Ocean Documentaries Every Diver Should Watch
Discover must-watch ocean and Great Lake documentaries for divers. Learn about marine ecosystems, conservation challenges, and how you can make a difference.
PRESERVING OUR GREAT LAKES AND OCEANS
Ocean Documentaries Every Diver Should Watch
Watching documentaries is one of the best ways for divers to understand and appreciate the underwater world, especially the ecosystems we explore and the conservation issues they face. Here’s a curated list of films that combine stunning visuals with actionable lessons for divers:
Blue Planet II (BBC)
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this series highlights the diversity of marine life, from coral reefs to the deep sea. Divers can learn about behavior patterns, predator-prey interactions, and the impact of human activity, helping inform safer, more respectful dive practices.Chasing Coral
This documentary tracks global coral bleaching events, explaining how temperature, pollution, and acidification damage reefs. Divers can see why careful buoyancy, reef-safe sunscreen, and minimal contact are critical when exploring sensitive reef areas.A Plastic Ocean
Focuses on the global plastic pollution crisis. It emphasizes how trash travels from land to sea and affects marine life. Divers can learn practical ways to reduce their footprint, from picking up debris on dives to choosing sustainable gear and travel options.Mission Blue
Profiles oceanographer Sylvia Earle and her campaign to establish marine protected areas. The film shows the importance of conservation advocacy, encouraging divers to support eco-conscious dive operators or volunteer with reef monitoring programs.The Great Lakes: An Environmental Journey
Shifting focus to freshwater, this documentary explores the ecological challenges facing the Great Lakes, including invasive species, pollution, and habitat loss. Divers in these waters can gain insight into seasonal conditions, water quality, and local conservation efforts.Seaspiracy
Investigates global fishing practices and their environmental impact. For divers, it’s a stark reminder of why sustainable seafood choices matter and how human activity affects the oceans they love to explore.
Watching these documentaries helps divers connect the dots between what we see underwater and the larger ecological picture. They inspire curiosity, highlight threats, and offer guidance on how to make small but meaningful changes—both above and below the water.
Whether you dive the Caribbean, the Pacific, or the Great Lakes, these films give context to your underwater experiences and motivate responsible, conservation-minded diving.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
BBC Earth. (2017). Blue Planet II. Retrieved from https://www.bbcearth.com
Richardson, J., & McIlrath, J. (2017). Chasing Coral. Netflix.
Klein, C. (2016). A Plastic Ocean. Oceanic Preservation Society.
Earle, S. (2014). Mission Blue. Netflix.
National Geographic. (2019). Seaspiracy. Retrieved from https://www.seaspiracy.com
Great Lakes Documentary Project. (2020). The Great Lakes: An Environmental Journey. Retrieved from https://www.greatlakesdocumentary.org