160+ Beautiful Ocean Tattoos Ideas With Meanings (2024)

There is a reason why ocean tattoos are equally popular among both genders. Both Men and Women like to identify themselves as of mysterious nature. People often see themselves as a person with depth and mystique in personality.

Oceans have similar traits and this is why their tattoo designs are often in demand. Do remember that when we discuss ocean tattoos we are not just focusing on the dark depths of high-pressure water but also on the strange flora and fauna life that it supports.

The ocean ecosystem has rich wildlife that supports microorganisms like algae to huge mammals like whales. Apart from this, the Ocean occupies almost 70% of the earth’s surface. If you are opting for an ocean tattoo then you should know these interesting facts as they can give you an idea of how you should approach the design.

Ocean Tattoos Meanings

Like many other tattoo designs, Ocean tattoos too have deep psychological meanings but they can range from design to design. For example, a blue and colorful ocean can represent the calmness of the soul while a dark and silent ocean can represent creepiness.

Here are some other common meanings that inspire the artists and tattoo lovers alike to try ocean tattoos –

Mystery – Here is an interesting fact, We have explored more space than we have explored our oceans. It is cheaper to send a spaceship to mars than a submarine to the deepest trenches of the ocean. The Pressure of water is too high in deep levels that the submarine will simply collapse under its weight.

This hurdle makes ocean exploration a long-fetched dream for us. We might invent a technology to overcome it but for now, it is still a mystery for us.

Life – Ocean supports more life than Land. Life originated on earth from water. The first single-cell organism was born in seawater. This shows that Ocean is a life-giver. You can appreciate and show this fact in your tattoo design.

Creepiness – Ever read diaries of Victorian sailors? You will be scared to death to read the horrors that they faced during the golden era of sea exploration. Over the centuries many myths and legends were associated with the never-ending depths of the Ocean.

From the legendary Kraken to beautiful mermaids (and sirens) to the infamous Loch Ness monster the old era explorers have told all kinds of tales about the sea. You can base your tattoo design on any of these mythical creatures.

Waste – Do you know that around 98% of the total water on earth is not suitable for drinking. Thanks to a high volume of salt in ocean water. Tattoo artists effectively use this fact while inking unique funny tattoos. You can also similarly try an ocean tattoo to show that you are inclined toward nihilism.

Ocean Tattoos Placements

You don’t have to just show water and sea in your ocean tattoo design. You can play around with lots of different ideas. You can add any sea animal to your design. Most people love to add seahorses, Jellyfish, Turtles, Whales, and even Sharks to their ocean tattoos.

If you are adding a sea animal then try it on the arms chest or back. If you just want to show the ocean then you can try it on the thigh, stomach, or even back of the neck. Try to keep the size of the tattoo design below 10 inches as it might not look great in large size.

However, we have included several full-backs and full chest ocean tattoo design that shows that if done correctly these can be the most attractive tattoo piece on your body.

Have a look at these 160+ beautiful and distinct ocean tattoo designs that can be tried by both men and women –