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• USS Pampanito

USS Pampanito: What It's Like to Visit this WWII Submarine Museum

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: September 4, 2023

The USS Pampanito SS-383 is a WWII Balao Class Fleet Submarine. This historical vessel is now a famous floating museum in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood.

This important sub went out on six patrols in the Pacific during World War II. During these tours, it sank six Japanese ships and damaged four others.

It is open every day (including major holidays) starting at 10 am and closes at 6 pm.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Touring the Submarine

If you are a military history buff or have never been on a submarine before, I highly recommend touring the USS Pampanito SS-383. Here are pictures and some details about what it's like to go inside it from my last visit.

The tour starts at the back of the submarine. The first room you will enter is the torpedo room.

Several torpedoes are on display here. The room is very small, which gives you the chance to get a close look at these massive weapons.

This is where they would load the torpedoes at the back of the USS Pampanito.

From here, you walk behind the stairs you came down to enter the first of two engine rooms. These are some of the controls used to manage the submarine.

This is the main engine control panel.

After walking through the second engine room, you'll come upon the sleeping quarters. According to the audio tour, the USS Pampanito had only two bunks for every three people on board. Since at least one of them was always on duty, they didn't need a bunk for each person.

The next room you will enter is the small mess hall. This is where everyone ate and hung out when they weren't on duty. There was only a little bit of room, and this area was almost always crowded.

The final room you will enter below deck is the room where they planned the missions.. This room is full of interesting controls, lights, and more.

Make sure you spend some time looking at this route map. It shows the routes for all of the missions for the USS Pampanito SS-383.

This panel was known as the Christmas Tree. It has both red and green lights. All lights had to be green before the submarine could start its journey.

After you finish in this room, you'll head back upstairs to the main deck. These are just a couple of pictures from this area of the submarine.

Additional Touring Details

While visiting the submarine is a fantastic experience, there are a few things you need to know. This SF museum was only slightly modified to accommodate visitors visiting it. This means the entire tour is in close quarters.

There are only two sets of stairs. Each one is STEEP. They are more like ladders than stairs. Here is a look down the first set of stairs.

The doors are also small. Here is an example of the doorways that you will need to pass through to get from room to room.

Since it is such a tight fit inside, I don't recommend this tour for those who are claustrophobic or have difficulty getting around tight spaces. It will most likely be an unpleasant visit.

Note: If you still want to see a WWII vessel without being so cramped, then I recommend heading to Pier 35 and visiting the SS Jeremiah O'Brien . It is a World War II Liberty ship, and offers more room to move around it.

Tickets & Tours

You can buy tickets online or in person for this tour. It's usually not too busy here, so you won't have any problems buying tickets at the time of your visit.

You can spend as much or as little time on the USS Pampanito as you want. The audio tour takes about 35 to 40 minutes if you let it run without pausing. It runs at a good pace and gives you plenty of time to look around each room.

It is open from seven days a week starting at 10 am and closing at 6 pm. This includes most major holidays.

Admission Prices

• Adults : $25
• Seniors (62 and over) : $15
• Youth (5 - 13) : $10
• Children (4 and under) : Free
• Family (2 adults and 2 juniors) : $50
• Students with ID : $15
• Active U.S. Military With ID: $10

There is a free audio tour that you can listen to from their website.

You can also use the Go City card for your tour of the USS Pampanito. This discount card offers you tickets and tours for some of SF's top attractions and activities. Learn more here . 

Finding the Museum

The museum is in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Here is a map showing its location.

When you get close, you will see this sign. Walk under the sign to access the USS Pampanito.

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Other Popular Attractions Nearby

Boudin Bakery : One stop you must make on your visit to San Francisco is Boudin Bakery. This yummy bakery serves up the world-famous San Francisco sourdough bread. You can either grab a quick lunch downstairs or enjoy a relaxing meal upstairs in their restaurant.

Pier 39 : The famed Pier 39 is just steps away from the USS Pampanito. This remodeled pier offers shopping, restaurants, and several other attractions. This is where you will find the sea lions basking in the sun, get the chance to visit the Aquarium of the Bay and ride the historic carousel.

