Home » Best Places to Visit and Attractions » The Malta National Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun day out or a way to entertain the kids we suggest heading up to Qawra and visiting the Malta National Aquarium.
It’s the only Aquarium around and is still relatively and you can expect a fun, modern, and educational spot to spend some quality time.
The premises are spread over around 20,000sqm (215.28sqft) and consist of the Aquarium itself, a public belvedere promenade, a car park, facilities for local dive schools, a restaurant, a beach club, a merchandise outlet, and a tourist information kiosk. You can find the Malta National Aquarium at Ta’ Fra Ben, at the northernmost tip of Qawra.
Fun fact: The Aquarium complex is built in the form of a starfish!
You can buy tickets directly from the ticket office at the entrance, but if you plan on doing more sightseeing, consider saving on entrance fees by getting a Malta Heritage & Attraction Pass.
They give you access to dozens of Malta’s best museums and attractions. Less hassle, lower fees!
You will also be guided through areas that are not normally seen (such as the lab, the food prep area, and the quarantine area), as well as giving extra tidbits of information. Lucky guests might even come across some of the species being fed!
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While the Aquarium is first and foremost a place where guests can go to view different types of species from different parts of the animal kingdom which they otherwise would never see in their lives, it also has other important aims in its running.
The Malta National Aquarium has teamed up with the iLearn Biology Team in order to prepare and promote high-level educational programmes. Apart from this, the education team also offers supplementary material for student visits, as well as holds daily public talks to promote awareness of littering, loss of species, and conservation.
While the Aquarium is a bit out of the way unless you are staying in the North of the island, it is still quite easy to reach from several different points.
The nearest bus stop is right outside the entrance and is called ‘Ben’.
Driving there is pretty straightforward and you can park in the private parking area at no extra cost if you can’t find a public parking space on the main road. Just make sure to mention you’ve parked in the parking area when you buy your tickets (or pass by the reception on your way out if you’ve purchased tickets beforehand).
You can also take the North Route of the Hop-on-hop-off bus routes to get there. Get your tickets in advance here!
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As with all places to visit, you need to make sure the National Aquarium will be worth your time and money. I’ve gathered feedback from people who visited the aquarium and these are the most common pros and cons mentioned.
Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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