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

Wallpaper
Desktop computer wallpaper featuring a close-up of a glowing orange octopod in the deep ocean with a calendar for April in the bottom right corner and a NOAA Ocean Exploration emblem in the upper right corner.

April Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

Despite the extreme conditions at 1.5 miles beneath the ocean surface, this fabulous octopod appears “unflappable.” Feeling under pressure? Download our April desktop wallpaper calendar and chill with this cutie all month long.
A bright orange branching coral with a fringe of extended polyps and in the shape of a fan is anchored to a hard substrate covered in marine life. In the background, a large white coral can be seen growing in the distance atop a rocky outcropping in dark waters.
News
Watch Live: Expedition to Advance Deep-Sea Coral Restoration
A high-density coral community seen living on boulders near the summit of the seamount explored during Dive 04 of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition.
Annual Report
NOAA Ocean Exploration 2025: A Year in Review

News Updates

Event
Watch Live: Expedition to Advance Deep-Sea Coral Restoration
Publication
New Research Helps Show How Depth Affects Fish Distribution
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

By the Numbers: 2025 In Review

In 2025, NOAA Ocean Exploration led and supported expeditions to enable scientific discovery; tested and supported the development of new and emerging technologies; shared our work with a variety of audiences; strengthened our network of partners; and more.

View Our 2025 Annual Report
Featured 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

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
A pinkish-red fish with a textured body sits on dark, rocky seafloor.

Featured Favorite

While we saw few fish during Dive 10 of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this sea toad (Chaunacops sp.).

Learn More About This Image View All Images
Explore More with NOAA Ocean Exploration

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