National Geographic Will Premiere Ocean Documentary in November
The one-hour special Expedition: Saving Our Seas premieres globally on November 13, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Environmental
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National Geographic will debut its documentary special, Expedition: Saving Our Seas, on November 13, 2026. Narrated by Auliʻi Cravalho, the film investigates environmental changes across five ocean basins.
Why it matters
The documentary highlights ongoing research aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and coastal communities. By documenting extreme environments, the project seeks to provide solutions for preservation in the face of environmental change.
Researchers utilized remotely operated vehicles to sight a giant Antarctic gonate squid at a depth of 13,000 feet. Scientists are also currently testing the DORIS device to improve deep-sea exploration capabilities.
The players
Auliʻi Cravalho
Auliʻi Cravalho is an actress and singer who serves as the narrator for the documentary.
Dr. Katy Croff Bell
Dr. Katy Croff Bell is an oceanographer currently developing the DORIS device for advanced deep-sea research.
Katharine Arthy
Katharine Arthy is a documentary filmmaker who directed Expedition: Saving Our Seas.
The details
Directed by Katharine Arthy, the film captures researchers tracking blue whales in New Zealand and studying coral heat tolerance in the Cook Islands. The project also examines coastal erosion research in Gambia and marine studies conducted in the Sherman Basin.
Timeline
November 13, 2026: The documentary premieres on National Geographic.
November 14, 2026: The film becomes available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
November 2026: National Geographic magazine publishes findings from the featured expeditions.
The Big Picture
The use of the DORIS deep-sea exploration device represents a shift toward more persistent, autonomous monitoring of the ocean floor. This technology bridges the gap between surface observations and the largely unmapped deep-sea environment.
The documentary offers viewers insight into emerging ocean conservation methods and the potential for new deep-sea exploration tools to inform future policy. These advancements may eventually guide more effective protection strategies for vulnerable coastal communities.
The takeaway
The deep ocean remains largely uncharted, with researchers currently accessing only a fraction of its total area. Viewers can expect to see how new technologies are being used to map these depths and protect vital marine ecosystems.
What happens next
National Geographic will release an interactive experience featuring 3D visualizations on natgeo.com in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest findings in our Environmental section.
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Do you believe your personal conservation efforts contribute meaningfully to protecting the health of the ocean?
