Recreation | Smithsonian Ocean

A SCUBA diver underwater

Rough periwinkles sit on a bed of barnacles.

Spirals in Time

Join Helen Scales, author and scientists, for a walk at the seashore.

Read More

Featured Content

Image of two white sea shells with spirals.

Audio

Sanibel Island Shells: One Species at a Time

A wave curls near the shore.

Article

Shooting the Waves: Tips from a Surf Photographer

A great white shark in the waters of the coast of Guadelupe, Mexico.

Article

How Realistic is the Shark Science in "The Shallows"?

Black and white image of the Western Flyer boat at dock.

Article

Bringing the Western Flyer, and History, Back to Life

A Chevrolet Mako Corvette

Article

These Sleek, Sexy Cars Were All Inspired by Fish

Are You An Educator?

At Smithsonian Ocean, we have lesson plans, activities, and resources to help you engage your students in the wonders of our oceans.

see all lesson plans

Recreation Articles

"Surf Fishing In a Golden State"

Article

Surf Fishing In a Golden State

a diver over a coral reef

Video

Shallow Water Diving with WHOI

A wave curls near the shore.

Article

Shooting the Waves: Tips from a Surf Photographer

Mistaken Point New Foundland

Audio

Ediacaran Fossils: One Species at a Time

Black and white image of the Western Flyer boat at dock.

Article

Bringing the Western Flyer, and History, Back to Life

Image of two white sea shells with spirals.

Audio

Sanibel Island Shells: One Species at a Time

Colorful fireworks go off over the water.

Article

From Sea to Shining Sea

An 'austral' or southern breeder, Great Shearwaters (Ardenna gravis) migrate from breeding islands far to the south in the Atlantic before traveling to the Northern Atlantic to feed.

Article

12,000 Miles to Go: Migrating with Shearwaters

Home is where the hull is: Since the dawn of seafaring, humankind has had to deal with pesky creatures, such as barnacles, that “foul” ship hulls and boat propellers like this one.

Article

No Fouling Around

The 2012 Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center dive class stand in a group together

Article

Scuba Diving Course a Success for IBRC Students

an animated dolphin in an arm chair

Video

Don't Feed Wild Dolphins

A beach scene with groups of people walking in the water and playing with the sand.

Article

Be Kind to the Beach