21 Awesome Books for Anyone Who Loves the Ocean

Let's be honest: books about the ocean make for the best beach reads. While you're propped up on your chair, gazing at the sea, why not read something about the view before you? We've gathered the best books for ocean lovers, from kid-friendly picks to nonfiction, science-based reads.

If you're looking to learn about our watery neighbor, then nonfiction books about the ocean give essential perspective on its history, its future, and tales of the creatures that swim its depths. That said, it also makes for an excellent backdrop for fiction of all genres, from historical epics to page-turning thrillers with the dread of Jaws. If it's coffee table books you're seeking, then Gray Malin's beachside photographs are so vivid it seems like they come complete with sea salt and squawking gulls. And if you're choosing for a child, fables about mermaids will give lessons to toddlers and kindergarteners. Older elementary school kids will be fascinated by illustrated encyclopedias. In short, there's an ocean-centric book for all ages—it's just a matter of which one you want to dive into. See what we did there?