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 and Projects
A translucent jellyfish swims above a textured ocean floor covered in dark, round formations, set against a dark background.

2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration (EX2605)

From July 19 to August 13, NOAA Ocean Exploration, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, and partners will conduct mapping and remotely operated vehicle operations on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to increase our understanding of the seafloor and water column in the deep waters of the Cook Islands and to better characterize the resources and ecosystems they hold.
A 3D point cloud model of the shipwreck Senator resting on the seafloor, rendered with colored points ranging from green for the seabed and lower parts of the hull to yellow and orange for the upper deck and structures. The data visualization shows the vessel’s form and the surrounding underwater terrain against a dark background.
Expeditions and Projects
Exploring the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary at Scale
The silhouette of a woman with long hair is seen from behind as she looks out at a sunset at sea while standing near the railing at the edge of a ship; to her left is a raised metal box and a life preserver ring.
Expeditions and Projects
Embarking a Polliwog, Disembarking a Shellback: Carrying On One of the Oldest Maritime Traditions

News Updates

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
Event
From Seawater to Sequences: Exploring NOAA’s New Deep‑Sea Environmental DNA Dataset
General
From Data to Discovery: Unlocking Ocean Secrets With eDNA

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

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is currently in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, after the completion of the 2026 Pacific Islands Mapping (EX2604) expedition. Stay tuned for the next expedition, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration (EX2605).

Learn About NOAA Ocean Exploration’s 2026 Field Season
A lacey siphonophore against the dark ocean background.

Featured Favorite

A lacey siphonophore (Erenna laciniata) observed on the eighth dive of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition. This observation was made at 901 meters (2,955 feet) depth. This species preys on fish using stinging cells hosted on stinging zooids (right).

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