Menu
Of the three floating museums in the port of Torrevieja, the S-61 Delfin submarine is undoubtedly the most popular. It doesn't take much imagination to understand why the oldest of the three museums, which opened to the public in 2004, captivates so many. The unfamiliarity with submarines holds a great allure for many people. Onboard this submarine of the Daphne class, there is much to see and experience to gain a good insight into life and work underwater.
Visitors will quickly realize that life wasn’t easy for the crew. The simple facts speak volumes. First, there are the dimensions, which can feel quite claustrophobic for many people. With a length of 57 meters and a width of 6.8 meters, much of which is taken up by machines and torpedoes, it's hard to imagine that a crew of 56 souls stayed underwater here for sometimes up to thirty days. Tourists are repeatedly amazed by the tiny size of the "bedrooms," showers, kitchen, and living and working areas.
Height is another limitation. People of average height will spend most of their time exploring the submarine with their heads bent. That's also why crew members were not allowed to be taller than 1.70 meters to be admitted. Frequent comments from visitors also refer to the outdated technology onboard and the tangle of cables and wires.
Finally, many people imagine the possible smell onboard, produced by 56 people over thirty days without fresh air.
It makes sense that the S-61 Delfin is moored in Torrevieja. This was the place where its active service began in 1974. Next to the submarine is the patrol boat Albatros III. This vessel was used by the Guardia Civil for over thirty years, until 2006, mainly for coastal patrol and customs activities. Here too, tourists can learn more about the everyday tasks carried out.
The last of the three museums is a replica of the sailing ship Pascual Flores. This ship was once built in Torrevieja and sailed between the city and the Caribbean, transporting salt. On the return trip, goods such as wood and other trade goods were brought back.
Finally, on the pier near the vessels, there are various objects that are interesting for those who love military or maritime history. These include mines, torpedoes, anti-aircraft guns, machine guns, and anchors.
For exact opening times, it’s advisable to consult the tourist office. Sometimes the submarine is closed to the public for maintenance. Visitors must be at least 1.15 meters tall. The sailing ship occasionally tours Spanish waters to promote Torrevieja.
