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.

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Highlights

Expeditions & Projects
On the bridge of a ship, two NOAA Corps officers in white uniforms look out the front window through which land is visible in the distance, while another two officers stand behind a row of screens and instrumentation.

2026 Pacific Islands Mapping Expedition Summary

From June 16 to July 10, 2026, NOAA Ocean Exploration conducted the 2026 Pacific Islands Mapping expedition (EX2604) as NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer transited from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, to Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
October calendar featuring a batfish on a sandy seafloor. The NOAA Ocean Exploration logo is in the lower left corner.
Wallpaper Calendar
October Desktop Wallpaper Calendar
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in port in Honolulu, Hawai‘i,
Expeditions & Projects
2026 American Samoa Mapping + Transit (EX2607)

News Updates

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
Education
Professional Development Workshop Brings Deep-Sea Science to Palau’s Middle and High School Classrooms

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 — 2026 American Samoa Mapping + Transit (EX2607)

Beginning on September 24, NOAA Ocean Exploration will spend several days mapping unexplored deepwater regions near American Samoa. The ship team will then transit northeast to Honolulu, bringing NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer into position for her next mission.

Featured Favorite

This spiky king crab was seen on a dead bamboo coral at a depth of 1,313 meters (4,308 feet) while diving on the Blake Escarpment off the east coast of Florida during the Windows to the Deep 2018: Exploration of the Southeast U.S. Continental Margin expedition.

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