Are you looking for that perfect quote to compliment the feelings the ocean stirs up? These quotes about the sea turn a memorable snapshot of warm and salty air, saltwater, and a restless ocean breeze into a deep dive through the scene’s emotions.

The sea life speaks through authors who were profoundly moved by all the oceans and captured the wonder forever in words.

Falling in love with the ocean is simply human nature, from the sounds of crashing waves to the unadorned beauty of its untamed depths and all the secrets living there. Adding any of these quotes about the sea to your daily life shows your love for literature and all the oceans.

There are countless more words about the sea that are far less memorable, and some don’t even make waves. Only the best quotes about the sea made it on the list. Through works of art, poetry, and film, memorable quotes come from every medium.

We found some quotes about the sea that were just plain cheesy, like “I need vitamin sea.” While the fake depth of these words is great for selling bland knick-knacks, they don’t capture the depth of a special moment. Other quotes can make excellent captions for Instagram posts.

We love the sea–the salt water, the sandy beach, the waves, the ocean views, and everything that comes with it. That’s how we compiled our favorite quotes about the sea for every occasion, from romantic moments to navigating the not-so-smooth seas of life. If sea quotes didn’t move us the same way the ocean stirs the soul, they didn’t make the cut.

Memorable Sea Quotes for Every Occasion

Finding the right quote for the occasion can be challenging. The words need to reflect the moment, and the moment needs to compliment the wonder forever.

Though just a drop in the bucket, here are 68 memorable sea quotes for every ocean fan that you can use in letters, in photo frames, and even in captions for Instagram.

Short Sea Quotes

Not every moment needs a speech, so finding short quotes about the sea can be tasteful and blissful. These are the perfect short quotes about the ocean!

“Let the waves carry you where the light cannot” – Mohit Kaushik

This quote is excellent for finding motivation. When things aren’t as clear, let life’s waves carry and guide you in the right direction.

“Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly” – Van Morrison

Van Morrison makes some pretty great music. These lyrics speak to the ocean lover in all of us!

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s view of nature helped shape an entire literary movement. Likewise, his words on the sea strike a deep chord.

“The cure for anything is saltwater: sweat, tears or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen

Hard work, a good cry, or a day at the beach is all anyone really needs. This quote perfectly sums up life’s essentials.

“Sometimes in the waves of change, we find our true direction” – Unknown

Often we are so sure of where we want to be. However, life has other plans, and many times it’s for the best!

“The sea has neither meaning nor pity.” – Anton Chekhov

Chekhov wanted to highlight the simple nature of the sea. It doesn’t feel. It just is.

“It is pleasant to watch the wild sea.” – Lucretius

This quote is so simple yet speaks volumes. It’s very peaceful to watch the breaking of the waves, each one as unpredictable as the last.

“I love the beach. I love the sea.” – Rafael Nadal

Nadal is a world-class tennis player. But as someone who has been everywhere, it’s the sea that inspires love.

“The sea lives in every one of us.” – Robert Wyland

Robert Wyland is an artist obsessed with the sea. So it makes sense that he’s got a few things to say about it!

“At sea, I feel comfortable, and I come to rest.” – Laura Dekker

Like the rest of us, Dekker finds the sea the most relaxing place.

“There’s never an end for the sea.” – Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett is a famous novelist and playwright. His words about the sea are worth remembering because he’s right. There’s never an end to the sea.

“The sea complains upon a thousand shores.” – Alexander Smith

The sea does complain upon a thousand shores, but it also departs deep wisdom when the waves finally break.

Romantic Sea Quotes

Falling in love can feel like drowning. Like the ocean’s tides, pure emotions overwhelm you, and waves of excitement crash over everything you do. So when love is all you can think about, these quotes about the sea are the perfect way to let the world know!

“It was as if when I looked into his eyes, I was standing alone on the edge of the world… on a windswept ocean beach. There was nothing but the soft roar of the waves.” – Anne Rice

Anne Rice’s vampires were passionate. However, her love for the sea was just as intense, and we all can feel that!