The Cannery : Not too far away is another historic building, the Cannery. It is now a shopping plaza with some great places to grab lunch or dinner. Make sure you stop by their courtyard to admire the 100+ year-old olive trees.

A Perfect Day in Fisherman's Wharf : Still trying to figure out how to see it all in one day? This "perfect day" itinerary offers the best way to stroll through Fisherman's Wharf in just one go. Savor a famous Irish Coffee, visit the historic ships on the Hyde Street Pier, grab fresh crab for lunch on Fish Alley, and more.

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San Francisco's USS Pampanito: The Complete Guide

Delve into SF's seafaring history with a visit to the USS Pampanito

Esteban Martinena Guerrero/Getty Images 

USS Pampanito Museum and Memorial

Situated in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, the USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a Balao-class submarine that today operates as a floating museum and memorial for the Navy's “silent service” (submarines). It's part of the larger San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park , highlighting Pacific Coast maritime history through numerous stand-alone attractions, including a bevy of historic vessels, a visitors center and a maritime museum. For a look into the Pacific's seafaring past, there's no better way to spend an afternoon. 

History of the USS Pampanito

The diesel-electric powered USS Pampanito was launched into service on July 12, 1943 along the US East Coast, making her way across the Panama Canal en route to Pearl Harbor, where she arrived on Valentine's Day, 1944. Over the next couple of years she embarked on six individual war patrols — all in the Pacific Ocean — over which time she sank six Japanese ships, damaged four others, and owned six WWII battle stars. Badly damaged on her first war patrol, the submarine was later refitted and repaired at Pearl Harbor's Midway Island. 

After the war, the celebrated vessel proceeded to San Francisco, and was decommissioned at nearby Mare Island on December 15, 1945. Although it sat unused, the Navy maintained the Pampanito to be reactivated at any time. In April 1960 she was turned into a Naval training vessel at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, and continued in this role until 1971. It wasn't until 1976 that the Pampanito became a memorial and museum, first opening to the public in March 1982. 

The carefully restored vessel maintains its 1945 appearance and now hosts thousands of visitors annually, offering both self-guided audio tours and pre-scheduled docent-led tours led by docents. Along with San Francisco's SS Jeremiah O'Brien, it celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2018. 

What to See and Do 

The Pampanito is a National Historic Landmark moored at Pier 45 in the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, and self-guided audio tours begin on the Main Deck Aft, visiting everything from the vessel's torpedo room to its engine rooms, crew's mess and gallery, radio room, and pump room along the way. Various exhibits are set up throughout, with the audio providing various details of each as well as as first-hand accounts from former onboard personnel. 

The ship's still-working parts include its periscope, one torpedo tube, engines, and an onboard ice-cream maker. There's even a broom flying from her mast, representing that the submarine made a “clean sweep” of the sea's enemies. 

In addition to operating this historic vessel, the San Francisco Maritime Park Association also runs education programs for both children and adults that take place onboard throughout the year, including overnight stays utilizing the Pampanito's 48 bunk beds. There are also sea shanty sing-a-longs every first Saturday evening of the month aboard the Hyde Street Pier's fleet of turn-of-century ships, traveling exhibits viewable at the historic Maritime Museum just across the street from Ghirardelli Square in Aquatic Park — an Streamline Moderne-style structure known for its distinct sea murals — a massive library archive of maritime books, maps, and charts dating back centuries, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park Visitor Center, located in the same historic brick cannery building as the Argonaut Hotel. The park hosts an annual Maritime Beer Fest each April, and offers exquisite views of Alcatraz , San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge all year long. 

Take a stroll along the park's circular Aquatic Park Pier (Muni Pier) , or set sail on the park's historic scow schooner ALMA, a 1891 ship that's the last of her kind. The Hyde Street Pier Small Boat Shop offers an opportunity to witness traditional boat building and hands-on boat repair. Waterfront walking tours leave from the lobby of the Argonaut Hotel weekends at 10:30 a.m. 

In June 2018, Hyde Pier's iconic 1886 three-masted Balclutha tall ship has temporarily relocated to nearby Alameda for maintenance, but is scheduled to return in 2019. 

