Deep-sea research is rarely available to undergraduate students. However, as telepresence technology becomes more available, doors may open for more undergraduates to pursue research that includes remote fieldwork. This descriptive case study is an initial investigation into whether such technology might provide a feasible opportunity for undergraduate students to conduct ocean science research remotely, and if so, whether students can move from being spectators to beingactive agents. Specifically, we inquire into the learning of seven students who conducted fieldwork via telepresence, which enabled them to participate in a cruise that used remotely operated vehicles to explore an active underwater volcano and mud volcano cold seeps. This study examines whether the students engaged in authentic research and whether telepresence provided a reasonable experience of fieldwork at sea. Interviews and observation notes suggest that these undergraduates were able to undertake all aspects of research. Students' presentations exhibit a great deal of knowledge about the field sites and show that they contributed findings from their analyses. This study constitutes important initial evidence that telepresence can provide effective approximation of the experience and educational value of fieldwork at sea, and suggests that telepresence is a feasible option for future undergraduate research experiences.