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
Map of Bathymetric data collected during the Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping series of expeditions.

Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping (EX2505-2507) Expedition Summary

From July through October 2025, NOAA Ocean Exploration conducted a series of exploratory mapping expeditions focused on the deep waters of Palau.
Close-up of a sea anemone with pink tentacles underwater; February calendar in the corner.
Wallpaper Calendar
February Desktop Wallpaper Calendar
Snailfish in the family Liparidae was filmed at a depth of 1,365 meters (4,480 feet).
Ocean Exploration Facts
What is the deepest-living fish?

News Updates

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
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

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
A dimly lit control room with people working at screens showing data and undersea exploration footage.

Featured Favorite

The 2023 Shakedown + EXPRESS West Coast Exploration expedition team hard at work in the control room on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during the third dive of the expedition.

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Explore More with NOAA Ocean Exploration

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