Deep Sea
World Ocean Explorer's Deep Sea Virtual Immersion
Explorer's Deep Sea virtual immersion is a digital aquarium designed to increase ocean literacy and interest in ocean fields of study. Users can walk through theme-based environments, learning about species and habitat rarely seen, and connect to resources, activities, the Ocean Literacy curriculum, and content related to the Next Generation Science Standards. World Ocean Explorer is available as a free educational display ready, for use in public spaces.
Deep Sea Legacy, World Ocean Explorer's premier exhibit
Sponsored by Schmidt Ocean Institute
Launched: March 29, 2022
How to Play
Play involves using mouse/trackpad and keyboard to move through the environment in either Free Play mode or the Guided Tour and to engage with interactive features and 3D models. First-time visitors or those not familiar with Unity gaming are encouraged to take the Guided Tour to get a sense of how the controls work and how best to move through the exhibits.
The controls can be accessed at any time by hitting the spacebar and calling up the controls menu. "Y" is mute and "U" is restart. "Esc" allows you to exit the game and regain control of your mouse. Learn more about WebGL browser compatibility at get.webgl.org
Features
3D deep-sea species, high-definition video footage, immersive aquarium environments.
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
A Unity 6 Update with language translation for FR, SP, and PT users worldwide
Sponsored by Schmidt Ocean Institute
Latest Update: March 3, 2026
Platform
WebGl (Web Graphics Library) is a JavaScript API for rendering high-performance interactive
3D and 2D graphics within any compatible web browser.
To use the Deep Sea webGL virtual immersion we strongly recommend CHROME for best user experience. World Ocean Explorer performance varies between different browsers and some browsers do not fully support Explorer features and/or the latest WebGL. If you are unsure if your web browser supports WebGL, please visit get.webgl.org. Explorer is best experienced in full-screen mode; click the icon in the lower right screen to expand.
Features
3D deep-sea species, high-definition video footage, immersive aquarium environments.
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
Developer
The original World Ocean Explorer concept was created by World Ocean Observatory in collaboration with Bjorn Grigholm PhD, Immersive Platform & Educational Developer, Owner & Creative Director, Visual Solutions Lab LLC.World Ocean Explorer 2025-2026® All rights reserved.
System Requirements
Minimum system requirements:
- Chrome or Firefox browser for best optimization
- Robust Internet connection
- Some government-managed computer systems do not support WebGL
- Allow pop-up for Explorer to load
Details
Genre: Education | Ocean | Science | Exploration
Works on: Chrome and Firefox web browser
Release date: March 29, 2022
Chief Developer: Bjorn Grigholm, PhD, Visual Solutions
Deep Sea Credits
Model artists:
- Annabel Slater, Scientart.com
- Dan Novy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Bjorn Grigholm, PhD, Visual Solutions Lab
Deep Sea Images
Unless otherwise stated, Schmidt Ocean Institute owns the intellectual property rights to text, photos, images, logo, videos, links and other content included in the DEEP SEA exhibit. See Terms of Service to learn more.
Free Assets
Special thanks to the creators for their generosity: CG Trader, Turbo Squid
Whale Skeleton
Globe art: NASA's Earth Observatory, Visible Earth
Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents
@jorisputteneers
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