REVIEW · MALTA
Leisure Pass in Malta
A good pass does two things fast. It saves time and saves money. This 2-day Leisure Pass bundles Valletta favorites with science, history, and boat time, so you can build a full Malta outline without constant ticket math.
I especially like that you get one entry ticket style pass covering Malta National Aquarium, Esplora Interactive Science Centre, and the Malta Experience show plus La Sacra Infermeria visit. I also like the extra transport value, because you get unlimited hop-on hop-off access plus cruises, including free onboard Wi-Fi on both cruises.
One thing to plan for: cruises and outdoor parts depend on good weather, and seating can be tight on longer boat rides. Bring sun protection and something small you can sit on, just in case.
In This Review
- Key things to notice before you go
- Why a 2-day Leisure Pass works well in Valletta
- Building your own day plan with hop-on hop-off and cruises
- Malta National Aquarium: 175 species in about an hour
- Esplora Interactive Science Centre: 200+ hands-on exhibits
- The Malta Experience and La Sacra Infermeria: 7,000 years, then a guided look
- Cruises with free Wi-Fi: Valletta, Three Cities, Comino, and Gozo
- Morning to evening: opening hours and how to time your stops
- Price and value: what $81.45 buys you
- Who this pass suits best (and who might feel cramped)
- Practical tips to make the pass feel effortless
- Should you book this Leisure Pass?
- FAQ
- What attractions are included in the Leisure Pass?
- How long is the Leisure Pass valid for?
- Is the ticket digital or printed?
- What transport options come with the pass?
- Is there Wi-Fi on the cruises?
- What time of day is it open?
- How much does the pass cost?
- Can I cancel for free?
- What if the experience is canceled due to weather?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key things to notice before you go
- One pass, multiple top sights in Valletta: aquarium, science center, and the Malta Experience
- Hop-on hop-off included so you can move at your own pace around the city
- Two cruise options with onboard Wi-Fi for a more comfortable ride
- Coastal route access to Comino and Gozo for day-trip style exploring
- Mobile ticket for easier check-in and fewer printed documents
Still weighing it up? These Valletta trips held up well when we went through them.
- From Malta: Full-Day Gozo UTV Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
★ 4.6 · 4,408 reviews - The Original Valletta Walking Tour
★ 5.0 · 2,719 reviews - Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour
★ 4.7 · 1,605 reviews - From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Quad Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
★ 4.8 · 1,419 reviews
Why a 2-day Leisure Pass works well in Valletta
Valletta is compact, but it is also full. You can easily spend two days hopping between waterfront views, historic sites, and hands-on activities. This kind of pass is useful because it reduces decision fatigue. Instead of choosing between an aquarium, a science stop, and a history show, you can stack them and still leave room for wandering.
The value isn’t just that it includes several attractions. It’s that the pass mixes indoor options for heat or wind with outdoor-friendly sightseeing via bus and boats. That balance matters because Malta weather can change how comfortable a day feels.
Also, since the pass is sold as a mobile ticket and the activities are listed for daily hours, it fits well into real vacation schedules. You do not need to build your whole trip around a single timed ticket purchase.
Building your own day plan with hop-on hop-off and cruises
What I like most about the included transport is flexibility. You get unlimited access to a hop-on hop-off tour, plus a harbor cruise that loops around Valletta and the Three Cities. On top of that, you get coastal route passes that cover Comino and Gozo.
Here is the way to think about it on the ground: Valletta is ideal for short walks and quick stops. The bus helps when you want to cover ground without draining your legs. Then, when you want a break from streets, the cruise takes you back to the water, with views and a chance to sit down.
A practical approach:
- Use the hop-on hop-off to reach the next attraction without timing every footstep.
- Pick one cruise for a main “scenic chapter” of the day.
- Save Comino or Gozo for the day you feel most energetic, since travel time and sun exposure add up.
Both cruises include free Wi-Fi on board, which is a small detail that actually helps. You can send a few messages, check transit info, or just stay calm if your phone needs a moment to load maps.
