Everyone loves the ocean, waves, mesmerizing blue color, captivating horizon, and incredible creatures that live in it. So it comes as no wonder ocean theme is a popular tattoo design. Not only does it look great, but the ocean also bears important meaning.

In this post, you’re going to learn more about the symbolism behind ocean tattoos and see some awesome ideas that are bound to serve as an inspiration for your next tattoo appointment.

60+ Ocean Tattoo Design Ideas

Now that we’ve learned the meanings behind ocean tattoos, it’s time to check out some pretty awesome designs. Scroll down to see them all.

1. Ocean Wave Tattoo

2. Lighthouse And Ocean Tattoo

3. Minimalist Ocean Tattoo

4. Japanese Ocean Tattoo

5. Ocean Sleeve Tattoo

Sleeve tattoos are ideal for adventurous men and women who love to stand out. These designs are edgy, elaborate, and tell a specific story. Both colorful and black sleeves are popular. You don’t have to opt for blue color to depict the ocean if you’re not a fan of color in your tattoos. Black will suffice perfectly.

A talented tattoo artist can depict the beauty and power of an ocean even with one color. In other words, the choice of a tattoo artist is crucial.

The best thing about sleeve tattoos is that you can interpret the oceanic theme in your way. For instance, you can opt for animals that live in the ocean, or even include a lighthouse, a boat, or the shore and space. The point here is to let your creativity shine. Imagine a story you’d like to tell with the oceanic theme, describe it to your tattoo artist, and they’ll take it from there.

6. Sun And Ocean Tattoo

Ocean and sun go together like a watermelon and a hot summer day. There’s something special about an ocean on a sunny day when the surface glistens and sparkles like jewels. For that reason, tattoos that show a picture of an ocean and sun are very common.

The combination of the two has a deeper meaning; it’s not just a pretty picture. Sun is a source of power and light whereas the ocean represents the highs and lows of life. Sun and ocean combination symbolizes nature’s balance or going with the flow.

You can get one such tattoo in different styles including colorful, fine lines, big, or small. It’s not uncommon for people to add palm trees into the mix. Some tattoos depict the sun at its brightest during the day whereas others show sunset. There are no rules here, the choice is yours.

Also Read: 72 Best Sun Tattoo Design Ideas and Meaning (2023 Updated)

7. Whale And Ocean Tattoo

Whales are a common image in oceanic theme tattoos. These magnificent animals have the ability to submerge to significant depths of the ocean and they emerge from the deep gloriously. For many people who get this tattoo, the whale symbolizes rebirth.

In other words, your whale tattoo can represent strength to overcome dark moments in life. We all have them. Bad times don’t last forever, but it takes a lot of strength and courage to overcome them. Whale depicts your “rebirth”.

Since whales are excellent navigators, a tattoo that represents this amazing animal can stand for finding one’s path or true calling in life. The whale tattoo also symbolizes tranquility and peace. This isn’t such a surprise. When you look at whales swimming or emerging out of the ocean, you realize how calm and peaceful they look.

Other meanings associated with whale tattoos include intelligence, power, wisdom, loyalty, devotion, freedom, and good luck.

Whale tattoos are versatile and look great regardless of the size and color options. The black whale tattoo looks equally impressive as the one with blue shades that represent the ocean.

8. Mermaid Ocean Tattoo

Everyone loves mermaids, which is why they are a popular tattoo choice for men and women alike. Mermaid is considered a strong female figure, a woman who is free, self-directed, and independent. Due to their link to the ocean, mermaids represent intuition, nature, creation, and birth or rebirth.

Many tales and legends suggest mermaids would lure sailors. For that reason, a mermaid tattoo may symbolize seduction, danger, and sexuality even. That’s why mermaids in some tattoos are depicted with naked breasts whereas in other designs they’re covered.

A tattoo of a mermaid stands for mystery and going with the flow, as well. In other words, mermaid tattoos represent a lot of things ranging from seduction and persuasion to emotion, wildness, and self-love.

The actual design gives your tattoo a more specific meaning e.g. a mermaid can hold something that adds a new dimension to your tattoo.

The style of a mermaid tattoo can be cute and girly or edgy and wild.

9. Shark Ocean Tattoo

A shark tattoo has multiple meanings primarily due to different attitudes toward these creatures from one culture to another. Sharks are terrifying predators that demand respect. For that reason, a tattoo of a shark can depict peril or warning. In some cases, a shark tattoo could indicate the wearer doesn’t really like it when someone invades their space.

Sharks are not deadly creatures only. They also represent grace, pride in being meticulous, and the courage to face fears. For some persons, a shark tattoo symbolizes curiosity. After all, sharks are curious animals.

Other meanings behind shark tattoos include fearlessness, intelligence, power, being passionate in your pursuits, and living your life to the fullest.

10. Seahorse And Ocean Tattoo

If you’re looking for a cute oceanic tattoo with interesting meanings, a seahorse tattoo is an excellent choice. A seahorse tattoo represents tenderness, tranquility, parenthood, regality, and gender fluidity. Tattoos of these cute ocean creatures also symbolize friendliness, protection, and generosity.

A seahorse tattoo may indicate the wearer is patient, content, persistent, and perceptive. These animals haven’t evolved like other creatures and species. They have remained pretty much the same since their inception. For that reason, a seahorse represents contentment i.e. being satisfied with your life (and yourself) as it is, without having the need or desire to change.

Also Read: 60+ Best Cute Tattoo Design Choices for This Summer: Meaning and Symbolism

11. Boat/Ship And Ocean Tattoo

The actual meaning of a boat or ship tattoo depends on your current life situation. In most cases, people opt for a boat or ship tattoo to represent the love for adventure, exploration, and new beginnings. Additionally, some people choose these tattoos because they love the ocean and sailing.

A boat or ship tattoo also depicts resilience. Sometimes the ocean is calm, but the storm arrives and the boat still survives intact. That’s why a tattoo of the boat shows your strength to face any obstacle and come out a winner. In other words, a boat or ship tattoo means the wearer is brave.

Some people get boat or ship tattoos to honor or pay tribute to someone or to describe their troubled past.

12. Artistic Ocean Tattoo

If you have an artsy side and want to show it off, you can always opt for unusual ocean tattoo designs. The only rule here is that there are no rules. Anything you can imagine can be converted into a lovely tattoo. It’s all about finding a great tattoo artist who can turn your ideas into a work of art.

13. Armband Ocean Tattoo

If you want an armband ocean tattoo, but with a unique twist, you can easily make it happen. For instance, your armband tattoo can feature an ocean surface with ocean animals underneath. These can include turtle, dolphin, jellyfish, seashell, starfish, and other “creatures”. Or maybe you can go for waves only or other oceanic theme motifs.

Armband tattoos are not always associated with death, they can be a sign of strength. Plus, when you add an oceanic theme to them, your armband tattoo can have a deeper meaning with positive vibes.