The Russian Submarine Scorpion

One of the odder tourists attractions in Southern California is parked next to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. It's a Russian attack submarine that one can tour. The sub served in the Russian military from 1972 until 1994.

We were staying next door aboard The Queen Mary and had some time to kill. We had a family discussion if the submarine was really worth the time and the money to visit. The admission is $11.00 per person and time s four that was another $44.00 for a quick walk around a docked submarine.

Finally we decided to do it. The sub is small, cramped and narrow. However, it is very interesting. You can see the 22 torpedoes, where the 78 sailors would sleep, eat and yes even poop. The kids loved the periscope.

I felt claustrophobic just being the ship for less than a half hour. I couldn't imagine how it must have felt with 77 other men and being underwater for five days. I quickly came to the conclusion that I would not make a good Russian underwater seaman!

The tour is self guided and can take as long as wish it. There was one retired American submarine serviceman on board to tell about his experiences on a U.S. submarine. We took about 30 minutes to look at everything on the Scorpion. We could have taken less (or more) time.

I am happy we decided to take this tour. It was a once in a lifetime experience and a unique chance to see the inside of a Russian submarine. The kids enjoyed it, more than they thought they would and I think they even learned a little about the Cold War. It was worth the ticket price.

WARNING: This tour may not be good for elderly or persons who have movement problems. You do have to climb down a rather steep ladder and climb through some tight spaces and small portholes to get around the ship.