Malta National Aquarium: 175 species in about an hour

The Malta National Aquarium is a smart first stop if you want something straightforward. You’re looking at about 1 hour, and the focus is clear: it is the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands and home to more than 175 different species.
What makes this stop feel worth your time is the range. You are not only dealing with fish. The aquarium also includes mollusca, reptiles, and insects. That variety keeps it from feeling like a long corridor of similar tanks.
Why I think it’s a good pairing inside this pass:
- It’s short enough that you can still enjoy an evening in Valletta.
- It acts as a family-friendly anchor, even if you are not traveling with kids.
- It gives you a calm indoor break before you switch to a science center or a history show.
Possible drawback: if you expect a huge “wow” experience at every turn, an aquarium can feel more like a structured walkthrough than an open-ended explore. Still, for a ticket-included stop, it’s an efficient use of time.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre: 200+ hands-on exhibits
Esplora is where the pass becomes more than sightseeing. It is an interactive science center with 200+ indoor and outdoor exhibits, and it’s timed at about 2 hours.
If you like learning through doing, this is the kind of attraction that makes time feel faster. Interactive science setups tend to work for different ages because you can choose what grabs you. The indoor and outdoor mix also helps. If the sun hits hard, you can shift to indoors, and if you want a break from AC, you can use the outdoor exhibits.
Why it’s valuable in the Leisure Pass:
- It balances the day against more history-heavy stops.
- It’s a good choice when you want to move around without relying on buses and boats.
- You get a real time block (about 2 hours), which makes planning easier.
One caution: because it’s interactive, you may end up lingering longer than expected if you get pulled into an exhibit. Build in some flexibility, especially if you also plan a cruise on the same day.
The Malta Experience and La Sacra Infermeria: 7,000 years, then a guided look
The Malta Experience is the pass’s history and culture anchor. The experience includes an educational audio-video show telling the story of around 7,000 years of Maltese history, then it continues with a tour of the La Sacra Infermeria.
This is listed at about 1 hour total, and it’s a strong “connect the dots” stop. When you’ve been walking around Valletta’s streets, it helps to understand what you’re looking at. Even if you are not a history superfan, the audio-video format can do a lot of work quickly. Then La Sacra Infermeria gives you a physical place to attach that story to.
What you should consider: audio-video shows can have different pacing based on the day’s audience and timing. If you prefer quiet self-paced museum wandering, you might find you want extra time afterward to explore beyond what the included stop covers. The good news is that your hop-on hop-off access makes it easy to add a bit of extra wandering nearby.
Cruises with free Wi-Fi: Valletta, Three Cities, Comino, and Gozo
Two cruises are included as part of the pass: a harbor cruise around Valletta and the Three Cities, and coastal route passes that cover Comino and Gozo.
The biggest practical upside here is simple: you get water views and a change of scenery without needing to figure out separate ticketing. Plus, the cruises include free Wi-Fi on board, which can turn a long ride into something more comfortable and less like a patience test.
How to choose your cruise day
- If you want a classic sightseeing loop close to town, lean toward the harbor cruise around Valletta and the Three Cities.
- If you want island time, plan your Comino or Gozo day when you can handle sun, walking, and time on the water.
A real-world comfort note
One downside that came up is seating can be limited on a cruise, and on hot days people have to get creative about where to rest. I’d plan for that. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and consider a small personal sit cushion or towel that can help you stay comfortable if benches are scarce.
Morning to evening: opening hours and how to time your stops
The pass is listed for daily hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday) within the given validity window. That matters because your itinerary should fit into daytime operations, especially if you want both an attraction and transport.
Here’s a timing strategy I’d use:
- Start with the aquarium or a science block earlier in the day, when energy is high and the light feels best for travel.
- Place the Malta Experience when you want a structured, indoor history moment.
- Use hop-on hop-off and cruises as your “transition” between major stops, so you’re not rushing between everything.
Also, the pass is near public transportation. So if you want to add a casual lunch break or a quick stop for a viewpoint, you can do it without building a complex plan around rides.
Price and value: what $81.45 buys you
At $81.45 per person for about 2 days, the value is about how many included experiences you can realistically fit in. This isn’t a pass that pays off if you only use one attraction. It’s designed for stacking: aquarium, science, and Malta history, plus transport and cruises.