“Come walk with me, take off your shoes, let’s walk the beach with only the moon to light the path and waves to hear you tell me you love me.” – J. Henson

This quote is somewhere between I like long walks on the beach and taking a midnight stroll. The only thing that matters is I love you!

“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.” – Sarah Kay

One of the most famous love quotes comes from poet Sarah Kay. Her words on the persistence of the ocean give lovers hope worldwide!

“She would be half a planet away, floating in a turquoise sea, dancing by moonlight to flamenco guitar.” – Janet Fitch

As an excellent writer, Janet Fitch has the pleasure of being an Oprah Bookclub #1 author. Her words about a lover being miles away pull at the heartstrings. If we could only find that girl floating in the turquoise sea.

“Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.”— Michelle Held

As kids, the only thing we wanted was beach day. Funny how time flies, and at heart, we still just want that day by the sea.

“I could be blindfolded and dropped into the deepest ocean, and I would know where to find you. I could be buried a hundred miles underground, and I would know where you are.”-Neil Gaiman

Celebrated author Neil Gaiman wrote these words in the novel American Gods. It shows how deep love for someone can get. At times it’s the only thing keeping us going.

“Walking beside the beach, hands held tight, love had a million lessons to teach, in that serene moonlit night.” –Hart

This memorable beach quote reminds us of the beauty in each moment with our lovers. In the moonlight, that’s the only love we need.

“To me, the sea is like a person — like a child that I’ve known a long time. It sounds crazy, I know, but when I swim in the sea, I talk to it. I never feel alone when I’m out there.” – Gertrude Ederle

Gertrude Ederle was an Olympic swimmer, and her achievements include being the first woman to swim the English Channel. Her love for the sea knows no bounds.

“You all want to know what my dream is? Very simple. To walk along the beach, holding the hand of my lover.” – Michelle Bachelet

These words by Michelle Bachelet are simple yet profound. Walking along the beach with our lover is all we could ask for.

“I love you more than there are grains of sand on the beach, fish in the sea, and waves in the ocean.” – Unknown

As the waves will continue for as long as there’s water on Earth, they cannot match this level of love!

“I like long walks along the beach, but when it’s with you, it’s the only place I want to be.” – Unknown

Long walks on the beach with a lover are what life’s all about. However, when with your true love, long walks anywhere mean the world.

“Come walk with me along the beach, where sunsets seem within reach. We’ll search for treasures in the sand as we walk hand in hand.” – Unknown

There are few sights more beautiful than a sunset over the waves. Spending that time with the love of your life is a treasure all its own.

Rough Sea Quotes

Not every moment on the ocean is calm. Sometimes, rough seas toss the boat around, and weathering the storm is the only option. These quotes show strength and determination for the most harrowing moments in life.

“We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds.” – Aristotle Onassis

Aristotle knew that, much like the sea, the struggles of life would never stop. So instead of waiting for it to get easier, you have to learn to thrive when it’s tough.

“I am a shipwrecked man who fears every sea.” – Ovid

Ovid uses a shipwreck as a metaphor for depression. When in that dark state, every moment seems complicated, but everyone struggles from time to time.

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt was no stranger to adversity. Yet, despite the difficulties he faced, he became one of the most influential presidents. His quote on skilled sailors is no doubt influenced by life events.

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” – Publilius Syrus

Publilius knew that it takes a challenge to mold great leaders. When there is a calm, smooth sea, everyone can claim to be great.

“The man who has experienced shipwreck shudders even at a calm sea.” – Ovid

Ovid must have experienced a shipwreck in his lifetime, and it stuck with him. Rough seas have a way of changing people.

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”– Mahatma Gandhi

It’s easy to get lost in the inhumanity of some people. But, though those people are out there, many more people are good at heart, and we can’t forget that.

“Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still and rough or rigid. But in the end, it is always beautiful.” – Unknown

Much like Chekov’s words about the sea simply existing, this unknown author felt the ocean was beautiful in any scenario. We’re inclined to agree!

