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 public engagement.

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
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Highlights

Expeditions & Projects
Two remotely operated vehicles on the wet deck of a research ship along with crew members at sunset.

2026 ROV Shakedown

From May 16 to June 5, 2026, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners conducted a shakedown of the remotely operated vehicle systems on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to ensure their readiness for the 2026 field season.
A man sitting in a chair smiles for the camera in front of a row of computer monitors.
Expeditions & Projects
A Former Explorer-in-Training Returns to NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
Large white ruffled sponge growing on dark rocks in the deep sea next to robotic equipment.
Ocean Exploration Facts
What is the world's largest sponge?

News Updates

General
NOAA’s New Data Portal Advances Marine eDNA Data Sharing and Use
Education
NOAA Ocean Exploration and Partners Host Deep-Sea Educator Workshop in American Samoa
Education
NOAA Ocean Exploration Hosts Inaugural Blue Technology Education Workshop
General
New Pathways to Discovery: NOAA Ocean Exploration Publishes Data on Global Databases
Publication
Researchers Identify Dense Coral and Sponge Communities in Deep Alaskan Waters
Opportunity
Call for Input: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2027 Proposed Pacific Island Operating Areas

In the Field: 2026

NOAA Ocean Exploration works with partners to explore previously unknown areas of our ocean, making discoveries of scientific, economic, and cultural value and supporting innovations in exploration tools and capabilities. In 2026, we will lead and support expeditions and fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Lake Michigan.

Read About These Expeditions and Projects
Featured 2025 Statistics
339,864 Square Kilometers of Seafloor Mapped
120+ Days at Sea on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
3.2 Million Website Views
600+ Educators Trained
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in port in Honolulu, Hawai‘i,

Status: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer — In Port: Honolulu, Hawai‘i

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is in port in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, following the successful completion of the 2026 American Samoa Mapping + Transit expedition. Our next expedition will take place on October 28-November 16 and will focus on demonstrating, testing, and evaluating emerging and existing technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles for exploring the ocean.

Featured Favorite

This beautiful Aleutian skate (Bathyraja aleutica) was seen slowly making its way across the seafloor at a depth of 710 meters (2,320 feet) during Dive 14 of the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition.

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