The Pampanito is open to visitors daily. Call (415) 775-1943 for specific times. 

Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink 

Located in the same historic building and adjacent to the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park's visitor center, San Francisco's luxury boutique Argonaut Hotel is the perfect place for fully immersing yourself in the city's seafaring history. With its exposed brick walls, original timbers, and nautical fabrics, the property is overflowing with character and boasts the Blue Mermaid Bar & Restaurant, where seafood is the star and cocktails also boast their own maritime themes.

For a true San Francisco treat wander over to Bistro Boudin, known for its legendary sourdough bread — especially its bread bowls, filled to the brim with either traditional clam chowder or crab & corn bisque. Or grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a legendary Irish coffee at the Buena Vista, right across the street from the Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround. If it's delicious seafood (think “line-caught” wild cod and seared Alaskan halibut) with waterfront views you're after, Scoma's has been a neighborhood favorite since 1965. 

Getting There

Both the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines offer direct access to Fisherman's Wharf, along with the historic F-line MUNI streetcar, which runs along Market Street from the Castro. Both the East Bay's Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and CalTrain (by way of the MUNI N-Judah) connect with the F-line in front of San Francisco's Ferry Building.  

There are public restrooms at Pier 39 and the end of Hyde Street at the waterfront, and an individual bathrooms at Bay and Taylor streets.

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USS Pampanito

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USS Pampanito

Soak in some maritime history at fisherman’s wharf.

You don’t have to be a military historian or even a sailor to enjoy a tour aboard the USS Pampanito but you’re likely to leave the tour with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the men who served on her. This Balao-class submarine saw extensive action in the Pacific in World War II, where she sank six Japanese warships and damaged four others. Although she was decommissioned many years ago, the Pampanito is still very much in service, so to speak, as a museum that hosts more than 100,000 visitors a year. A national historic landmark, the Pampanito is owned and operated by the Maritime Park Association , which offers many educational programs on and off the warship, including daytime activities and overnight sleepovers.

The Pampanito is currently undergoing extensive renovations to restore her to her condition at the war’s end in late summer 1945. This has been going on for several years as curators and supporters have scoured the United States and the world for missing equipment and spare parts to ensure that as much of the ship is as authentic as possible. Countless man-hours have been donated by retired submariners to restore old equipment to full operation to make this floating and fully operational museum as she was when she patrolled the Pacific. Youngsters taking part in the many educational programs occasionally get a chance to speak directly to old salts who served on Balao-class boats and other World War II submarines.

If you’d like to tour the Pampanito , she’s easy to find, as she is one of them many attractions on Fisherman’s Wharf . The museum opens at 9 a.m. every day, but closing hours vary by season. Self-guided tours cost only $3, but you may wish to upgrade to the guided version at $12 to get the most out of this interesting and very affordable San Francisco attraction. Kids, seniors and students can tour this one-of-a-kind museum for a bit less, as can current active duty military personnel with proper ID. The USS Pampanito is located at Pier 45 on the Wharf. For more information about this unique experience and the educational opportunities offered by the Association, visit the official site at http://www.maritime.org/pamphome.htm .

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Photo by Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3703022

USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a World War II Balao class fleet submarine built in 1943 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. A member of the elite force of U.S. submarines that helped turn the tide of World War II in the Pacific,  Pampanito  made six patrols during World War II. The vessel sank six Japanese ships and damaged four others, with a total of more than 27,000 tons of enemy shipping sunken. During its first two patrols,  Pampanito  narrowly escaped destruction. While attacking an enemy convoy on the first patrol,  Pampanito  was spotted, severely depth charged and damaged. On  Pampanito's  second patrol, while patrolling off the coast of Japan, alert lookouts spotted two torpedo wakes approaching allowing enough time to avoid them. During  Pampanito's  third, and most well known, patrol the sub operated as part of a wolf-pack consisting of USS Growler (SS-215) and USS Sealion (SS-315) . On the morning of September 12, 1944, the pack attacked a convoy carrying war production materials of oil and raw rubber. Unknown to the skippers, the convoy also carried more than 2,000 British and Australian prisoners of war. On September 15th,  Pampanito  moved back to the area of the original attack and found men clinging to makeshift rafts. As the sub moved closer, the men were heard to be shouting in English.  Pampanito  was able to pick up 73 men and called in three other subs in the area to assist with the rescue. For World War II service,  Pampanito  earned six battle stars. She was decommissioned in 1945. In the conflict against Japan in World War II, the role and importance of the submarine forces of the United States cannot be overestimated. American submarines sank more than 600,000 tons of enemy warships and more than 5,000,000 tons of merchant shipping, thus destroying much of Japan's ocean commerce. This was accomplished by a force that never numbered more than two percent of naval personnel engaged in the war. The American submarine war against Japan created a blockade that denied the country oil, iron ore, food and other raw materials needed to continue to fight. The USS Pampanito  is now one of the most popular historic vessels in the country, welcoming nearly 200,000 visitors each year. The USS Pampanito , a National Historic Landmark , is located at Pier 45 in the center of Fisherman's Wharf, in San Francisco. The submarine is now a floating museum.  Discover more history and culture by visiting the World War II in San Francisco Bay Area travel itinerary.

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Last updated: May 4, 2022

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WWII Liberty Ship and Submarine Pampanito

Exploring the ss jeremiah o’brien and uss pampanito: a journey through history.

When you visit San Francisco and explore its rich maritime heritage, two remarkable vessels stand out as living testaments to history – the  SS Jeremiah O’Brien  and the  USS Pampanito . These World War II veterans offer a captivating journey back in time, allowing you to experience the stories of brave sailors and the vital role these ships played during the war. Here’s everything you need to know about these historic vessels and why you should make them a must-visit during your stay in the Bay Area.

SS Jeremiah O’Brien: A Living Museum of WWII

Location:  Pier 35, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

• Historical Significance:  The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of only two fully functional Liberty ships remaining from the 2,710 constructed during World War II. It’s the last unaltered Liberty ship, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time to the days of high seas and enemy threats.
• National Landmark:  This living museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
• Immersive Experience:  Visitors can explore virtually the entire ship, from the engine room to the flying bridge. The ship’s boilers are even “lit off,” and on special Steaming Weekends, the 2500-horsepower main engine operates, providing an up-close look at its machinery in action.
• Restoring History:  The National Liberty Ship Memorial’s mission is to restore, promote, and operate the SS Jeremiah O’Brien as a living museum. By visiting, you contribute to preserving the legacy of the men and women who built and sailed these vital World War II vessels.

History of the O’Brien

• The Beginning:  The SS Jeremiah O’Brien was launched in June 1943 at the New England Shipbuilding Corporation in South Portland, Maine. It served in various voyages during World War II, including the D-Day invasion, before being laid up in Suisun Bay after the war.
• Out of the Mothball Fleet:  In the 1970s, Rear Adm. Thomas J. Patterson saved the O’Brien from scrapyard oblivion. Skilled volunteers removed layers of preservatives, and the ship made a triumphant return to San Francisco after restoration.
• Return to Normandy:  In 1994, the O’Brien embarked on an epic journey, retracing its history to England and France for the 50th Anniversary of Operation Overlord. It was reviewed by the Queen of England and visited by the U.S. President, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Liberty ships.

Visit Details

• The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is fully seaworthy and open to the public, moored at Pier 35, The Embarcadero.
• Steaming Weekends, usually the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, offer a chance to see the engine plant in action.
• Check the calendar for San Francisco Bay cruises and other events.
• The ship relies on volunteers and donations for its operations.
• Contact: +1 415-544-0100,  [email protected] ,  ssjeremiahobrien.org

USS Pampanito: A Silent Service Memorial

Location:  Historic Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

• Meticulous Restoration:  The USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a beautifully restored World War II diesel-electric powered submarine. It serves as both a museum and a memorial to those who served in the “silent service.”
• Heroic Record:  Built in just nine months in 1943 at the Navy Yard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Pampanito made six patrols in the Pacific, sinking six enemy ships and damaging four others.
• Educational Experience:  Pampanito offers self-guided audio tours and, by arrangement, docent-led tours. It’s a unique opportunity to step inside a WWII submarine and learn about its crucial role.