“The human heart is like a ship on a stormy sea driven about by winds blowing from all four corners of heaven.” – Martin Luther

Martin Luther continues to influence people today. Though we like to think we have it all together, Martin Luther knew human nature is far more complex.

“I keep sailing on in this middle passage. I am sailing into the wind and the dark. But I am doing my best to keep my boat steady and my sails full.” – Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe played tennis when black Americans struggled to break into many sports. Regardless, he kept his passion steady and continued to work hard. His sails remained full until he died in 1993!

“If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” – Seneca the Younger

Going with the flow is a carefree way of living. However, even living with the waves can lead to hardship if there’s not at least some direction.

“The sea, the great unifier, is man’s only hope. Now, as never before, the old phrase has a literal meaning: we are all in the same boat. “–Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau was quite literally a man of the sea. His work revolutionized ocean exploration, and his words refer to understanding how our planet relies on the sea. We’re all in the same boat shows how we need to care for the ocean, or it will not care for us.

“In high seas or in low seas, I’m gonna be your friend… I’m gonna be your friend. In high tide or in low tide, I’ll be by your side… I’ll be by your side.”– Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s lyrics show how important it is to have that friend who stands beside us through thick and thin.

What world lies beyond that stormy sea, I do not know, but every ocean has a distant shore, and I shall reach it. – Cesare Pavese

Poet and novelist Cesare Pavese wrote these words about perseverance. It’s the beach lover’s equivalent of finding the silver lining.

Captions for Instagram

You’ve snapped the perfect selfie. You’ve edited, added filters, and cropped it just right, but what do you say to show the world you’re influential? We’ve got you covered with these perfect ocean captions for Instagram.

The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.

This caption says what we all think. The waves speak a language that only the heart understands!

I can leave the sea, but the sea never leaves me.

Unless we’re total beach bums, we all have to leave the sea at some point. The great thing is that the memories will never leave us.

Just like the sea, I can be a little salty.

While the sea is beautiful, it’s also a cruel mistress. This caption shows followers that while there’s a serene side, there’s also a dark side.

Smell the sea, Feel the breeze, Hear the ocean, Be at ease

Nature has a way of relaxing us. The sea has the right combination of elements to put us in a state of complete relaxation.

Be shore of yourself. Don’t be crabby. Let your worries drift away. Drown out pier pressure. Soak up positive energy. Seas life’s moments.

Puns, humor, and positive sea vibes fill this caption like a sand bucket. It’s the perfect caption to remind us not to take life too seriously!

I want to be wild, beautiful, and free. Just like the sea.

Few things in the world are genuinely unshackled like the sea. It lives by its own rules, and we aspire to be just like it!

I’m happiest lying on the sand looking at the sea.

The perfect beach shot just got the perfect caption. Who isn’t happiest laying on the sand and soaking in the sea?

My dreams are made of sand and sea.

They say that dreams are a reflection of our innermost desires. Whoever said that must have been dreaming about the beach.

The memories will last forever… just like the sand at the bottom of my bag.

Coming home from the beach means sand everywhere. No matter how hard you try, there will always be a souvenir in your luggage!

I like to let the sea waves take me where they want me to go.

Life is much like the sea. This caption is an excellent way to let the waves take you! Wherever it’s meant to take you, you’ll end up.

The sea was waving, so I waved back.

This cute caption is on the lighter side of Instagram. Why be so serious? The ocean was just saying ‘hi!’

Sleep. Ocean. Repeat

There’s not much to worry about when hanging out by the ocean. This caption is a perfect compliment for Insta pics that show off resorts.

Happiness is the sand between the toes and the sea around your ankles.

This caption is perfect for looking into the distance shots. Have the sand between your toes and the sea around your ankles for best results. Anything less won’t have the same impact!

Reflections of the Sea on the Self

These quotes are perfect for finding out the meaning of life. While they may not find that meaning for you, they’re sure to make you feel closer to the journey! There’s something about being near the sea that inspires reflection on self.

