Whether you’re looking to entertain, educate or simply level up what your kids are watching during their screen time, the best ocean documentaries are definitely worthy of a spot in your schedule. These kid-friendly documentaries are filled with facts and information. Plus, they usually drop the kind of knowledge which inspires the young (and old) to want to protect the oceans.
These documentaries, along with many of the best ocean-related movies, help to ensure any screen time is time well spent. From teaching kids about pollution, overfishing and the effects of global warming to sharing the truth about many of the ocean’s unfairly maligned marine animals, each ocean documentary brings something unique and valuable to the table.
So if learning about or taking part in ocean conservation firsthand isn’t yet on the cards for your little ocean defenders, the best ocean documentaries, or some of the best scuba gifts for kids, are an ideal first (or next) step to stoke those planet-protecting fires inside.
Here are our top picks for the best ocean videos for kids.
1. A Plastic Ocean
A Plastic Ocean documents what happens to plastic products after they’re thrown “away.” As the filmmakers discover, there is no away. Plastic breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces that end up on beaches, or mistakenly eaten by animals. Craig Leeson, an award-winning journalist, teams up with Tanya Streeter, a world champion freediver. Together, they create a film that blends adventure, travel and science. Kids get to see how children in other parts of the world live. They also learn how everyday choices affect the health of our oceans.
Run time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
2. Chasing Coral
Chasing Coral explores the problem of coral bleaching – why does it happen and can it be stopped? The documentary follows a team of determined scuba divers and scientists as they journey to more than 30 countries to find answers. Despite the heart-breaking subject matter, the film does offer some hope.
Run time: 93 minutes
3. Oceans
Oceans, a Disney nature production, explores all five of Earth’s oceans. It also has a strong conservation message – minus the explicit imagery of animals suffering shown in other films. Kids get to see amazing underwater creatures including the blanket octopus, spider crabs and whale sharks. Educators and parents can download supplemental information and activities from Disney’s website (PDF).
Run time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
4. Deep Sea
Shot by legendary videographers Howard and Michelle Hall, Deep Sea features the greatest hits of the underwater world. These include jellyfish, turtles, sharks and whales. Kids learn about interdependence among marine life, and why humans need healthy oceans. One reviewer on Amazon.com wrote, “This DVD features a wide variety of sea life… my three-year-old never gets tired of watching it; he loves the parts centered on the octopus the best. From an adult perspective, I am amazed at how many different species they show… and it is very informative…great for family time, educating children/students, etc.”
Run time: 40 minutes
5. BBC’s The Blue Planet and Blue Planet II
It’s a bit of a cheat to pick both Blue Planet programmes, but they’re both outstandingly good. Each hour-long episode (there are 15 total) features incredible underwater footage and an underlying message about the importance of conservation. The Deep episodes featuring otherworldly-looking creatures are often a favourite with older kids. However, some of these may be a little too spooky for little ones.
Run time: 50-60 min per episode
6. Shark with Steve Backshall
Partaking in conservation can be as simple as inspiring those around you to question what they think they already know. Few animals fall foul to people’s incorrect assumptions more than sharks. In Shark with Steve Backshall, naturalist Steve Backshall travels around the globe to meet numerous shark species. He shows the audience the real nature of sharks and inspire viewers to get on board with protecting these misunderstood and unjustly maligned ocean animals.
The three-part show covers everything from exploring the so-called “shark capital of the world” to seeing how they are adapting to climate change, pollution and overfishing. We love it and think it’s up there with the best shark documentaries out there. And, if your kids love the show, they’ll also love the follow-up series. Whale takes a closer look at the group containing the ocean’s (and Earth’s) largest animals.
Run time: 45 min per episode
Got a favorite which didn’t find its way onto our list? Then get in touch and tell us about your top inspiring ocean documentary. You can connect with PADI through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Or if you know a wannabe diver who’s currently too young but counting down the days, find out more about scuba diving lessons for kids here. You can also locate your nearest PADI Dive Shop or sign up below to get the process of becoming a PADI-certified diver started!
