Ocean documentaries are a great way of exploring the underwater world from the comfort of your couch. In addition, many dive trips have been put on hold over the last couple of years due to lockdowns and isolations. So if you can’t go and see it for yourself just yet, check out these best ocean documentaries to inspire your next diving adventure.
From stories of fearless diving adventures, to tales of intimate underwater relationships, we’ve put together a list of documentaries to suit every ocean lover.
Best Ocean Documentaries
Planet Earth: Blue Planet II
Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer
Released in 2017, Planet Earth: Blue Planet II is the sequel to Blue Planet (released in 2001 and also definitely worth a watch). This feature ocean documentary shows us the wonders of the underwater world.
This BBC Earth series from David Attenborough and team shows us in HD the best our oceans have to offer; from the deepest and coldest parts, to life on the coasts. Additionally, this documentary showcases the most beautiful, most interesting, and most unique underwater species. Meanwhile, it also highlights the threats that our oceans are facing.
The Rescue
Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play
The Rescue is a documentary film by National Geographic, released in 2021. This is the amazing story of a daring rescue mission that had the whole world on the edge of their seats.
When a school football team and their coach got trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand back in 2018, brave cave divers from around the globe came together to save them. It’s a story of community spirit, courage, compassion, and humanity. It opens viewers eyes to the high-risk world of cave diving rescues, with never-before-seen footage, and exclusive interviews.
My Octopus Teacher
Netflix
This is a beautiful story of a unique friendship. Follow filmmaker Craig Foster as he spends a year exploring a South African kelp forest, and developing a special relationship with an inquisitive octopus. Craig shares the ups and downs of his new friend’s whole life. Additionally, he discovers mysteries and surprises in her surrounding habitat.
Winning “Best Documentary Feature” at the 93rd Academy Awards, this movie is an emotional rollercoaster of suspense, joy, and sadness from start to end.
Fish People: Lives Transformed By the Sea
Youtube, Amazon Video, Google Play, Apple iTunes
Follow the lives of six people from around the world whose lives have been transformed by the sea. This 2017 documentary series by Patagonia takes us on an eye-opening journey, witnessing the relationship different people have with the water. From big wave surfers, to deep freedivers, each individual shares something unique and special with the water.
This is truly a documentary that will inspire some underwater adventures.
Extreme Cave Divers : Documentary on Cave Diving and Lost Underwater Worlds
YouTube
Cave diving is an extreme sport which only the bravest excel at. This documentary film follows Kenny Broad and his team of cave divers and scientists as they discover interesting history in the underwater worlds of the Bahamas.
Broad is an anthropologist who won National Geographic’s “Explorer of the Year” award back in 2011 for his experiences in cave diving. He does it for the thrill, but also to gain valuable insight into history and climate change. Join him for some jaw-dropping discoveries.
Oceans
Disney+, Amazon, Google Play, Youtube
From Disney Nature comes this filmmaking masterpiece that showcases the mysterious and beautiful life under the sea.
Swim alongside sharks, dolphins, and whales, and discover what lies in the deepest depths of the ocean. Visually stunning with incredible photography and sequences, this documentary will have you hypnotized by the magic of the ocean.
Narrated by Pierce Brosnan, Oceans is entertaining and enlightening for the whole family. It’s guaranteed to have you craving a dive!
Last Breath
Apple TV, Netflix
This documentary brings to life the terrifying story of a deep saturation diving accident that happened back in 2012.
When Chris Lemons had a problem with his air source down at 330ft (100m) under the North Sea, he and his team had to act fast to get him back to safety. Featuring interviews with those involved, genuine footage as well as some reconstructed scenes, Last Breath will have you hiding behind your blanket.
Perhaps this particular documentary isn’t likely to inspire a dive trip, but it is an incredible real-life tale of bravery and skill in scuba diving. Additionally, it completely emphasizes the importance of teamwork and proper training.
These ocean documentaries all feature stories to inspire, intrigue, and educate lovers of the sea. Which one will you watch first?
Written by: Charlotte Stringer