Scuba diving may be synonymous with the silent world, but we know plenty of divers who love music. Here are some of our favorite songs about being underwater, the ocean and tunes with a beach-y vibe. Listen to each song individually or stream all the tracks via YouTube. Whether you’re headed out diving or packing for an aquatic expedition, we hope this playlist gets you tuned in for an underwater adventure.
NOTE: Some of the songs listed aren’t appropriate for children. Scroll to the bottom of this article for a song about coral reef conservation and classic tunes about the ocean that kids can enjoy.
Pressure Drop – Toots and the Maytals (1969)
Octopus’s Garden – The Beatles (1969)
Here’s the classic Beatles’ song with a nice scuba intro and octopus video.
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – Jimmy Buffett (1977)
To any Parrotheads who would have chosen a different Jimmy Buffett tune, please forgive us. There are so many! Just remember, if we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.
Kokomo – The Beach Boys (1989)
Fun fact: all the islands mentioned in this song are in the Caribbean Sea except one: Bermuda.
Where Is My Mind – Pixies (1988)
Pixies’ lead singer, Black Francis, wrote this song after scuba diving in the Caribbean.
Ocean Man – Ween (1997)
Sound familiar? This catchy tune was featured in the end credits of the Spongebob Squarepants movie and in a Honda Civic ad (supposedly without the band’s permission)
Kenny Chesney – Guitars And Tiki Bars (2005)
We couldn’t have a scuba playlist without a track from country star Kenny Chesney. Kenny sings, “When I’ve had it up to here I go down there.” Sounds about right to us.
Only the Ocean – Jack Johnson (2010)
Some would argue Jack Johnson is the only music for when you’re at the beach, and there are many songs to choose from. Here’s a track to put you in a mellow mood.
Islands – The xx (2010)
Though not specifically about diving, we think anyone with a dive-oriented mindset can appreciate these lyrics: I don’t have to leave anymore, What I have is right here, Spend my nights and days before, Searching the world for what’s right here.
Bottom of the Sea – Matt Nathanson (2011)
We don’t know if Matt Nathanson is a scuba diver, but based on these lyrics, he should be! Too many cars drinking too much gasoline. There’s no good news on my TV screen. There’s a hole up in the sky so come on baby dive, and live life at the bottom of the sea.
77 Bombay – Low on Air (2012)
Swiss folk rock group 77 Bombay gives shout outs to Ko Phi Phi, sharks, turtles, triggerfish and others.
Breathing Underwater – Metric (2012)
We’ll take the tempo up a notch with this next track from Canadian rock group Metric.
Perlentaucher – KlangTherapeuten/Robin Schulz Remix (2014)
Try this electronica track for your next dive video soundtrack. You’re welcome.
Emeli Sandé – Breathing Underwater (2016)
A soulful ballad about overcoming challenges.
This chill, instrumental is the perfect background music for gazing out at the water.
Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes (2017)
Listen to the original version below, or check out one of the many ukulele covers.
Scuba Songs For Kids
The Beautiful Briny Sea from Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Under the Sea from Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989)
