Visit the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra

There is something instantly absorbing about watching life move beneath the water.

At the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra, sharks glide overhead, rays move quietly through the water and Mediterranean species share the spotlight with marine life from much further afield.

Set directly on the Qawra seafront, the aquarium is an easy addition to a day exploring northern Malta. It works particularly well for families, but there is enough variety to interest anyone curious about the underwater world.

The aquarium brings together Mediterranean marine life, tropical species and displays inspired by Malta’s own coastline.

Visitors can see sharks, rays, eels and colourful fish across a series of themed tanks. One of the highlights is the walk through tunnel, where marine life passes above and around you, giving a much closer sense of the scale of some of the larger species.

The aquarium in Malta also includes reptiles and amphibians, adding another dimension to the visit beyond the marine displays.

What gives the aquarium a distinctive local character is the way Malta’s geography and history are woven into the experience.

Different zones draw inspiration from the Maltese coastline, Valletta Harbour, Gozo and Comino. There are also shipwreck themed environments that reflect Malta’s long relationship with the Mediterranean.

Alongside these local references, tropical displays introduce species from warmer waters, creating a natural progression from Malta’s marine environment to ecosystems further afield.

For visitors who will later explore Malta’s beaches, bays or coastline, the Qawra Aquarium offers an interesting look at the world beneath the surface.

Large tanks, sharks and colourful marine species make the aquarium naturally engaging for younger visitors.

The experience is visual and easy to explore at your own pace, while the displays also introduce themes around marine conservation and the importance of protecting the sea.

The attraction is pushchair accessible and suitable for different age groups. Its indoor setting makes it particularly useful when you want a break from the summer heat or need an alternative plan on a rainy day.

For families searching for things to do around the Aquarium in Bugibba and Qawra area, it is one of the easiest attractions to build into the day.

The aquarium’s position on the seafront means your visit does not have to end when you leave the final exhibit.

Continue along the promenade towards Bugibba, stop for lunch or spend some time beside the water. The coastal setting makes it easy to combine the aquarium with a relaxed afternoon around Qawra.

Guests staying at AX ODYCY are particularly well placed, with the aquarium within easy reach of the hotel. You can visit for a couple of hours and still have plenty of time to enjoy the resort and surrounding area.

Allow around one to two hours to explore the aquarium comfortably. Families may want slightly longer if children want to spend more time around particular tanks.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which can be useful during busier holiday periods.

The aquarium is open daily, making it straightforward to include in your itinerary whether you are spending a full day in Qawra or simply looking for an activity between other plans.