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A bloody-belly comb jelly with a bright red body and rainbow cilia swimming in black water

Into the Deep

Exploring our undiscovered ocean

From football-sized giant isopods to transparent jellies that glow, the deep sea is brimming with life. View these mysterious and wonderful animals in our newest exhibit—the largest collection of deep-sea animals in North America. Plan your visit or learn more below. 

Location
First floor
Ecosystem
Deep sea
Live cam
Spider Crab Cam

Explore the online exhibit

A lumpfish against a black backdrop appearing slightly light green

Down to the deep

Below the surface of the ocean lies another world—one that is inky dark, icy cold, and filled with curious creatures. This remarkable habitat is hidden from view, accessible only by using innovative technology and robotics.

Dive into the deep

A sea angel animal against a black backdrop with an angel like silhouette and an orange glow on the body

The midwater

Between sunlit water and the deep seafloor lies the midwater. Here, fanged fish and transparent jellies dart and drift in a vast sea with no boundaries, no light, and few places to hide.

Continue into the midwater

A giant isopod with antenna and a grey round body as it crawls along a dark sandy floor

The seafloor

Thousands of feet below the surface, long-legged crabs, colorful corals, and pancake-shaped octopuses make their homes on the seafloor.

Explore the seafloor

MBARI staff member on the left is looking at deep sea underwater footage of different types of animals

On the horizon

Keep exploring the deep sea with our behind-the-scenes chats with Aquarium staff and scientists, fun online courses, conservation stories, and more.

See what's on the horizon

Stay informed with Aquarium updates

We’re just getting started in the deep sea. Sign up for Aquarium updates to be the first to know about deep sea discoveries and as new animals are brought on exhibit.

Into the Deep was made possible by the Grainger Family Descendants Fund in honor of David and Juli Grainger. 

Keep exploring

Animals & the ocean

Deep sea animals A to Z

From football-sized giant isopods to transparent jellies that glow, the deep sea is brimming with life.

Exhibit

Sea Otters

Enjoy the antics of our playful southern sea otters as they romp, tumble and wrestle.

Exhibit

Sandy Shore & Aviary

Explore mudflats and marshes where long-legged birds scour the sands and flounders lie flat to hide.