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Submarino O'Brien: A Dive into Chilean Naval History

Explore a real Chilean submarine and discover naval history at the Submarino O'Brien museum in Valdivia.

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The Submarino O'Brien is a museum ship in Valdivia, Chile, offering a glimpse into the life and operations of a Cold War-era submarine. Built in Scotland in 1971 and commissioned into the Chilean Navy in 1976, it served for 25 years before being decommissioned and transformed into a museum in 2001.

A brief summary to Submarino O'Brien

  • Valdivia, Los Ríos, CL

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the submarine's history.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be navigating small spaces inside the submarine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Plaza de la República in central Valdivia, head southeast towards Calle Sargento Aldea. Turn left onto Calle Sargento Aldea and continue walking until you reach Av. Arturo Prat. Turn right and walk along Av. Arturo Prat for about 10 minutes. You will see the Museo Naval Submarino O' Brien located at Av. Arturo Prat 2-20 on your left.

  • Public Transport

    From the Plaza de la República, walk to the nearest bus stop located on Avenida Colón. Take a local bus heading towards Niebla. Inform the driver that you want to get off at the stop closest to Submarino O'Brien. Once you get off, continue walking along the riverbank until you reach Submarino O'Brien. The location is approximately a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs around 500-700 CLP.

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Discover more about Submarino O'Brien

The Submarino O'Brien provides a unique opportunity to explore Chile's maritime heritage. This Oberon-class submarine, now a museum, allows visitors to experience the daily life of a submariner. Built in Scotland in 1971 and named after John Thomond O'Brien, who fought in the Chilean Wars of Independence, the submarine served the Chilean Navy for 25 years. Decommissioned in 2001, the submarine was acquired by the Municipality of Valdivia and converted into a museum. It offers a glimpse into the cramped living quarters, torpedo rooms, engine rooms, and control center, showcasing the challenges faced by the crew during long underwater missions. The museum provides guided tours, with informative displays detailing the submarine's history and the intricacies of its operations. Located on the Calle-Calle River in Valdivia, the Submarino O'Brien is a reminder of Chile's naval past. Visitors can explore the vessel's interior, gaining insight into the engineering and technology of the time. The O'Brien is one of only a few Oberon-class submarines remaining afloat in the world and one of three preserved as a museum in South America.

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