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

Expeditions & Projects
Marine research equipment on a boat deck with docks and buildings in the background.

Exploration of the Deep Ocean With Teams of Long-Endurance Ocean Robots

In July/August 2022, a project team successfully demonstrated the ability to use coordinated uncrewed systems for long-range and long-endurance ocean exploration without a support ship and with advanced near-seafloor navigation capabilities.
Rodney Yoshida looking for marine mammals with binoculars.
Feature
Marine Mammal Survey in Palau
Expeditions & Projects
Finding and Characterizing Vents

News Updates

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
Discovery • Publication
Jellyfish Found by Team Aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Shatters Range Assumptions
Opportunity
Call for Input: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2026 Proposed Pacific Island Operating Areas
Education
Meet 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Hollings Scholar, Alex Ensign
Event
Watch Live: NOAA and Partners Lead Expedition to Advance Deep-Sea Habitat Restoration in the Gulf

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

Featured Favorite

Teeming with deep-sea corals and sponges, a striking umbrella-shaped pillar proved to be a highlight of the dive off the southeast side of Jarvis Island.

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Explore More with NOAA Ocean Exploration

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