11 Ocean Quotes That Speak to the Soul

A close up of blue ocean water.

Enjoy reading these memorable quotes about the ocean.

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The ocean covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface, so it’s no wonder that it holds a special place in our hearts and minds, inspiring quotes that capture its beauty, strength, and allure. The ocean has a captivating quality that’s hard to ignore. Looking out over its endless horizon has a unique way of putting things into perspective, offering clarity and calm amidst life’s chaos. It’s thrilling, magical, and a little bit frightening, all at once.

Quotes about the ocean resonate deeply because they capture the vastness, mystery, and emotional connection people feel toward the sea. The ocean’s ever-changing beauty makes it a universal source of inspiration and reflection.

The ocean is also a symbol of freedom, tranquility, and power: you can escape your problems by sailing off across the sea; you can calm your mind and heart by watching and listening to the rhythm of the waves; and you can feel its power by being in its presence. Everything is tied to the ocean — it’s the heart of our planet, playing a vital role in making life on Earth possible.

Here I’m sharing a list of memorable quotes that celebrate the wonder of the ocean and inspire reflection.


I enjoy letting ocean quotes inspire or stir my mind, reminding me of the beauty and vastness of the sea. These quotes have a way of capturing the essence of nature and the emotions it evokes.

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "Those who live by the sea can hardly form a single thought of which the sea would not be part.” – Hermann Broch


Those who live by the sea can hardly form a single thought of which the sea would not be part.”

— Hermann Broch

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Robert Wyland


The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.”

— robert wyland

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen


The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.”

Isak Dinesen

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think." – Robert Henri


Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.”

— robert henri

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau


The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

— Jacques Yves Cousteau

Related: 150+ Best Beach Instagram Captions and Quotes to Use for a Beach Vacation, Cruise, Wedding, and More


An image of the ocean, with the quote, "Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson


Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”

— ralph waldo emerson

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides." – Jules Verne


The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides.”

— jules verne

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "When you grow up by the sea, you spend a good deal of time looking at the horizon. You wonder what on Earth the waves might bring - and where the sea might deposit you - until one day you know you have lived between two places, the scene of arrival and the point of departure." – Andrew O'Hagan


When you grow up by the sea, you spend a good deal of time looking at the horizon. You wonder what on Earth the waves might bring — and where the sea might deposit you — until one day you know you have lived between two places, the scene of arrival and the point of departure.”

— andrew o’hagan

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "The sea always filled her with longing, though for what she was never sure.”―Cornelia Funke


The sea always filled her with longing, though for what she was never sure.”

— Cornelia Funke

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." – Jon Kabat-Zinn


You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

An image of the ocean, with the quote, "The ocean is everything I wan to be. Beautiful, mysterious, wild & free." – Unknown


The ocean is everything I want to be. Beautiful, mysterious, wild & free.”

— unknown

Related: 61 Fun Holidays for Beach, Ocean, and Coastal Lovers All Year Long


  • Social Media Posts: Share them as short captions for your scenic sailing or beach photos.
  • Create Custom Artwork: Paint ocean quotes on canvas, decorate a notebook cover, or customize a frame.
  • Add to Presentations: Include them in slideshows or motivational talks.
  • Reflection or Journaling: Use ocean quotes as inspiration for reflection or as writing prompts in a journal.
  • Decorating Your Home: Frame ocean quotes and hang them on your wall or place on a bookshelf.

Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to this list of quotes about the ocean. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more beach and coastal lifestyle inspiration.

A graphic showing a close up of blue ocean water, with text that says, "ocean quotes that speak to the soul — enjoy reading these memorable quotes about the ocean."

Ocean Quotes That Speak to the Soul


People are drawn to ocean quotes because they evoke a sense of wonder, peace, and connection to something larger than ourselves. These quotes reflect the sea’s beauty, mystery, and emotional depth, making them relatable and inspiring for many.

You can use these ocean quotes to reflect on nature’s endless beauty and power, whether it’s to inspire your day or to decorate your space. These words can bring a touch of the sea into your life, helping you connect with the vastness of the ocean from the comfort of your home.

No matter where life takes us, the ocean is always there, reminding us of its mystery and possibilities.

Which of these ocean quotes is your favorite? Is there another quote about the ocean that you love that wasn’t included here? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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