History of the Pampanito

• WWII Service:  Pampanito conducted patrols off Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Honshū, earning six battle stars for its service during World War II.
• Post-War Life:  After the war, Pampanito underwent various assignments and was eventually decommissioned in 1971. It was turned into a memorial and museum in 1975.
• National Historic Landmark:  In 1986, Pampanito was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared a National Historic Landmark.
• Pampanito is open daily to the public at Historic Pier 45.
• Visitors can enjoy self-guided audio tours and, with prior arrangements, docent-led tours.
• The USS Pampanito Amateur Radio Club operates from the submarine, bringing the radio room to life on selected Saturdays.
• The ship offers educational programs and even the opportunity for organized groups to spend the night in the submarine.
• Pampanito has undergone several maintenance dry dockings and still boasts working parts, including a torpedo tube and periscope.
• Contact:  maritime.org/uss-pampanito

When you visit the SS Jeremiah O’Brien and USS Pampanito, you’re not just exploring historic vessels; you’re stepping into the past and connecting with the incredible stories of those who served during World War II. These living museums in the heart of San Francisco are a testament to the courage and determination of the men and women who built, sailed, and defended these vital ships. Don’t miss the chance to experience this piece of history during your visit to the Bay Area.

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USS Pampanito Submarine

The USS Pampanito submarine can be found in Pier 45 on Fisherman's Wharf , very close to the SS Jeremiah O’Brien Ship .

USS Pampanito in History

USS Pampanito is a  submarine from the Second World War that survived countless battles in the Pacific ; it sank six enemy ships and managed to rescue 73 men and take them to the United States.

While it was in service, the Pampanito had a staff of 80 men who shared the tiny space over long voyages.

Visiting the Pampanito

Visiting its decks is not too interesting but, once you go inside, you'll discover a completely different world and feel part of history ; the history of those who spent so much time working and living here.

On entering the Pampanito you can visit the rooms where the crew lived; the kitchen , the dining room , a small office, and the dormitories are still the same as they were at the time.

An Entertaining Visit

Unless you have visited New York’s Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum , if you have ever wanted to go into a submarine, this is your opportunity. Exploring the inside of a submarine is not something that you can do in many places .

Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf .

Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Adults: US$ 30 Children aged 5 to 13 years: US$ 15 Students and people over 62 years old: US$ 20 Children under 4 years old: free

Cable car :  Powell-Hyde line . Streetcars :  line F .

Nearby places

Musée Mécanique (92 m) Fisherman’s Wharf (117 m) SS Jeremiah O'Brien (150 m) Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (228 m) Aquarium of the Bay (631 m)

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Built in 1943, SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a merchant ship that was part of the fleet of 6,000 boats that assaulted the beaches during the Normandy Landings.

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Pampanito Overnight

Come aboard the USS Pampanito and go back in time to World War II when she patrolled Japanese waters searching for enemy ships! Spend the night in the same bunks used by the Submariners, enjoy a personalized tour from bow to stern including the engine room, Torpedo Room, Control Room, and Conning Tower, and take in the sights of the San Francisco waterfront. Open to all organized groups. ( More about the  Pampanito .)

The USS Pampanito Overnight Program is open to all organized youth groups that meet our insurance requirement and group ratio rules.  We require an adult/child ratio of 1:6, and a minimum of 7 adults with any-sized group.  The largest group we can accommodate is 35 visitors.  The minimum age to participate is 6 years old.  We do not allow siblings unless they are a member of the visiting group such as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Pack or Troop.

If your own organization has stricter ratio requirements (For example, Cub Scouts require a 1:1 adult/youth ratio), please adhere to your own organization’s rules.

The program timeline is 6.30pm to 8:30am the following day.  Please refer to the manual for details.