Here’s what you’re getting for the price in plain terms:
- Three major admissions (aquarium, science center, Malta Experience plus La Sacra Infermeria)
- Unlimited hop-on hop-off access
- A harbor cruise around Valletta and the Three Cities
- Coastal route passes for Comino and Gozo
- Free Wi-Fi on board for both cruises
- Mobile ticket convenience
That’s a lot of categories packed into one payment. If you normally pay separately for each admission and each transport option, the pass tends to make your trip cheaper and simpler.
If your travel style is more “one big paid attraction per day,” you might not hit the break-even point. But if you want a full Malta sampler with clear included highlights, it’s a solid deal.
Who this pass suits best (and who might feel cramped)
This Leisure Pass fits best if you like:
- A structured plan with flexibility (you can move around, but key items are covered)
- A mix of indoor learning and outdoor sightseeing
- Families or groups that want options beyond just churches and walls
It may not suit you as well if:
- You hate boat rides or worry about seating comfort on longer cruises
- You prefer very slow, self-paced museum time, with fewer scheduled activities
- You mostly want one island day and not a Valletta base of sights
The pass is built for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling with someone who needs extra comfort, I’d still plan proactively for the cruise portions, since seating can be a factor.
Practical tips to make the pass feel effortless
A few small things can make this trip smoother:
- Bring sun protection for cruises and outdoor science exhibits. Esplora includes outdoor displays, and island days are sun-heavy.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Even with hop-on hop-off and boats, you will still do plenty of walking around Valletta.
- Plan your order based on energy. Esplora takes about 2 hours, so pair it with an easier evening plan.
- Use your hop-on hop-off day like a tool, not a trap. Ride to reposition, then get off to enjoy specific areas.
And here’s a travel-planning habit I’d keep: ask your hotel concierge for advice on which day to do Gozo and Comino based on weather and your tolerance for sun. In Malta, a concierge named Mira at the Cavalieri Hotel is mentioned for helping arrange trips and packages, which is a helpful reminder that local guidance can make your schedule feel less stressful.
Should you book this Leisure Pass?
I’d book it if you want two days that feel complete. You get major hits in Valletta, plus real variety with science, history, and island cruising. The value works best when you actually use several included parts, not just one.
I’d hesitate if you hate boats or you are very sensitive to seating comfort on longer rides. In that case, you can still enjoy Malta, just make sure your cruise plan is comfortable, and consider whether you truly want to bundle Comino and Gozo into one pass.
If your goal is simple, see a lot of Malta without juggling lots of separate tickets, this pass is a practical way to do it.
FAQ
What attractions are included in the Leisure Pass?
The pass includes admission to the Malta National Aquarium, Esplora Interactive Science Centre, and the Malta Experience, followed by a tour of La Sacra Infermeria.
How long is the Leisure Pass valid for?
It is listed as a 2-day pass, approximately.
Is the ticket digital or printed?
The pass is a mobile ticket.
What transport options come with the pass?
You get unlimited access to a hop-on hop-off tour, a harbor cruise around Valletta and the Three Cities, and coastal route passes to Comino and Gozo.
Is there Wi-Fi on the cruises?
Yes, both cruises include free Wi-Fi on board.
What time of day is it open?
Hours are listed as 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
How much does the pass cost?
The price is listed as $81.45 per person.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What if the experience is canceled due to weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
More Tour Reviews in Valletta
Recently reviewed around Valletta
- Valletta: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes★ 4.9 · 4 reviews
- Shore Excursion: Private Full-Day Tour of Valletta & Mdina★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Valletta Private Historical and Cultural Walking Tour★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Private Tour in Malta Prehistoric Temples & Mdina★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Private Tour of the Maltese Island (Private Driver)★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Leisure Pass in Malta★ 4.0 · 4 reviews
- Malta tour 3Cities , Marsaxlok ,Blue grotto Hagar qim★ 4.9 · 4 reviews
- Valletta : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour★ 3.1 · 5 reviews









