Books About Underwater Exploration

The Best Underwater Exploration Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to the Ocean, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about underwater exploration? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Underwater Exploration

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

By Liz Kessler, Sarah Gibb (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Emily Windsnap series

A girl discovers she's half mermaid and dives into a quest to find her father.

224 pages· 44,146 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 29,744 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has always lived on a boat, but her mother keeps her away from the water. When Emily finally takes swimming lessons, she uncovers a shocking truth: she's half mermaid. This revelation leads her on a daring journey beneath the waves to find her mysterious father. In a world where mermaids study shipwrecks and Neptune reigns, Emily must navigate family secrets and forge new friendships. Will she reunite with her father, or will the ocean's perils prove too great? Dive into this enchanting tale of discovery and adventure.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Young Captain Nemo

By Jason Henderson · Book #1 in the Young Captain Nemo series

A young adventurer battles oceanic threats with a submarine and friends.

288 pages· 55,231 words· Est. 6 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Gabriel Nemo, descendant of the legendary Captain Nemo, leaves his secluded underwater life to protect the seas. With his Nemotech submarine and loyal friends, he faces daring rescues and thrilling battles. When his sister reveals giant sea creatures lurking in wrecked ships, Gabriel must confront his most perilous mission yet. Can he harness his legacy to save the ocean from these mysterious beasts?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1999

Wish for a Fish

By Bonnie Worth · The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series

Dive into ocean wonders with rhymes and facts, guided by a curious cat.

48 pages· 950 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 996 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Join a whimsical cat on an underwater journey, exploring the mysteries of the ocean. Discover how fish breathe, the secrets of echolocation, and the ocean's hidden depths. Perfect for curious young minds, this rhyming adventure blends fun with fascinating facts, sparking a love for learning about the sea's incredible creatures.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Otis and Will Discover the Deep

By Barb Rosenstock, Katherine Roy (Illustrator)

Two pioneers risk everything to explore the ocean's depths in a fragile metal sphere.

Golden Kite Award (2019)

48 pages· 910 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 833 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1930, engineer Otis Barton and explorer Will Beebe embark on a daring dive into the unknown, sealed inside their invention, the Bathysphere. As they descend into the ocean's depths, they face the terrifying possibility of leaks, explosions, and the crushing pressure of the deep sea. Will they survive to reveal the mysteries of the ocean's abyss, or will their groundbreaking journey end in disaster? Dive into this gripping true story of courage and innovation, where every moment could be their last.

Sale price

$2849

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Oceanology

By Ferdinand Zoticus de Lesseps, Various (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the Ologies series

A young survivor's tale of a mysterious submarine voyage and oceanic wonders.

32 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 465 ratings

$29.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1866, a sixteen-year-old assistant embarks on a perilous journey aboard the Nautilus, Captain Nemo's legendary submarine. As the sole survivor, he recounts encounters with shipwrecks, sea monsters, and the mythical Atlantis. His journal, filled with vivid illustrations, reveals the secrets of the deep and the mysteries of an ill-fated voyage. What truths lie beneath the ocean's surface, and how will his story shape the future? Dive into a world where reality and imagination blur, and discover the untold adventures that inspired a literary legend.

Sale price

$3609

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Under Water

By Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinski

Explore hidden wonders beneath earth and sea, from submarines to burrowing creatures.

112 pages

4.6/5 Goodreads · 420 ratings

$37.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Venture into the unseen realms beneath our feet and oceans. Discover the secrets of early submarines, deep-sea creatures, and underground tunnels. This beautifully illustrated journey will change how you see the world.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Aquanaut

By Dan Santat

A girl and sea creatures uncover dark secrets in a marine park.

256 pages· 6,025 words· Est. 1 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,007 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Sophia's life at Aqualand changes when an aquanaut reveals its true identity—a group of quirky sea creatures. Together, they uncover sinister changes in the park her father built. Can Sophia and her new friends save the captive marine life before it's too late? Dive into a world of adventure and mystery as they challenge the dark forces threatening their underwater haven.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Daughter of the Deep

By Rick Riordan

A secret sea trial turns deadly as rival schools clash, testing Ana's leadership and uncovering hidden truths.

336 pages· 74,898 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 34,171 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ana Dakkar, a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, faces a perilous sea trial that spirals into chaos when a long-standing rivalry with the Land Institute erupts. As tragedy strikes, Ana must navigate treacherous waters, uncover secrets about her heritage, and rally her classmates against deadly foes. With her leadership skills on the line, Ana discovers unexpected allies and faces challenges that could change her life forever. Will she rise to the occasion or become another casualty in this undersea conflict? Dive into a thrilling adventure where the stakes are as deep as the ocean itself.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

The Underwater Planet

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #6 in the Geronimo Stilton: Spacemice series

Can spacemice outsmart pirate spacecats to claim underwater treasure?

