A grand voyage to the uncharted depths of the world’s oceans

The OceanXplorer sets sail on a grand adventure, traveling from the depths of the Atlantic in the Azores, to the shallows of the Bahamas and the warm waters of the Caribbean, before heading north to the frigid arctic shores of Svalbard, Norway. “OceanXplorers” offers an immersive look at an underwater world of wonder, pushing the boundaries of exploration and our understanding of the ocean.

‘My true passion lies in deep ocean science and in exploration,’ says James Cameron, one of the executive producers. ‘In “OceanXplorers” we take viewers on an unparalleled ocean science adventure, introducing them to a group of principled, passionate people on a sometimes dangerous mission of ocean discovery in real-time. We present the stakes, and firsts, and tell a visually spectacular and dramatic story — a story that inspires the next generation of explorers and adventurers committed to protecting and preserving our oceans.’

The OceanXplorer, purpose-built by the global science, media, and exploration non-profit OceanX, is a technological marvel equipped with two submersibles — Neptune and Nadir — which can dive to 1 000 meters (3 280 feet) for up to 72 hours. The vessel also features a helicopter, multiple marine science laboratories, and a media studio that captures new science and real-time discoveries for the screen. This full-scale research vessel can span the Earth’s oceans, shedding light on even the most inaccessible depths of the sea.

“OceanXplorers” combines a high-end, science-driven documentary approach with jaw-dropping sequences to capture the drama and thrill of exploration. The elite team onboard uses groundbreaking technology and equipment to gather information and capture never-before-seen imagery of life below the surface. The team includes:

• Zoleka Filander – National Geographic Explorer and Deep-Sea Researcher. A leader in South African ocean research, Filander has served on numerous research cruises and opened doors for other Black women in marine science.
• Melissa Cristina Márquez – Shark Biologist. Based in Australia, Márquez has dedicated over a decade to marine science education and is the founder of the Fins United Initiative, a shark conservation platform.
• Eric Stackpole – Ocean Technology Innovator. With a background at NASA and expertise in robotics and drone technology, Stackpole pushes the limits of underwater exploration.
• Aldo Kane – Ex-Royal Marine, Special Ops. A survival and operations expert, Kane has led countless water-based expeditions globally.

The six-part series includes the following episodes and premiere dates:

1. “Realm of the Humpbacks” – The team travels to the Dominican Republic to explore the lives of North Atlantic humpback whales and witness a dramatic battle between a mother humpback and a pack of orcas.
2. “Giants of the Deep” – In the Azores, the team uncovers the secret lives of sperm whales and their prey, an enormous squid, never before filmed in these waters.
3. “Jurassic Shark” – The team tags a sixgill shark in the Azores, uncovering the secrets of this prehistoric creature’s nightly hunting patterns.
4. “Hammerhead Highway” – In the Bahamas, the team follows the migration of great hammerhead sharks and discovers how they navigate the ocean.
5. “Kingdom of the Polar Bear” – In Svalbard, Norway, the team investigates how polar bears are adapting to their changing environment.
6. “Ice Giants” – The team explores the Arctic ice cap, observing the feeding strategies of bowhead whales and the ancient Greenland shark.

“OceanXplorers” is co-produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and OceanX for National Geographic. Executive producers include James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm for Lightstorm Earth, Roger Webb and Orla Doherty for BBC Studios, and Ray Dalio, Mark Dalio, Vincent Pieribone, and Joe Ruffolo for OceanX. For National Geographic, Kevin Tao Mohs serves as executive producer, and Tom McDonald is the executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content. The series was created in partnership with the National Geographic Society to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education, and storytelling.