Participants will:

• Receive overnight accommodations onboard the World War II submarine USS  Pampanito , sleeping in bunks in the original crew or officer’s quarters.
• Depending on the wishes of the group, qualified instructors will lead the group on a guided tour of the vessel or the visitors may listen to the audio tour offered to the public during the USS Pampanito’s normal business operation.
• Guided tour of off-limit compartments such as the Conning Tower and Gun Deck (weather permitting)–our knowledgeable staff can provide inside information on the many different systems and pieces of equipment aboard the submarine.
• Hear the story of the USS Pampanito and submarines in World War II, the daily lives of the submarine crews, and the advanced technology crammed in every compartment.

Please refer to the Overnight Encampment manual for further details on the timeline of the program.  Education staff at USS Pampanito are very flexible, if you have a specific request or scheduling need please reach out to:

Education Director Laura DeFelice [email protected] (415) 561-6662

The visiting group is provided with 2 parking spaces only inside Shed A on Pier 45.  As of February 2020, the parking situation at Pier 45 changed.  Please wait by the front gate and look out for a USS Pampanito Education Staff member who will assist you at 6:30pm, the earliest possible time to park.  These overnight passes are included in your trip cost and allow overnight parking up to 9:00am at the latest. All other vehicles will need to find overnight parking accomodations at their own expense.

Please see the Parking Map for specific details of how to arrive by private vehicle.  Visiting groups are encouraged to carpool, take public transit such as SF Muni, the BART, as well as the Ferry.  We are located next to Pier 43 and a 30-minute walk from the Embarcadero.  Please visit Red & White and Blue & Gold Ferry websites for specific scheduling.

Map and Parking Guide – See Manual 

An important role that the adults serve during their time aboard USS Pampanito is conducting Nightwatch.  Nightwatch is important to ensure the safety of the group.  There must be at least one adult awake from 11:00pm to 7:00am the following day.  Participation of adults (18 and older) is MANDATORY, but the participation of Minors (18 and below) is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED but not mandatory.  The purpose of this watch is to ensure that everyone is safe, to intervene in case of a medical emergency, to begin evacuation of the vessel in case of fire, flood, or earthquake.  There is always a USS Pampanito Deckhand on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but this staff member will not enter the sleeping compartments unless it is absolutely necessary.  The sleeping areas are the responsibility of the adult group leaders and chaperones to maintain the peace and to promptly clean up any spills.   USS Pampanito staff are here to help at any time, day or night.

FRIDAY – SUNDAY

The cost to participate in a weekend overnight encampment is a flat fee of $1,250 for up to 25 participants.  Add $50 per person for 26-35 participants, maximum group size is 35.

MONDAY-THURSDAY-Limited Availability 

The cost to participate in a weekday overnight encampment is a flat fee of $1,000 for up to 25 people.  Add $35 per person for 26-35 participants, maximum group size is 35.

Deposit Information

When booking an Education Program at USS Pampanito, the required deposit is the program minimum charge.  For example, if a group wishes to book a Pampanito Youth Encampment on the Weekend, the minimum deposit to book is $1,250 with the remainder of the invoice due within 90 days of the program date.

This deposit is nonrefundable within 90 days of the program date. Cancellations must be made and acknowledged in writing by both parties.  If the program is cancelled due to inclement weather, closure of the USS Pampanito due to emergency maintenance & repair, natural disaster such as fire or earthquake, or otherwise a reason outside of both parties control, then full effort will be made for a complete refund or accommodating the group at a different date.

Make Deposit Check Payable To SFMNPA And Mail Deposit/Contract To:

SFMNPA ATTN: Education P.O. Box 470310 San Francisco, CA 94147-0310

Please note your group’s name and date of visit on your check!

Please contact Education Director Laura DeFelice with any questions about booking or the deposit policy.

Phone:  (415) 561-6662

Email:  [email protected]

Cancellation of a program less than 90 days prior to the program date will hold the group responsible for the full cost of the program base rate.

Notice of cancellation must be made and acknowledged in writing by both parties.

On very rare occasions, inclement weather may cause conditions hazardous enough to necessitate closure of the boat. In such cases every effort will be made to provide scheduled groups with advance notice so that they can reschedule their visit or, if they choose, cancel altogether and receive a full refund of their deposit. The Maritime Park Association will not be responsible for any other inconveniences or consequences arising from the cancellation of a group’s visit.

