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America's Great Outdoors

Explore our curated stories about NOAA outdoor recreational activities.

Veterans paddle in tandem kayaks on Bayou Heron and near a water-quality monitoring station at the Grand Bay Research Reserve. Photo Credit: Avery Sward.

Nature’s Power to Heal and Teach

Learn how veterans benefit from nature’s power to heal and teach with three examples of NOAA outdoor activities.
A mother humpback whale and her calf

National Marine Sanctuary System

NOAA sanctuary habitats include rocky reefs, lush kelp forests, whale migrations corridors, deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites.
an image of a coastal town

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

The National Estuarine Research Reserves System protects more than 1.3 million coastal and estuarine acres in 29 reserves located in 23 states and Puerto Rico.
A scuba diver next to a whale shark

Dive In: Underwater Adventure

NOAA's national marine sanctuaries and estuarine research reserves offer all this and more to diving enthusiasts in coastal U.S. states and territories.
two surfers look out at the sun setting behind the oceans horizon

Travel and Tourism

The ocean is our provider, from food and transportation to the endless opportunities for enjoyment that many Americans work so hard to achieve.
image of crashing waves

Keeping America's Beachgoers Safe

NOAA provides a variety of services that aim to help keep the coastal economy thriving, coastal communities safe, and your vacation enjoyable.
A screenshot of estuary and sanctuary location map

Sanctuary and Estuary Reserve Locations

Where are NOAA national marine sanctuaries and national estuarine research reserves located around the nation? Find a location near you with our handy map!

NOAA Sanctuaries and Estuarine Research Reserves