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11 of the best Ocean books
The best Ocean books: recommended by the Ocean Generation team
The Ocean is simply magnificent. In celebration of its importance and the wonder the sea invokes, we’re sharing 10 of our favourite Ocean books.
Our Ocean has been inspiring authors for centuries. Whether you’re an avid bookworm, just want to learn more about the Ocean or dipping your toes into Ocean literacy, these reads are sure to educate, empower and connect you more deeply to the Ocean.
1) How to Read Water by Tristan Gooley
Suggested by: Lucy, Fundraising and Partnerships team
About the book:
An accessible guide that teaches you to decode the signs of rivers, lakes, puddles, and the Ocean (from ripple patterns to the colour of water).
In Lucy’s words: “I enjoy this book because anyone can read it. Tristan Gooley encourages his readers to get to know your local landscapes better by reading its signs and patterns. He’s an advocate for connecting with nature from a deeper perspective – in ways our ancestors did.”
Why Lucy chose it:
“It gives you the power to be more present when in nature.”
2) Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols
Suggested by: Nadia (Fundraising and Partnerships) and Gemma (Youth Engagement) and…pretty much everyone else. We love this book!
About the book:
Blue Mind explores the science behind how being near, in, on, or under water can improve our mood, performance, and overall wellbeing. This Ocean book is a powerful blend of neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories.
Why Nadia chose it:
“I read it when I first joined Ocean Generation. It’s a compelling exploration of our mental health and how it is impacted by our connection to the water and nature.”
Why Gemma chose it:
“It really shows just how important water and the Ocean are to all of us, particularly to our mental health.”
3) What A Fish Knows by Jonathan Balcombe
Suggested by: Will, Science team
About the book:
This Ocean book challenges what we think we know about fish. Balcombe uses scientific research to prove that fish are not just swimming creatures – they feel pain, communicate, play, and have personalities. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to dive deeper into marine life.
Why Will chose it:
“Consistently one of my favourite fishy books!”
4) The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson
Suggested by: Jo Ruxton, founder
About the book:
Written in the 1950s, this award-winning book is lyrical and scientific. It paints a picture of the Ocean before plastic pollution and climate breakdown. It offers a historical baseline to help us understand how much has changed — and how much we still have to protect.
Why Jo chose it:
“This book is a snapshot of how the Ocean used to be, all in balance, before human destruction.”
5) The Brilliant Abyss by Helen Scales
Suggested by: Storm, Comms team
About the book:
In this book, Helen Scales dives into the darkest parts of the Ocean to show how life thrives in extremes. And how these little-known deep-sea regions are vital to the health of our entire planet.
Why Storm chose it:
“I love this book because it lifts the veil on the deep sea, a place most of us will never visit. The deep Ocean holds some of the greatest mysteries of our planet and I find it fascinating! This book balances scientific discovery with Ocean wonder really well, too.”
6) The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
Suggested by: Kavina, Youth Engagement team
About the book:
A memoir of loss, resilience, and wild places. The Salt Path follows a couple who trek 1013km/ 630 miles along the Ocean-swept South West Coast Path of England. It’s about their journey and the healing power of nature (particularly the Ocean).
Why Kavina chose it:
“It weaves together the incredibly challenging and healing relationship we have with water as a couple take on the South West Coast Path whilst coming to terms with loss.”
7) White Caps by Jacques Cousteau
Suggested by: Victoria, CEO of Ocean Generation
About the book:
White Caps is a classic! It was written by legendary explorer, Jacques Cousteau. Readers get a first-hand view of the Ocean’s mystery and magnificence, from his perspective. It’s part adventure, part love letter to our Ocean, and full of curiosity.
Why Victoria chose it:
“It was the first book I was given about the Ocean. I wanted to be him when I grew up. It’s taken me 50 years since then to finally reach the Ocean in my career, so I guess the moral of that story is ‘Never Give Up!’”
8) What The Wild Sea Can Be by Helen Scales
Suggested by: Will, Science team
About the book:
Marine biologist, Helen Scales, takes us on a journey across marine ecosystems: seagrass meadows, deep-sea trenches, and coral reefs. The book shares stories of resilience, adaptation, and hope. It’s a beautifully written call to action, urging us to protect the wild heart of our blue planet.
Why Will chose it:
“It is an honest representation of the state of our Ocean, with an Ocean Generation flavour of optimism looking forward.”
9) The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works by Helen Czerski
Suggested by: Storm, Comms team
About the book:
Oceanpgrapher and physicist, Helen Czerski, connects the Ocean’s complex systems to climate and biodiversity impacts. This book makes Oceanography accessible and highlights the Ocean’s role in Earth’s climate and ecosystems.
Why Storm chose it:
“The Ocean is more than a body of water. This book shows us just that: how the Ocean is a powerful, living system that shapes our whole planet. It’s a beautiful example of science meets rich, textured storytelling.”
10) Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor
Suggested by: Agnes, Comms team
About the book:
Set in a remote coastal village, in the UK, this novel follows a woman grappling with her past while surrounded by the wild, untamed Ocean. It’s atmospheric, almost poetic, and perfect for readers who love storytelling where the natural world is deeply felt.
Why Agnes chose it:
“I enjoyed the book because it shows the connection between the Ocean and the inhabitants of a remote island, but without romanticising it. This sort of lifestyle rarely exists today so it was really interesting to learn about it through the story of a young Welsh woman, a whale, and some English researchers.”
11) Life of Pi by Yann Martel
About the book:
While this isn’t a science book, we’ve added it to the list for our fiction lovers. Life of Pi is an award-winning novel about survival at sea. It explores faith and the majesty (and brutality) of the Ocean.
Pi’s deep respect for the Ocean and its creatures makes this quite a philosophical read for Ocean lovers.
What are your favourite Ocean books?
When we understand the Ocean, we care for it. And when we care, we take action.
In their own ways, each of these books reminds us why take action to protect the Ocean.
If we’ve missed one of your favourites, share it with us on social media. We’re @OceanGeneration everywhere.