You are required to furnish the following:

• A current, valid insurance certificate.  If your group is a California Boy or Girl Scouts of America group we may have a copy of your Council office’s Certificate of Insurance on file.   (Important: The Certificate of Insurance should be in the amount of $1 million for bodily injury and property damage, and should list the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association as an additional insured.)
• Complete Liability forms for all participants, both adult AND minor. (these can be found in the Overnight Encampment Manual).
• Signed acknowledgement of the Safety Procedures and Rules Of Conduct. This form is also located in the Manual and due on the day of the program.
• Night Watch Roster (this is a  required  activity by the adults)

No group may board the vessel until all these forms have been received.  The Overnight Encampment Manual provides more detailed information about our program and the aforementioned forms.  You are responsible for reading it in advance of your visit and collecting all completed forms prior to check-in.

Please reach out to Education Director Laura DeFelice [email protected] (415-561-6662 ext. 5) with any questions about the required documentation.

Think of your visit to USS Pampanito as a camping trip.  Each visitor will be responsible for bringing his or her own sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, etc. The bunks onboard the submarine do not have sheets or blankets.  Camping bedding like sleeping bags are recommended.   Pier 45 is very cold at night but the submarine itself maintains a stable temperature in crew’s berthing.

Space onboard USS Pampanito is very limited, please choose carefully what you bring with you.  The watertight doors measure 2 feet by 3 feet, large rigid suitcases may have issues fitting inside the submarine.  Just like the submarine sailors used back in World War II, duffel bags or backpacks are recommended.

Check out our Virtaul Tour to get a better idea of the compartments and sleeping areas. Majority of Scouts sleep in the main Crew Berthing Area (36 bunks), parents and leaders generally sleep in the Officers Country (12 bunks), all sleeping arrangements are made by the Scout Leader and follow BSA rules.

Personal Items:

• Sleeping Mask (the berthing areas will not become completely dark due to Fire Code requirements)
• Personal Toiletries
• Warm layers (The submarine itself is fairly warm but nights next to the water become very cold)
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Cameras (USS Pampanito is declassified; take as many photos as you like!)
• Cards, board games, books, dice, etc.

Group Items:

• First Aid Kit
• Food for the Evening and Breakfast

Contraband (Prohibited Items):

• Tobacco Products (Cigarettes or Electronic vaporizers are prohibited on and off the boat)
• Chewing gum
• Nuts with hard shells like pistachios and sunflowers (The shells can fall below decks and jam equipment)

Each group is responsible for arranging for their meals (dinner & breakfast) prior to and after the program. Because of time limitations, participants must eat prior to your arrival in the evening and after your departure in the morning, as there are no special in/out privileges for individuals once the program begins , as our pier gate is locked. Please be advised that there is no cooking allowed on board the submarine.

You are encouraged to bring prepared foods on board the submarine for snacks. When selecting foods to bring, consider ease of clean up as you will be responsible for any spills. If you bring food, you will also need to provide your own paper plates, cups, flatware, towels, etc. There is no refrigeration available, so be sure to bring a cooler for perishables. Do not bring portable gas stoves, barbecue grills, etc.  Avoid foods that fall into small crevices, such as popcorn, trail mix, etc.

Eating space is available in the Triangle Space at the forepier where there are tables and chairs.    Please note, there is no food permitted and only water allowed on the submarine and individuals may not carry open drinks through the submarine.

We will provide a 30-cup hot water urn for use in preparing hot beverages. We will also supply instant coffee, tea and cocoa (including cups) for your group–if you don’t see it already out in the crew’s mess area, just ask.

Suggestions for snacks:

• Late night snack – bring submarine sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers, order pizza (see our staff before ordering)
• Breakfast – muffins, sweet rolls, fruit, donuts, bagels and cream cheese

The Calendar fills quickly! Please fill out the APPLICATION to begin your reservation and see our CALENDAR for availability. 

For more information or to make reservations, please contact Education Director, Laura DeFelice

Phone:  (415) 561-6662 ext. 5

Email: [email protected]

PAMPANITO OVERNIGHT LEADER MANUAL

Does the submarine drive around like a regular boat?  Does the submarine dive?