“The waves of the sea help me get back to me.” – Jill Davis

This quote is great for remembering what’s important in life. We all lose our way from time to time. A great return to the sea helps many of us get back to who we really are.

“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.” – Emilia Wickstead

We all have a unique view of what paradise is. For Emilia Wickstead, the idea of sitting quietly by the sea with the waves lapping at her feet is a paradise we can all get behind!

“I am alone again, and I want to be so; alone with the pure sky and open sea.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Nietzsche was a philosopher, and his words still influence many today. As someone who studied thought, his reflection on the sea can strike a chord within all of us!

“I wanted freedom, open-air, and adventure. I found it on the sea.” – Alain Gerbault

Alain Gerbault was a tennis player and sailor who famously circumnavigated the globe on a solo expedition. This quote is all the explanation we need for why he did it!

“It’s out there at sea that you are really yourself.” – Vito Dumas

Vito Dumas, like Alain Gerbault, was a solo sailor. He sailed around the southern ocean during WWII and really found himself out there.

“Life is as inexorable as the sea.” – Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Higginson was a Union soldier and writer. His experiences fueled this quote. With the turmoil of the Civil War, his comparison of life and the sea is fitting.

“The edge of the sea is a strange and beautiful place.” – Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson was a marine biologist. Her work on environmental studies fuels the climate change movement. The sea’s edge was just as mysterious to her as it is to the rest of us!

“There are no signposts in the sea.” – Vita Sackville-West

Even if signposts were in the sea, the waves would still carry you where they wanted. This quote by Vita Sackville-West highlights her love for the sea and of words.

“I wonder if the ocean smells different on the other side of the world.” – J.A. Redmerski

There are countless quotes about the smell of the sea, but does it really smell different on other shores?

“We dream in colors borrowed from the sea.” – Unknown

This unknown author had the right idea. Our dreams are indeed cast in hues stolen straight from the ocean.

“Happiness is the sunset and the sea.” – Unknown

There’s a moment of tranquility just before the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a happiness that can’t be matched.

The Nature of the Sea

The sea is a focal point of nature. With every wave that breaks, another thoughtful quote is spoken. These quotes highlight the heart of the sea.

“We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed, and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.” – Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau was a naturalist and a poet. That makes him the perfect person to speak about the nature of the sea.

“To me, the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim–the rocks–the motion of the waves–the ships, with men in them, What stranger miracles are there?” — Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman is another famous American poet whose long-form poems helped define a generation. This quote from Whitman speaks volumes about the depth he implemented in his poems.

“Would you learn the secret of the sea? Only those who brave its dangers comprehend its mystery!” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Even those who brave the ocean’s dangers trying to reveal all the secrets it holds are no closer to understanding it than anyone else, especially because the ocean refuses to bend to humans.

“That the sea is one of the most beautiful and magnificent sights in Nature, all admit.” – John Joly

John Joly was a physicist and geologist. He understood the essential workings of the universe the way few others could. Even he feels the sea is nature at its finest.

“At night, when the sky is full of stars and the sea is still, you get the wonderful sensation that you are floating in space.” – Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood, unfortunately, drowned at sea. Still, her love of the sea at night will be etched forever in her powerful words.

“The sea! the sea! The open sea! The blue, the fresh, the ever free!” – Bryan W. Procter

Procter proclaimed the smooth sea to be free, fresh, and blue. We’d love to uphold that ocean view for everyone to enjoy!

“The sea is a desert of waves, A wilderness of water.” – Langston Hughes

The use of descriptors like the waves as a water desert is both irresistible and beautiful. This quote is a perfect way to describe the isolation of the mid-ocean.

Wrapping Up

Now that you’ve found the most memorable sea quotes, use them everywhere you can. Slip them into everyday conversation, use them as captions for Instagram, or wrap up that email. Every situation could benefit from a sea quote!

Feel free to save any of our sea quote images and use them wherever you wish!