NOC Open Day to celebrate World Ocean Day and mark 80th Anniversary of D-Day

  • Registration is now open for the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) open day on World Ocean Day (Saturday 8 June).

  • Whether you’re a marine enthusiast, a curious learner, or just looking for a unique experience, this event is perfect for all ages.
  • Mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by delving into the legacy of expertise that forecasted the tides for the historic landings.
  • Free tickets are available now – booking is essential.

In celebration of World Ocean Day (8 June), the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Southampton is delighted to be opening the doors to ocean enthusiasts of all ages for its annual free open day.

Just 30% of our planet is covered by land – the rest is our ocean. Our ocean is completely interconnected and has a huge impact on our society, producing oxygen, carrying goods, absorbing excess heat and carbon dioxide and housing 99% of all digital data traffic worldwide.

Through the first in-person NOC open day since 2019, attendees will have the chance to discover the latest in the fascinating world of ocean science through hands-on exhibits, talks, and displays. From outer space to the deep ocean, the packed open day programme will celebrate the people, projects and communities engaged in oceanography, giving a new appreciation for our planet’s most mysterious and vital ecosystem.

Meet the minds behind ocean scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge tech innovations, who work to understand some of the biggest issues facing our ocean including climate change, pollution and habitat loss.

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the open day will also include a special tidal science demonstration, allowing attendees to delve into the legacy of expertise that forecasted the tides for the historic landings, a moment considered a turning point for modern oceanography.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Check out our interactive exhibits: explore the unseen world of microscopic ocean life, discover the monsters of the deep and learn about the tech that helps us explore the most remote and dangerous areas of our planet.
  • Watch and engage in our talks: Through our live talk series, our scientists, engineers and ocean experts will give a unique insight into what it’s like to work for the ocean – and the individual career paths that got them there.
  • Take a tour of our facilities: Go behind the scenes of ocean research and take a guided tour of some of our favourite areas of NOC, including our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hangar, and the home to Autosub Long Range, better known as ‘Boaty McBoatface’.
  • Get a (virtual) taste of life at sea: our world-leading research vessels RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery will be busy at sea, but don’t forget to take a virtual tour of them!

Ticket registration is now open. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the depths of the sea.

Click here to book