This paper provides a summary of recent results derived from satellite altimetry. It is focused on altimetry and ocean dynamics with synergistic use of other remote sensing techniques, in-situ data and integration aspects through data assimilation. Topics include mean ocean circulation and geoid issues, tropical dynamics and large-scale sea level and ocean circulation variability, high-frequency and intraseasonal variability, Rossby waves and mesoscale variability.This paper provides a summary of recent results derived from satellite altimetry. It is focused on altimetry and ocean dynamics with synergistic use of other remote sensing techniques, in-situ data and integration aspects through data assimilation. Topics include mean ocean circulation and geoid issues, tropical dynamics and large-scale sea level and ocean circulation variability, high-frequency and intraseasonal variability, Rossby waves and mesoscale variability. To cite this article: L.L. Fu, P.-Y. Le Traon, C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006)