There is something about the ocean that has always drawn people in. It could be the mystery of what lies beneath the surface of the vastness that can be seen stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Whatever it may be, there is no doubt that tales set at sea have always been popular. Anime is no exception, with many anime taking place either partially or entirely on boats sailing across the ocean.
Today we are going to take a look at ocean anime sets that have to do with the high seas in various ways.
Table of Contents
What is an ocean anime?
An ocean anime is an anime that is set, at least in part, on the ocean. This can mean that the story takes place entirely on a boat, such as in Blue Submarine No. 6, or that there are episodes that take place on the ocean and land, like in One Piece.
Some ocean anime focus on the creatures that live in the sea, such as mermaids in Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch. Whatever the focus may be, all of these anime have one thing in common: they are set against the backdrop of the ocean.
11. Squid Girl

GENRE | Adventure, Slice of Life, Comedy |
JP TITLE | Shinryaku! Ika Musume |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Squid Girl, also known as Shinryaku! Ika Musume is a 2010 anime that follows the story of Squid Girl, a humanoid squid who comes to the surface world to take revenge on humanity for polluting the ocean.
While her initial plan is to invade and conquer the surface world, she soon finds herself working at a beach house to pay off the damage she caused.
Throughout the series, Squid Girl makes friends with the people she meets and learns more about the surface world, all while trying to fulfill her ultimate goal of getting revenge on humanity.
10. Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet

GENRE | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi |
JP TITLE | Suisei no Gargantia |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, or Suisei no Gargantia, is a 2013 anime that takes place in the distant future. The story follows Ledo, a soldier who is part of an interstellar war against an unknown alien race.
During a battle, Ledo’s ship is damaged and he is forced to crash-land on a planet that is completely covered in water. There, he meets a girl named Amy and her friends, who help him adjust to life on the planet.
As Ledo begins to learn more about the planet and its people, he starts to question the war he has been fighting and everything he knows.
9. Tsuritama

GENRE | Aadventure, Slice of life |
JP TITLE | Tsuritama “fishing ball“, sometimes written as Tsuritama |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Tsuritama is a 2012 anime that follows the story of Yuki, a high school student who moves to Enoshima with his grandmother. There, he meets a boy named Haru, who claims to be an alien.
Haru tells Yuki that he needs to learn how to fish so that he can one day conquer the planet.
With the help of their friend Natsuki, the two set out to learn how to fish and, along the way, form a close bond with each other.
8. Nadia: Secret Of Blue Water

GENRE | Adventure, Life Style, Comedy |
JP TITLE | Fushigi no Umi no Nadia, |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Nadia: Secret Of Blue Water is a 1990 anime that is based on the works of Jules Verne. The story follows Nadia, a girl who runs away from home after being accused of stealing a jewel.
She meets Jean, a young boy who dreams of becoming an inventor like his hero, Leonardo da Vinci. Together, the two set out on a journey that will take them around the world.
Along the way, they encounter danger and mystery, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the people who are after Nadia.
7. Aria

GENRE | Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure |
JP TITLE | Aria |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Neo Venezia, located on the planet Aqua (which was once called Mars), is an idyllic place to visit. By the 24th century, humans have managed to colonize and live in what was once a desolate world.
Even though it’s now home to people, Neo Venezia has kept its old-world charm; gondolas are still the main form of transportation gliding down wide canals.
The city itself looks like Venice did centuries ago back on Manhole (Earth). Aria Company is a guided tour company in Neo Venezia that offers an immersive experience for tourists and residents alike.
Akari Mizunashi is a teenager who hails from the town of Manhole. She joins the ranks of Undines, tour guides in Neo Venezia.
Join Akari as she meets interesting characters- both tourists and those native to Neo Venezia. In doing so, she learns life lessons; one example being that man made miracles do exist.
6. High School Fleet

GENRE | Action, Adventure |
JP TITLE | Haisukūru Furīto |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
The High School Fleet anime is set in a future where humanity has colonized the seas. The series follows the students of Blue Mermaids as they train to become maritime defense forces.
During their training, they are sent out on a mission to escort a convoy. However, things take a turn for the worse when they are attacked by pirates.
The students are then accused of mutiny and must go on the run, all while trying to clear their names.
5. Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch

GENRE | Fantasy, Magic Girl |
JP TITLE | Māmeido Merodī Pichi Pichi Pitchi |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch is a 2003 anime that follows the story of Lucia, a mermaid princess who gives up her voice to save a boy she loves.
However, this act also revokes her mermaid powers. To get them back, Lucia must collect the seven pearls of power.
Along the way, she meets Hanon and Rina, two other princesses who are also looking for pearls. The three girls form a close bond as they search for the pearls and try to stop the evil sea witch from taking over the ocean.
4. Amanchu! Followed Two Girls Joining A Scuba-Diving Club

GENRE | Slice of Life |
JP TITLE | Amanchu! |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
The Amanchu anime is set in Shizuoka, a prefecture located in central Japan. The series follows the story of Futaba, a girl who just started high school.
Futaba is shy and doesn’t have any friends. However, that all changes when she meets Hikari, a girl who is full of life and loves scuba diving.
Hikari convinces Futaba to join the school’s scuba diving club and, along the way, the two girls form a close bond with each other.
3. Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea

GENRE | Romance, Slice of Life |
JP TITLE | Nagi no Asukara |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea is set in a future where humanity has moved underwater to escape a great disaster.
The series follows the story of Hikari, a boy who lives in an underwater village. He meets and falls in love with a girl named Michishio, who is from a different village.
However, their relationship is forbidden and the two must keep it a secret. But when Hikari’s village is in danger of being destroyed, he must find a way to save it- even if that means breaking the rules.
2. Ponyo

GENRE | Fantasy, Adventure |
JP TITLE | Gake no Ue no Ponyo |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
Ponyo is a 2008 anime movie that follows the story of a young boy named Sosuke and his relationship with a goldfish named Ponyo.
Ponyo is the daughter of a sea witch and she yearns to be human. When she meets Sosuke, she decides she wants to become his friend.
However, becoming human comes with its challenges and Ponyo must overcome them if she wants to stay with Sosuke forever.
1. One Piece

GENRE | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
JP TITLE | Wan Pisu |
WHERE TO WATCH | CRUNCHYROLL |
One Piece is a long-running anime series that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who dreams of becoming the king of the pirates.
Luffy sets out on a journey to find the legendary treasure One Piece and, along the way, he meets new friends and battles powerful enemies.
The series is set mainly on the ocean and features a wide variety of characters, both good and bad.
With over 1000 episodes, there is sure to be something for everyone in this anime.
Whether you’re looking for an underwater adventure or a story set on the high seas, these ocean anime are sure to please. So, dive in and enjoy!
Facts And Questions About Ocean Anime:
What is the most popular anime ocean?
One Piece is the most popular anime ocean, with over 1000 episodes. It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who dreams of becoming the king of pirates.
What are some other popular anime on the high seas?
Other popular sea related anime include Blue Submarine No. 6, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, and Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea.
What is the best ocean anime?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it is a matter of opinion. However, some of the most popular ocean anime include One Piece, Blue Submarine No. 6, and Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch.
What is the most underrated ocean anime?
Nagi-Asu is often considered to be one of the most underrated ocean anime. It is set in a future where humanity has moved underwater to escape a great disaster. The series follows the story of Hikari, a boy who lives in an underwater village, and Michishio, a girl from a different village.
What are some other underrated ocean anime?
Other underrated ocean anime include Amanchu! and Ponyo.