Description

The Malta National Aquarium project is spread over approximately 20,000 square meters and consists of an Aquarium, a public landscaped belvedere on the promenade, a multistorey car park, facilities for local dive schools, catering facilities including a beach club, a merchandise outlet, and a tourist information kiosk.

The Malta National Aquarium has 41 tanks including reptiles, insects, and amphibians, amongst others, Mediterranean fish, including fish commonly found in Maltese waters together with replicas of historical artefacts that one can find in the seas around the Maltese islands.

The main tank of the aquarium houses species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including black tip sharks, zebra sharks, leopard sharks, bamboo sharks, rays, eels, and other exotic species. The main tank is approximately 12 meters in diameter and has a walk-through tunnel that allows visitors to experience the fish at a much closer range.

All tanks are expertly themed to replicate the underwater environment.

Additional features of the public aquarium include a laboratory, food preparation room and quarantine facilities.

The Malta National Aquarium complex is in an iconic curved shell structure in the form of a starfish. The adjacent promenade provides additional recreation facilities for pedestrians including a children’s play area.

► Opening Hours:

• The Malta National Aquarium is open daily, all year round.
• The opening hours from April till October are between 10:00 hrs. and 20:00 hrs. (last entry at 19:30 hrs.).
• The opening hours from November till March are between 10:00 hrs. and 18:00 hrs. (last entry at 17:30 hrs.).

► Dining At The Aquarium:

Forming part of the Malta National Aquarium Complex, La Nave Bistro caters for a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisine including pizza, pasta, grills, and salads. La Nave Bistro is open daily from 08:30 hrs. till 22:00 hrs. (serving breakfast, lunch & dinner).

► The Reef Giftshop:

The Reef Giftshop is open to the public during our opening hours and offers a variety of toys, games, books, and aquarium souvenirs etc. etc.

► St. Paul’s Square:

Right outside the Malta National Aquarium you will find St. Paul’s Square featuring an open public space to admire stunning views of St. Paul’s islands and the open sea. There is a kiosk in the square serving drinks and snacks which is open to the public.

► Discover The Aquarium:

• Zone 1 – Malta’s Western Shoreline & Submarine:
This zone consists primarily of Mediterranean species such as the gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata, Awrat), European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Spnot), amongst others such as mullet, grouper, amberjacks, and scorpionfish. So far, more than 300 sharks were given back to Maltese waters due to this collaboration between our Aquarium and Sharklab.

• Zone 2 – Valletta Harbour:
On entering the Grand harbour, you will find yourselves surrounded by a beautiful mural and more local fish including sea bream, mottled grouper (Mycteroperca rubra, Cerna) and more.

• Zone 3 – Tropical Oceans:
The main tank inhabits marine life from the Indo- Pacific Ocean displaying numerous shoals of pompano fish, unicorn tangs, batfish, and other individual fish.

• Zone 4 – Roman Times:
Welcome aboard… this zone characterises an ancient ghost shipwreck where you will see replicas of ancient Roman remains as well as displaying an array of damselfish, clownfish, cleaner shrimps and more. The anchor of St Paul’s shipwreck in this area is a replica of the original which was found in 2005 and is currently placed at the Malta Maritime Museum. It is thought to be the one used by Saint Paul during his voyage to Malta.

• Zone 5 – Gozo & Comino:
Fascinating scenes of the Azure window, Xwejni saltpans and the Blue Lagoon surround this zone and truly illustrate the beauty of Malta’s sister islands, Gozo, and Comino. In this zone you will see freshwater tanks, bringing about a lot of biodiversity.

• Reptiles & Amphibian Area:
The new reptiles and amphibians’ area has been open to the public since November 2015. Here you can view a range of animals from all over the world, starting from invertebrates (stick insects, beetles, Brazilian red, and white tarantulas) to reptiles (black and white Argentine tegus, snakes, leopard geckos and Anole lizards) with also a chance to see poison dart frogs.

• Maltese History & It’s Hidden Treasures:
Did you know that our Aquarium is not just about the Marine life, but it also features some of Malta’s hidden treasures and most famous landmarks?
We have replicated some of the most famous landmarks spanning through years of history on the Island of Malta and even beneath the sea. Follow the trail, look closely at the change of flooring, walls, and Marine life to experience so much more.

► Private Transfers:

• All transfers are direct private transfers, meaning that only you and your party will be in the vehicle and there will be no stops to pick-up other clients along the way.
• Transfers include pick-up from your accommodation at your preferred pick-up time, transfer to the Malta National Aquarium and return transfer to your accommodation at the end of your activity/day.
• Pick-up for your return transfer can also be organised at your preferred time and pick-up location, therefore you will have the flexibility to spend more time (or the rest of your day) at St. Paul’s Bay.
• Once you have made your booking, we will contact you so you can let us know at what time you wish to be picked-up from your accommodation and at what time you wish to be picked-up for your return transfer at the end of your activity/day.

► Important Information:

• The entry ticket shall be valid for a one-time entry only with no re-entry allowed.
• The opening hours are subject to changes, if you wish to reconfirm the opening hours of the aquarium during your stay in Malta, please contact us by sending an e-mail to ex********@**********go.com