Exclusive opportunity for OCEANS 2026 attendees
Tour MBARI’s R/V David Packard
Enter the lottery for a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of MBARI’s state-of-the-art flagship research vessel.
Enter the Tour LotteryExplore a new era of ocean research
Step aboard MBARI’s flagship research vessel
Welcomed into the MBARI fleet in 2025, the R/V David Packard expands the institute’s capacity to explore, map and understand our changing ocean. The 50-meter vessel supports ambitious research along the West Coast and across the Northeastern Pacific.
The ship serves as a command center for MBARI’s remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts, which can dive as deep as 4,000 meters, and supports the launch and recovery of autonomous technologies used to map the seafloor, survey marine life and monitor ocean health.
Selected OCEANS 2026 attendees will experience a 30-minute guided tour and get a closer look at the vessel helping advance ocean science and engineering.
R/V David Packard at a glance
Built to expand the reach of ocean exploration
Tour and lottery details
What you need to know
Tour Schedule
Friday, September 25, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Each guided vessel tour will last approximately 30 minutes.
Limited Availability
Only 60 full-conference registrants will be selected. Each attendee may submit one entry; duplicate entries will be removed.
Important Dates
The lottery closes September 4, 2026. Winners will be notified by September 7 and will receive detailed instructions by email.
Please read before entering
Requirements for selected attendees
If you are selected, all of the following requirements will apply:
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Attendees without ID will not be admitted at the gate.
- Wear closed-toed shoes aboard the vessel. Sandals and open-toed footwear are not permitted.
- Avoid bringing bags or backpacks. Any bags brought onboard will be subject to search.
- Sign onto and off the vessel using MBARI’s marine operations form.
- Be prepared to navigate steep, narrow stairs aboard the vessel.
Enter for your chance to tour the R/V David Packard
Space is limited to 60 full-conference registrants. Submit one lottery entry by September 4; selected attendees will be notified by September 7.
Enter the Tour Lottery