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October 3 Step aboard Spain's newest submarine for a rare, free look inside

The Isaac Peral S-81 opens its hatches to the public in Cartagena

Fancy exploring the inside of one of the Spanish Navy's most advanced vessels? Here's your chance. The Isaac Peral S-81 submarine, built right here in Cartagena, will open its doors to the public for a free open day on October 3, giving visitors a proper look at what goes on beneath the surface.

The submarine will be docked at the port, opposite Héroes de Cavite, with guided tours running from 4pm to 8pm. Places are limited to 240 in total, with small groups of 15 heading in every 15 minutes, so it's worth planning ahead if you fancy going along.

Registration opens on Monday September 28 at 4pm through the Ayuntamiento's website, www.cartagena.es, and each booking covers just one person, so everyone in your group will need to register separately using their own DNI/NIE number.

Now, a few practicalities worth knowing before you get too excited. Because of the submarine's tight layout, children under 6 and anyone with reduced mobility won't be able to take part, as the route involves narrow stairs, tight passageways and some genuinely confined spaces. Prams and pushchairs are a no go too. Comfortable shoes and easy to move in clothing are strongly recommended, since the terrain inside is uneven and there's a fair bit of climbing involved.

You'll also need to travel light. Backpacks, handbags, fanny packs and similar items aren't allowed on board, mainly for security and access reasons, so it's best to keep your hands as free as possible for the climb in and out. Cameras and phones will need to stay tucked away too, as photography, filming and audio recording are all off limits during the visit, largely down to the confidential nature of parts of the vessel.

Once inside, a crew member will guide you through the entire tour, so you won't be wandering off on your own. Do stick closely to their instructions though, as certain areas remain strictly off limits, and visitors won't be permitted to touch equipment or open any doors or hatches themselves unless a staff member specifically tells them to.

It's not every day you get the chance to walk through a real Spanish Navy submarine, so if this sounds like your kind of outing, keep September 28 firmly in your diary for when registration opens.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

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