The BAP Abtao was originally commissioned by the United States Navy as the USS Sea Poacher (SS-406).
The submarine weighs approximately 1,800 tons submerged.
It is one of the few submarines in the world open for public interior tours that retains original machinery.
The vessel was actively involved in patrolling the Peruvian coastline during its 44 years of service.
The name 'Abtao' commemorates the Battle of Abtao, a naval engagement during the Chincha Islands War.
Museo Abtao is a decommissioned BAP Abtao (SS-42) submarine permanently dry-docked at the Callao pier in Lima, Peru. The vessel served in the Peruvian Navy from 1954 to 1998 before being converted into a floating museum in 2004. Visitors walk through the narrow interior corridors to view the torpedo rooms, engine compartments, and command centers. The submarine was built in the United States and belongs to the Balao class, widely used during the mid-20th century. Retired naval officers often serve as tour guides, providing firsthand accounts of submarine operations and life at sea. The museum preserves the original instrumentation, bunks, and periscope equipment used by the crew. It serves as a static historical exhibit illustrating Cold War-era naval technology.
From the exterior pier level, capturing the full profile of the submarine hull against the harbor backdrop.
Wear flat, closed-toe shoes as you will need to navigate steep, ladder-like hatches and narrow passages.
Tall visitors should be prepared to stoop significantly throughout the interior to avoid low-hanging pipes and valves.
Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy a more intimate tour experience with the retired naval guides.
Do not attempt to visit if you have significant mobility restrictions, as the submarine requires climbing through tight, vertical hatches.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Avoid touching the delicate instrumentation and follow the guide's instructions regarding steep ladder navigation.
