Exploring the ocean for national benefit

NOAA Ocean Exploration is the only federal program dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, partnerships, data delivery, and education.

Learn About Science & Exploration

Learn about Ocean Exploration

Dive into ocean exploration by exploring materials such as stories, ocean facts, and images and videos, organized by topic for learners of all ages and levels.

Ocean Science for Everyone
For Educators
Multimedia

Highlights

Photogrammetry
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer illuminating the wreck of USS Yorktown against a dark ocean background.

USS Yorktown Photogrammetry Model

In 2025, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners returned to the wreck of USS Yorktown. Over two remotely operated vehicle dives, they collected video that was used to produce a new photogrammetric model of the wreck.
A small round jellyfish and brittle star arms on a delicate coral with the rocky seafloor in the background.
Exploration Extras
March Desktop Wallpaper Calendar
Seatrec infiniTE float with directional acoustic sensor on a boat deck, supported by foam blocks.
Expeditions & Projects
Soundscape Characterization Float

News Updates

General
10 Years of the “Casper” Octopus
Education
Ocean Exploration Education – Facilitator Training in Dauphin Island
Event • Opportunity
NOAA Ocean Exploration to Host Blue Technology Education Workshop
Event
NOAA-Supported Expedition on E/V Nautilus to Explore Deep Waters of the Cook Islands
Discovery
NOAA and Partners Map the Seafloor in Southernmost Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone

Our Expeditions by the Numbers

NOAA Ocean Exploration coordinates, funds, and conducts expeditions around the globe that feed the essential research and scientific inquiry necessary to understand the features and phenomena of the ocean to support informed resource management decisions.

View Data and Products
Featured Statistics
443,304 Square Kilometers of Seafloor Mapped
180+ Days at Sea on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
5.5 Million Website Views
400+ Educators Trained

Status: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

In October, NOAA Ocean Exploration wrapped up operations on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer for the 2025 calendar year. We expect to resume operations in the Pacific in April 2026. Keep an eye out for more information!

Learn about Beyond the Blue
Deep-sea lizardfish (Bathysauridae) seen on the seafloor.

Featured Favorite

A close look at the impressive teeth on a deep-sea lizardfish (Bathysauridae) encountered during Dive 02 of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition at a depth of 4,855 meters (15,928 feet).

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Explore More with NOAA Ocean Exploration

Learn more about our mission, people, impact, and other resources.