When you read books that take place in the ocean, the open waters can be tranquil blankets of blue, elusive and silent witnesses, or tempestuous titans of terror. Oceans are a fantastic way to set the scene in a story. So it’s only fitting they flowed their way into literature.

Cast Your Mind Out To Sea

In light of World Ocean Day, it seemed only right to spotlight this iconic setting in famous reads and incredible books.

From legendary novels such as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea to Moby Dick, the sea has a way of casting a spell on readers through the story’s ambivalent characters, unforgiving seasons, and profound seascapes.

This is a photo of a scuba diver treading water in the Red Sea during the sunset for the 'books that take place in the ocean' blog.

Our Pick Of Adult Books Set In The Ocean

If you’ve already had the pleasure of diving into those tales, then below you will find more books that take place in the ocean. And these stories will ‘wet’ your appetite. Cast off your sails, find a good chair to sink into and enjoy the voyage: 

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi narrates the life-changing and haunting voyage of a young man stranded at sea. As he navigates his small boat with a ferocious tiger as his only company, you realise not everything is as it seems. 

The story’s worldwide success has seen it adapted for film and the West End.

The Soldier Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima

This story follows a family relationship between a mother, her son, and a sailor who stays with them after his vessel anchors at the local dock. As their relationship deepens, the youth begins to harbor resentment towards the sailor, taking extreme measure into his own hands.

A chilling tale of youth and morality. The book was also adapted into a film based in UK.  

Flotsam by David Wiesner

Flotsam is a children’s book that takes place in the ocean. It tells the story of a boy who finds a washed up vintage camera on the beach. As he combs his way through the film, his discoveries about the underwater world go beyond his wildest dreams about far away places, distant in time.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway

This novella depicts the life of a Cuban fisherman. After eighty-four days of catching no fish, he goes far out to sea to end his unlucky streak. Here he finds more than what he bargained for.

This book that takes place in the ocean is the last work of great fiction from the renowned American author. 

The End of the Ocean by Maja Lunde

The year is 2019. One elderly woman sets out on a perilous journey across the ocean to reunite with her lost love. Around 40 years later, her small sailboat is rediscovered in a small garden by a father and daughter fleeing war and drought. What happens? Only through her belongings can they see her story.

Two tales interweave within this book. Here the past and present come together with a renewed hope for the human spirit.

Our Pick Of Children’s Books Set In The Ocean

Of course, we couldn’t forget about children’s books that take place in the ocean either, right? So if you’re after something to read to your kids, or use as a teaching aid, then you’ll not go far wrong with these recommendations:

Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae

Catchy rhymes, and colourful illustrations. What’s not to love? Young readers get to read about a load of marine creatures, from playful dolphins to tiny hermit crabs. There’s lots of different aspects of ocean life from page to page, and is a great periscope into the underwater depths.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau” by Jennifer Berne

This biography is a wonderful insight to the life and adventures of Jacques Cousteau, written for children. A legendary explorer and conservationist, his early fascination with the ocean to his groundbreaking inventions and underwater expeditions are a wonder and really champion marine conservation.

Hello, Ocean! by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Packed with poetic license, a young girl describes her visit to the ocean. Children can read all about the sensory experiences and wonders of the seaside, like the shrill seagulls, the grainy sand between her toes, and the sight of dolphins among in the waves. The book is a real celebration of the ocean’s importance in our lives.

Coral Reefs by Jason Chin

This book takes readers on a stunning journey to coral reefs, one of the most diverse and colourful habitats in the world. Readers can learn about different types of coral, the animals use them as a home, as well as the threats facing these fragile ecosystems.

Secrets The Sea Held by Twinkl

Illustrated for children and designed with educators in mind, this book follows the journey of Arlo as he dreams about the world beyond his island home. This is ideal if you’re looking to teach about sustainability, or are just in it for a relaxing read about far away places.

    Lookout For Books That Take Place In The Ocean

    The ocean is a mysterious place. And we still know very little about it. Awe-inspiring settings like the high seas can evoke powerful emotions and set the scene for tense conflicts, thrilling adventures, and mythical encounters.

    Whether you like fiction, or true stories, the ocean has the perfect ingredients for a good read. And it doesn’t matter if you’re sat in your own chair a hundred miles away, or can even hear the waves at your doorstep.

    More Reading about the ocean:

    If you’ve chartered your way through all those books as well, then feel free to give the below reads a whirl.

    If you’re wanting to learn more about World Oceans Day with your kids, or you’re hoping to find activities to go alongside the children’s books, you can celebrate World Oceans Day here.

    Either way, everything is full of more recommendations, or resources. Whatever you need:

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