The Ocean Exploration Trust was founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Ballard—best known for his discovery of RMS Titanic’s final resting place and as a National Geographic Explorer in Residence—to engage in pure ocean exploration. Our international programs center on scientific exploration of the seafloor with expeditions launched from Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, a 64-meter research vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. In addition to conducting scientific research, we offer our expeditions to explorers on shore via live video, audio, and data feeds from the field. We also bring educators and students aboard during E/V Nautilus expeditions, offering them hands-on experience in ocean exploration, research, and communications.

The 2018 Nautilus Expedition will launch the fourth year of exploration in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and will be one of the most extensive seasons to date. From June to November, Nautilus will document and survey unexplored regions from British Columbia, Canada, along the West Coast of the United States, and for the first time, west to the Hawaiian Islands.

2018 Nautilus Expeditions

Bow of E/V Nautilus
Southern California Mapping
June 6 – 9, 2018
NA094
Sampling bubbles with Hercules manipulator
Cascadia Margin
June 12 – 29, 2018
NA095
ROV Hercules dive prep on the aft deck of E/V Nautilus
Cascadia Margin & Washington Mapping
June 30 – July 3, 2018
NA096
Hercules diving among sponges
Northeast Pacific Seamounts
July 6 – 21, 2018
NA097
Hercules seen from Argus
Ocean Networks Canada
July 21 – August 4, 2018
NA098
E/V Nautilus
Pacific Seamount Mapping
August 6 – 19, 2018
NA099
ROV Hercules seen from above
Kamaʻehuakanaloa (formerly Lō`ihi Seamount)
August 23 – September 11, 2018
NA100
Seamount bathymetry
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
September 14 – October 1, 2018
NA101
Map showing ship transits and gaps in mapping coverage
Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone
October 4 – 18, 2018
NA102
Coral and sponge survey
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
October 21 – 31, 2018
NA103