No, the submarine is essentially a floating museum, it is permanently moored to Pier 45.  And no, it cannot dive. It has been meticulously restored and preserved for the safety of visitors and staff. It is essentially impossible to dive the submarine in its current condition.

I have concerns that some members of my group that don’t like enclosed spaces will become claustrophobic during their visit, how cramped is the submarine?

Please contact Education Director Laura DeFelice [email protected]  to discuss possible solutions.  We can’t open up the submarine or tear out the watertight doors, certain aspects of the submarine are historically accurate in that it was a cramped and claustrophobic environment for its submarine sailors on a war patrol.  But here at Pampanito we urge you to consider that it is an open museum, you are free to leave to get fresh air on the submarine, get a bunk that is close to an exit to make it easy to walk to the pier.  Also, it is an opportunity to experience sleeping on a submarine, give it a try!  Visitors are not required to sleep onboard if they are uncomfortable during the tours.

If a member of the group cannot participate, we have 360-degree panoramic photographs of every compartment and our audio tour is a free download off of our website so they can experience the submarine from the comfort of their home PC or tablet.  Visit maritime.org for further links to the photos and audio tour.

I have members of my group that have mobility issues, will they be able to participate?

We do our absolute best to try and provide full access to everyone, but unfortunately we are not wheelchair accessible.  Our seven watertight doors measure 2’x3’ and can be difficult for individuals to step through as they walk through the boat.

Please contact Education Director Laura DeFelice [email protected]  to discuss possible solutions

As per the section above, we have 360-degree panoramic photographs of every compartment and our audio tour is a free download off of our website so they can experience the submarine from the comfort of their home PC or tablet.  Visit www.maritime.org for further links to the photos and audio tour.

Is there cellular service inside the boat?  How do I charge my electronics?

No, there is no service inside the submarine.  It is recommended that you keep your phone on airplane mode to prevent the battery draining.  If you need to make a phone call or receive an important message, talk to USS Pampanito crew and they can make arrangements.  Please do not plug in your charger into random outlets.  Your charger may damage the submarine’s circuits!  ASK BEFORE YOU PLUG!

Can I make a quick trip outside Pier 45 once the program is over?

No.  We have a strict “No Ins or Outs” policy in order to keep the Pier and the submarine secure after the gates have been shut and we are closed to the public.  This is to ensure no trespassers endanger your group or the boat.  If someone needs to leave the submarine, they can return at 9am when we open the gates for business.  Obviously, if someone has an emergency they are free to leave but groups should be prepared for the duration of their stay.

Can I stay parked after 9am?  We just wanted to make a quick trip to the…

Unfortunately, no.  We have limited spaces that are reserved for staff who will rotate in the evening and again in the morning.

I have a group size under the program minimum of 25, can I pay a lower rate?

We charge a program minimum for 25 to cover staffing costs, maintenance, wear and tear on the boat, etc.

I have a group that is over 35, can my group sleep on the floor?

Unfortunately, 35 is the absolute limit as per Fire Code regulations.  If you have more than 35 we recommend booking two programs.

13 episodes

An audio tour of USS Pampanito, a WW II submarine museum and memorial in San Francisco, California.

USS Pampanito Submarine Audio Tour San Francisco Maritime National Park Association

• Society & Culture
• 4.5 • 20 Ratings
• NOV 9, 2007

After Battery Compartment

A tour of USS Pampanito's After Battery Compartment

After Engine Room

A tour of USS Pampanito's After Engine Room

After Torpedo Room

A tour of USS Pampanito's After Torpedo Room

Conning Tower

A tour of USS Pampanito's Conning Tower

Control Room

A tour of USS Pampanito's Control Room

Crew's Mess

A tour of USS Pampanito's Crew's Mess

• Copyright ℗ and © 2007, San Francisco Maritime National Park Association

Customer Reviews

Great tribute.

This is awesome! Fantastic to hear the stories of the boat from vets that were there.

A wonderful addition to the tour of the Balao class submarine. It's neat that you can bring it along on your own; $2 to rent the audio tour at the site.

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