128 pages· 8,620 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 476 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Geronimo Stiltonix, a daring spacemouse, discovers a treasure map leading to Aquarix, a mysterious underwater planet. Joined by his crew, he faces fur-eating seaweed, alien piranhas, and cunning pirate spacecats. As they dive deeper into the oceanic world, the spacemice must outwit the spacecats to secure the treasure. Will they succeed, or will the spacecats snatch the prize? Dive into this cosmic adventure to find out!

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2018

Deep Water

By Watt Key

A dive goes wrong, leaving Julie to save herself and two reckless clients from the ocean's deadly grip.

288 pages· 45,956 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,045 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Julie Sims faces a nightmare when a scuba dive off Alabama's coast turns disastrous. With her father missing and their boat vanished, Julie must navigate the treacherous waters to save herself and two reckless clients. As hypothermia and sharks loom, can Julie's quick thinking and courage keep them alive? Dive into a gripping tale of survival where every decision could mean life or death.

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Underwater Exploration Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about underwater exploration for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Flying Deep

Ages 5–9 · 2018

Dive deep with Alvin to uncover ocean mysteries and explore life two miles below the surface.

Sale price

$599

Finding the Titanic

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Uncover the Titanic's secrets from its tragic voyage to its rediscovery beneath the sea.

Series

Sale price

$2495

Mary Poppins Up, Up and Away

Ages 6–8 · 2017

Embark on a magical journey through London with a beloved nanny's whimsical adventures.

Sale price

$1699

Manfish

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A curious boy's love for the ocean leads to a life of exploration and advocacy.

Sale price

$1799

Little Wonder

Ages 2–5 · 2022

A child's journey through fantastical seas tests courage and imagination.

Series

Sunken Treasure

1988

Uncover a sunken treasure's secrets lost to the sea.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$3065

Exploring Titanic

Ages 8–14 · 2009

An archaeologist travels through time to solve mysteries and rescue colleagues.

Sale price

$2795

The Bermuda Triangle

Ages 8–13 · 2019

Ships vanish in the Bermuda Triangle. Is it rogue waves or something otherworldly?

Sale price

$3265

The Search for the Titanic

Ages 10–14 · 2014

Discover the relentless quest to find Titanic's final resting place.

Sale price

$1495

Pop Up Sea

Ages 2–6 · 2001

Explore the ocean's wonders in a magical submarine adventure.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Larry Gets Lost Under the Sea

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A lost pup's ocean adventure leads to unexpected discoveries.

Series

Sale price

$1499

Curious George Discovers the Ocean

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A curious monkey helps his friends find a lost satellite in the ocean

View all underwater exploration picture books

Browse by age

Underwater Exploration Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about underwater exploration for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$999

Giant Squid

Ages 9–10 · 2012

A hidden sea monster eludes scientists, leaving scars and mysteries in its wake.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$699

Dolphin Treasure

Ages 8–11 · 1996

Stranded diver faces storm and sharks. Can a dolphin save him?

Series

Sale price

$1295

Song of the Deep

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A girl ventures underwater to save her father from a sea creature's grasp.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Scaredy Cat

Ages 6–8 · 2017

Three purrmaid friends go on an underwater adventure to find something special to bring to school.

Sale price

$899

The Accidental Invasion

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Atlantis' secrets collide with Earth's chaos as two worlds face an unexpected adventure.

Sale price

$1799

The Secret Deep

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Stranded on an island, Aster must uncover underwater secrets to find her missing sister.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

Journey Under the Sea

Ages 8–12 · 1979

Dive into the ocean's depths to find Atlantis and face thrilling choices that shape your fate.

Scaredy Cat

Series

Awesome Ocean Records

2005

This book explores the top ten record-holding wonders of the ocean, from the deepest dives to the largest creatures and strongest bites.

Series

Sale price

$499

Alien Ocean Animals

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Explore the ocean's depths and uncover the secrets of bizarre deep-sea creatures.

Deep-Sea Treasure Dive

Ages 8–12

The Secret Explorers and the Sunken Treasure

#13 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Secret Explorers and the Sunken Treasure

Ages 7–9 · 2023

Can young explorers find pirate treasure and save a shark in peril?

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Underwater Exploration

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