disturb the animals. Professional equipment, tripods or lighting require prior authorisation.

Can I view or purchase a photograph taken during my visit?

Yes. Photographs taken during your visit can be viewed and purchased on the day they are taken. Please view and purchase them before leaving, as they are not available after the day of your visit.

Events

Can I hold a private event at the Aquarium?

Yes. The Aquarium complex can host private dinners, weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate events, product launches and small meetings. Availability, catering, capacity and access arrangements depend on the event, so please contact the team for a tailored proposal. Explore private and corporate events

Plan Your Visit

Where is the Malta National Aquarium?

The Malta National Aquarium is at Qawra Point in St Paul’s Bay. Look for the distinctive white, starfish-shaped building. The full address is Malta National Aquarium, Triq it-Trunċiera, Qawra, St Paul’s Bay SPB 1500, Malta.

What are the opening hours and last entry time?

The Aquarium is open every day from 10:00. Opening hours can change on public holidays or for special arrangements, so please check the latest schedule before travelling. Opening times and daily schedule

How long should I allow for my visit?

A visit usually lasts between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits. Allow extra time if you would like to attend talks or animal feedings, revisit favourite tanks, browse the gift shop or eat at one of the outlets in the complex.

How can I get to the Aquarium by public transport?

Several bus routes serve the Qawra and St Paul’s Bay area, including connections from the airport, Valletta, Sliema, Mellieħa and Rabat. Routes can change, so please check the latest journey information before you travel. Plan your journey

Is parking available?

Yes. Visitor parking is available beside the Aquarium and is free when visiting. Take a parking ticket when you enter and have it validated at Aquarium reception.

Are electric vehicle charging points available near the Aquarium?

Yes. Electric vehicle charging points are available on the nearby promenade, just a short walk from the Aquarium. To use the charging points, download the relevant ctCharge or Charge My Ride app. View promenade charging point 1 View promenade charging point 2

Can I bring food or drink, and are there places to eat?

Food and drink are not permitted inside the Aquarium. If you have a dietary or medical need, please speak to the team on arrival. La Nave Bistro and the public kiosk in Pjazza San Pawl offer food and drinks, while the Reef Giftshop is open to the public during Aquarium opening hours.

Is the Aquarium suitable for young children, and what activities are available?

Yes. The Aquarium route is pram-friendly, and children can enjoy digital fish colouring inside. The outdoor nautical playground is free and open to everyone. The ‘Baby Station’ inside the Aquarium relates to baby animals and is not a baby-care facility.

Can I store luggage at the Aquarium?

Yes. Limited luggage-storage space is available. Please ask a team member on arrival; storage is subject to availability.

What should I do if I lose something during my visit?

A lost-and-found service is available. Please report a missing item to a team member during your visit. If you notice afterwards, contact us with a description of the item, the date of your visit and your contact details. Contact us

Can I visit the Heritage Trail without an Aquarium ticket?

No. The Heritage Trail is accessible only to visitors holding a valid admission ticket for the Aquarium.

Tickets & Passes

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance booking is not normally required for standard admission, and tickets can be purchased at the door. Group visits and guided tours should be arranged in advance. Buy tickets online

Where do I go if I purchased my tickets online?

If you purchased your admission tickets online, you can skip the ticket-desk queue and go straight to the turnstiles to enter. Have your digital ticket ready to scan.

How long are tickets valid, and do I need to choose a time slot?

Admission tickets are valid for one visit within six months of purchase. They are not tied to a date or time slot, so you may visit on any day during normal opening hours before the ticket expires. Online tickets can be shown on your phone and do not need to be printed.

Can I buy an Aquarium ticket as a gift?

Yes. Standard admission tickets can be purchased online as a gift for friends or family. They are valid for one visit within six months of purchase and are not tied to a date or time slot. Buy tickets online

What are the visitor age groups, and do children aged 0–3 need a ticket?

Standard age groups are adult (13+), child (4–12), toddler (0–3) and senior (60+). Children aged 0–3 enter free, but a free ticket must be collected from the ticket desk. Please be ready to show proof of age when requested.

Where can I find current prices and discounts?

Current admission prices, concession and resident rates, bundles and online offers are shown on the ticket page. Prices and promotions can change, so please check the live ticket page before purchasing. View current prices and buy tickets

Are concession tickets available for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. A concession discount is available on presentation of a recognised Disability Card. The card must be presented for the discounted admission rate to apply.

Who can purchase a resident admission ticket?

Resident admission tickets are available only to people who hold a valid Maltese residence card or Malta national identity card. Valid identification must be presented on entry. Anyone who cannot present the required identification will be refused entry using a resident ticket.

Do you offer annual passes?

Yes. Individual and family annual passes are available for visitors who would like to return throughout the year. Benefits and conditions can change, so please check the annual-pass page for the current options. Explore annual passes

Can I cancel my tickets or request a refund?

Unused tickets may be cancelled within 14 days of receipt in line with the published refund policy. Once that period has passed, or after a ticket has been used, purchases are generally non-refundable. Please read the full policy and contact the team if you need help with an order. Read the refund policy

Tours, Talks & Groups

Are there talks and animal feedings during the day?

Yes. Talks and scheduled animal feedings take place throughout the day, covering different habitats and species. The programme can change, so check the daily schedule when planning your visit and again when you arrive. View the daily schedule

Can visitors feed the animals?

No. Visitors cannot feed any of the animals. Their diets and feeding routines are carefully managed by the Aquarium team. You can watch selected animals being fed during scheduled talks and feeding sessions.

Can visitors touch or pet the animals, including the sharks?

No. Visitors cannot touch, pet or handle the Aquarium’s animals, including the sharks. This protects both the animals and our visitors. Please follow all barriers, signs and team instructions during your visit.

Can I book a guided tour?

Yes. Guided tours are available by advance booking. Each guide can take a maximum of 25 people. If your group is larger, please contact the team so suitable arrangements can be discussed. Contact us about a guided tour

Can I take a Back of House tour?

Back of House tours are offered in scheduled slots and may include the quarantine area, food-preparation area, laboratory, filtration system and a view of the main tank from above. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but availability is limited for each slot. Some parts of the tour have limited accessibility, so please contact the team before booking if you have access requirements.

How do I arrange a visit for a large group?

Please contact the Aquarium before bringing a large group so the team can plan for your visit, advise on ticketing and discuss any tours or special requirements. Guided tours are limited to a maximum of 25 people per guide. Group visit information

Do you offer visits for schools and educational groups?

Yes. Visits can be arranged for childcare centres, primary and secondary schools, language schools and other educational groups. Guided tours, age-appropriate activities and optional workshops may be available. School visits must be booked in advance. Explore school visits