Expedition Highlights from the E/V Nautilus 2026 Season

In 2026, E/V Nautilus and the Corps of Exploration spent five months exploring the Central and Western Pacific, mapping unsurveyed seafloor, and bringing the world new views of never-before-seen seafloor. Over five expeditions, we mapped thousands of kilometers of seafloor and conducted dozens of ROV dives. Sailing around the Hawaiian Archipelago, Mariana Islands, and more, we witnessed stunning examples of deep-sea biodiversity and geological formation across a range of different habitats, including seamounts and abyssal plains. Enjoy this highlight reel and look back at some of our most exciting observations made possible by our dedicated team and cutting-edge technologies.

Thanks to our many partners who have made the 2026 E/V Nautilus expedition season possible with their support, including NOAA Ocean Exploration, the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, Office of Naval Research, and Leeway Marine, regional partners like the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, Wake Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, and the hundreds of science, technology, and education experts and partner organizations who bring expertise to the Corps of Exploration. 

We thank everyone for their knowledge, curiosity, and collaboration that made the season a success! Our expeditions work to fill critical gaps in ocean knowledge and support US and international scientific priorities by characterizing the deep ocean’s habitats, biodiversity, bathymetry, and geological formations. OET makes data from E/V Nautilus expeditions freely and publicly available to anyone — researchers, governments, conservation organizations, and communities.