Songs to Get You Stoked for the Sea
Diving’s got this way of pulling you into another world where it’s just you, your bubbles, and the ocean’s quiet hum. For me, music’s the secret sauce that gets me in that headspace, whether I’m suiting up for a reef dive or stuck on land dreaming of salt on my skin. Here at Insider, we’re all about sharing what lights us up, so we’ve put together a killer playlist for divers, beach bums, and anyone who feels the ocean’s pull. These 15 tracks aren’t just random picks they’re the ones that hit me right in the soul, from the thrill of dropping in to the calm of floating weightless. Whether you’re packing your fins for a big trip or chilling with a beer by the shore, this lineup’s got you covered. Let’s dive into the tunes that’ll have you vibing with the sea.
1. Pressure Drop – Toots and the Maytals (1969)
This reggae banger’s got that sunny, laid-back vibe that screams beach day. Toots and the Maytals nail it with a beat that feels like swaying palms and warm sand. It’s not straight-up about diving, but that push-and-pull rhythm? It’s like the pressure shifts when you’re dropping down a wall. I blast this on the boat ride out, windows down, already tasting the salt. Toots’ voice just oozes good vibes perfect for getting amped before you hit the water.
2. Octopus’s Garden – The Beatles (1969)
The Beatles nailed it with this one. It’s like they knew the feeling of gliding over a coral garden, fish darting around you. The song’s got this playful, dreamy vibe that takes me back to my first dive in Cozumel, spotting an octopus tucked in a crevice. It’s all about that underwater escape, where everything’s calm and colourful. Pop this on, and you’ll be itching to explore some reify hideout.
3. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – Jimmy Buffett (1977)
Jimmy Buffett’s my go-to for that “screw it, I’m heading to the beach” mood. This track’s mellow groove and lyrics about ditching the grind hit hard when you’re craving the sea. I remember playing it on a road trip to the Florida Keys, windows open, already picturing the dive boat. It’s got that line “if we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane” that just sums up why we chase the ocean’s chill.
4. Kokomo – The Beach Boys (1989)
The Beach Boys are basically the soundtrack to paradise, and Kokomo’s their crown jewel. It’s all turquoise waves, palm trees, and that “wish I was there” vibe. Fun fact: most of the islands it name-drops are Caribbean, except Bermuda. I crank this when I’m rinsing gear post-dive, still buzzing from the reef. It’s like a musical piña colada pure sunshine that makes you want to book the next trip.
5. Where Is My Mind – Pixies (1988)
This one’s special. The Pixies’ frontman wrote it after a Caribbean dive, and you can feel it. Those trippy guitar riffs and eerie vocals are like floating in the deep, where everything’s a little surreal. I played this after a night dive in Bonaire, staring at the stars, feeling like my brain was still underwater. It’s perfect for those moments when diving messes with your head in the best way.
6. Ocean Man – Ween (1997)
Yeah, the SpongeBob movie made this one famous, but it’s legit a diver’s jam. Wen’s quirky vibe and that bouncy rhythm make you want to high-five a sea turtle. I’ve got memories of blasting this on a catamaran in the Bahamas, everyone singing along like kids. It’s all about owning that ocean life, whether you’re splashing in or just vibing by the shore.
7. Guitars And Tiki Bars – Kenny Chesney (2005)
Kenny Chesney gets it when life’s too much, you bolt for the water. This country tune’s like a cold beer on a hot dock, with lyrics about escaping to where the waves crash. “When I’ve had it up to here I go down there” is my mantra after a rough week. Play this post-dive, feet up, watching the sunset, and you’re in your happy place.
8. Only the Ocean – Jack Johnson (2010)
Jack Johnson’s music is like the ocean itself calm, steady, soul-soothing. This track’s acoustic flow makes me want to grab my mask and hit the water. I played it on a beach in Maui, staring at the horizon, feeling like the sea was calling my name. It’s not just a song; it’s that moment when you realize the ocean’s all you need to feel whole.
9. Islands – The xx (2010)
This one’s less about waves and more about finding your spot your underwater zen. The XX’s moody, stripped-down sound and lyrics like “I don’t have to leave anymore, what I have is right here” remind me of hovering over a reef, everything else fading away. It’s perfect for those quiet moments before a dive, when you’re mentally already underwater.
10. Bottom of the Sea – Matt Nathanson (2011)
Matt Nathanson’s got me wondering if he’s logged some tank time, cause this song screams diver energy. Lines like “come on baby dive” and escaping the world’s chaos hit right for anyone who dives to ditch the noise. I blasted this before a deep wreck dive, feeling ready to leave it all behind. It’s a pump-up track for when you’re craving that silent, blue escape.
11. 77 Bombay – Low on Air (2012)
This Swiss band’s folk-rock gem shouts out dive spots like Ko Phi Phi and critters like sharks and triggerfish. It’s like they wrote it for us divers who geek out over turtle sightings. I had this on repeat after a Thailand trip, picturing those vibrant reefs. Its upbeat vibe makes you want to pack for the next adventure.
12. Breathing Underwater – Metric (2012)
Metric’s high-octane track isn’t just about diving, but its vibe pushing through challenges feels like mastering a tricky current. Emily Haines’ vocals soar, giving you that rush like when you nail a tough dive. I play this to get hyped before a drift dive, knowing I’m about to conquer something wild. It’s a reminder you can thrive anywhere, even 30 feet down.
13. Perlentaucher – KlangTherapeuten/Robin Schulz Remix (2014)
This electronic banger’s got beats that flow like a current. It’s perfect for editing dive videos those deep synths match the glide of a manta ray. I used it for a GoPro clip from Palau, and it was fire. Play this to get in the zone before a dive or when you’re daydreaming about the next one. It’s modern, fresh, and totally aquatic.
14. Breathing Underwater – Emeli Sandé (2016)
Emeli Sandé’s soulful take on Breathing Underwater is all about finding strength, like surfacing after a tough dive. Her voice carries this raw hope that hits you in the chest. I listened to this after a stormy dive day, feeling like I’d conquered something big. It’s perfect for reflecting on what the ocean teaches us about resilience.
15. Dive – Tycho
Tycho’s instrumental is like the ocean’s heartbeat calm, dreamy, and deep. No lyrics, just vibes that wrap you up like a warm current. I play this watching waves crash after a long dive day, letting my mind drift. It’s the ultimate wind-down, leaving you ready to chase the next adventure.
Ride the Wave with These Tunes
There’s our lineup 15 songs that capture the ocean’s magic, from reggae grooves to chill instrumentals. Whether you’re finning through a reef, planning a dive trip, or just missing the sea, these tracks are your ticket to that aquatic vibe. Crank ‘me up, breathe deep, and let the ocean take you away.
