Loch Ness Experience deploys Autonomous Vehicle aiming to bring light to the depths of Urquhart Bay

The Loch Ness Experience will take its exploration of the loch to a new level this May, deploying advanced underwater technology to map the depths of Urquhart Bay — an area that has become a hotspot for potential creature sightings in recent years.

Remarkably, despite numerous surveys of Loch Ness, including some that have scanned the loch in its entirety, very little of the seabed has been mapped at the high resolution needed to understand the detailed environment and potential habitats for large creatures. Most existing maps of the loch floor have a resolution of around 5–10 metres. At this scale,  objects the size of large vehicles cannot be resolved, and the detail is insufficient to reveal features such as caves or openings within the loch’s steep underwater ravines.

Modern autonomous underwater vehicles are capable of mapping the seabed at resolutions of just a few centimetres — and even millimetres. However, the slow coverage rates required to achieve this level of detail make large-scale surveys difficult. It is estimated that only around 2–3% of the loch’s 56 km² area has been mapped to this standard. While such high resolution may not be required to detect a large creature, it is extremely valuable for understanding the habitat and potential hiding places within the loch.

Taking place from Thursday 28 to Sunday 30 May, The Quest 2026 will see leading marine exploration company Deep Sea Vision join the search, using its autonomous underwater vehicle Micro Millie to capture high-resolution imagery of the loch floor. The aim is to begin filling gaps in current mapping and expand scientific understanding of Urquhart Bay.

Designed to operate with precision in challenging environments, the compact underwater drone can map terrain down to centimetre-level resolution, providing a detailed view of the loch bed and its geological features. The deployment will also serve as a trial for the vehicle in what is a uniquely challenging freshwater environment. It marks the beginning of a long-term commitment from Deep Sea Vision to map the loch at high resolution over time.

This initial mission will help define future survey strategies and represents a significant step forward in efforts to better understand the structure and composition of one of Scotland’s most studied — yet still largely unexplored — bodies of water.

Over more than 90 years of investigation, Loch Ness has been the focus of extensive research, ranging from sonar surveys to environmental studies, revealing a complex and dynamic ecosystem beneath its surface. In recent years, explorations carried out as part of The Quest have also confirmed the presence of a sustainable food source within the loch’s depths, including populations of pike and salmon.

Building on these findings, this year’s expedition will focus on Urquhart Bay — an area of particular interest due to its varied underwater landscape, proximity to Urquhart Castle, and reputation as a recent hotspot for reported sightings. By deploying the autonomous submarine in this location, the team aims to gather new data that will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the loch’s underwater environment.

While the primary goal of the survey is to map and better understand the loch bed, the exploration also contributes to the ongoing search for answers behind the legend of Nessie. With decades of reported sightings, unexplained sonar readings, and growing evidence of a rich ecosystem beneath the surface, The Quest continues to combine scientific exploration with the enduring mystery of what may still inhabit the depths of Loch Ness.

Craig Wallace, President of Operations at Deep Sea Vision, said: “      “Micro Millie allows us to capture extremely detailed images of the loch bed, revealing features that traditional survey methods simply cannot resolve. With the potential for shore-based operations, it also offers significant cost and efficiency advantages compared with conventional vessel-led surveys.

“This mission marks the beginning of a longer-term collaboration to map Loch Ness at much higher resolution. Loch Ness is a unique and challenging environment, and we’re excited to begin gathering data that will help build a clearer understanding of its underwater landscape.”

Nagina Ishaq, General Manager at The Loch Ness Experience, added: “The Quest continues to evolve each year, and this latest phase reflects a growing focus on exploration and understanding.

“While the mystery of Loch Ness is what draws global attention, initiatives like this are about building knowledge, using new technology to explore the loch in ways that simply haven’t been possible before.”

The survey will see the autonomous vehicle deployed from a vessel in Urquhart Bay, operating within a defined range to capture detailed scans of the loch bed. The data collected will support ongoing exploration efforts and may help identify areas of interest for future study.

Blending scientific exploration with one of the world’s most enduring natural mysteries, The Quest continues to position Loch Ness at the forefront of modern underwater discovery.

For more information on The Quest and how to get involved, visit https://lochness.com/