Perfume that smells like the ocean,12 fresh sea smelling fragrances

Nothing beats standing in the ocean and taking in the soft, gentle sea breeze. The scent of the sea and the sensation of the water lightly touching your feet. If only there were a perfume that brought that sensation back to you.

Lucky for you, there are a ton of perfumes that smell like the ocean. It’s all a matter of finding the right one. That’s why I picked out the top 12 best perfumes that smell like the ocean. These beach scents are all highly aquatic with unique olfactory emotions.

So without any further ado, let’s get started!

Top Oceanic Fragrances that smell like the sea

Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau De Toilette:

Carry the ocean scent breeze in your handbag with the Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day EDT perfume.

Maison Margiela’s Replica series is a set of perfumes designed to have the distinct fresh scent of a time and place. This particular scent, titled “Sailing Day,” replicates Paros Island in 2001. It’s an oceanic scent that mimics the sailing of two bodies towards infinity, one of the best replica fragrances ever.

Your first clue that this is a marine fragrance is the bottle. It has the classic Maison Margiela Replica design, with a long body and information about the scent on the front. The liquid inside has a very light cerulean tint, representing pristine ocean water. And the spray nozzle is purely metallic.

When you apply the scent, you’ll be instantly surprised by how delicate it smells. The top notes are the first you’ll notice, which will dissipate after some time. These include Sea Notes, Red Pepper, Coriander, and Aldehyde. Aldehyde and the Sea Notes make this scent so aquatic and lively. Coriander and pepper add a hint of spice and pepperiness to uplift the scent and make it more prominent and a lovely EDT for college guys or older men.

Once these fade out, you’ll be left with the fresh middle notes. These are mainly floral, including Juniper, Rose, Iris, and Amyl Salicylate. Juniper, Rose, and Iris are purely floral soft notes, lending the scent a fresh aroma that’s instantly recognizable. Amyl Salicylate has a distinctly sweet, green, earthy, and floral odor.

These notes will stay with you for the majority of your day. And once they wear off, you'll be left with the base notes. These are somewhat woody and earthy. They include Cedar, Ambergris, Amberwood, and Seaweed. Cedar and Amberwood have strong woody scents that make it feel like you're walking through a forest. Ambergris is a musky scent obtained from a whale, and it smells sweet and pleasurable. Lastly, there’s Seaweed, which combines a powerful herbaceous odor with a calm marine aroma.

As an Eau de Toilette scent, it only lasts for up to 4 hours or less. So it’s not ideal for long days at work or overnight parties and romantic encounters.

Cool Water By Davidoff For Women EDT Spray:

Cool Water by Davidoff brings every element of the ocean to you with its fruity, floral, and woody scent.

Engineered to smell like the ocean, Cool Water by Davidoff is an exemplar of what a marine perfume should smell like. This is a 6.7-fluid-ounce bottle of a scent that’s described as Floral Aquatic. It’s a women’s version of the Cool Water for Men. This Eau de Toilette spray features familiar fruit scents mixed with woody aromas and a soft ocean breeze-like smell.

The first thing that will grab your attention is the shape and design of the bottle. It’s a very elegant and streamlined design, with the bottle tapering towards the top. The bottom of the bottle has been pushed inward to create a stable base. And the color of the bottle is a very light azure to replicate the graceful nature of cool rushing water. We really love this one and consider it one of the greatest fragrance for the ladies.

But Cool Water EDT has more going for it than the looks. It features fresh, fruity, and floral accords - and of course, aquatic. The first scents that hit you are the top notes as you apply the EDT spray. These are fruity notes and include Lemon, Pineapple, Lotus, Melon, Calone, Lily, Black Currant, and Quince. These fruits also have very high citrus contents, such as Lemon and Black Currant. Lotus is the sole floral scent here. Cologne is an aquatic scent that’s similar to the ocean breeze.

Once these die out, you’ll be left smelling like the heart notes. These are majorly floral. They include Lotus, Water Lily, Jasmine, Hawthorn, Honey, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Rose. Some of these are familiar scents, while others are exotic oceanic scents. 

Finally, as the middle notes fade away, you’ll notice the base notes. Unlike other perfumes, the base notes are also highly fruity and sweet, with only a hint of woodiness. They consist of Musk, Raspberry, Blackberry, Peach, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Violet Root, and Vetiver. Of these, Musk and Sandalwood are earthy scents, while the rest are sweet or fruity. Vetiver, in particular, is a highly addictive herbaceous scent. If you are looking for a seductive perfume, it is a really great option to consider.

Tom Ford Oud Minerale Eau De Parfum:

Your dreams of visiting a forest by the sea come true in the form of the Oud Minerale EDP by Tom Ford.

Here’s an unconventional perfume that smells like the ocean. While other scents are focused on ozonic and white floral accords, this perfume by Tom Ford takes on a different approach. It uses earthy and woody scents to replicate the idea of a dense forest by the beach. This Eau de Parfum Spray is a unisex perfume that closely mimics what it’s like to be at sea.

The fragrance comes inside a professional black bottle with a big bulky lid. The letters “Tom Ford” are printed on the front in a big, bold font. The elegance of the bottle is unmatched, especially when you combine the bold black color with the silver writing (check the best tom ford fragrance for her).

As stated previously, the scent is mainly woody and earthy. The main notes here are the Sea Notes and Sea Salt. These two notes are responsible for making this scent smells like the ocean. Sea Salt, in particular, has a very ozonic scent that’s extremely close to aquatic. There’s also the addition of Seaweed, which drives home the idea of being by the seaside. Seaweed has a distinct green scent that’s often associated with the ocean.

Besides these, there are some woody and peppery scents. There’s Agarwood (Oud), Balsam Fir, and Pepperwood on the woody side. Pepperwood, in particular, has a strong peppery scent. This, when combined with the Pink Peppercorn, adds a layer of spice to the overall perfume.

There are also a few resins, mainly Ambergris and Styrax. These smell sweet and musky with a hint of earthiness. They ground the scent and iconize the idea of being in a forest by the sea, an excellent choice for young guys.

All in all, the woody and earthy scents of the Tom Ford Oud Minerale are a unique combination that’s often not seen in marine scents. This scent is best worn during the day, though it can also last through the night. It’s an ideal scent for spring, summer, and fall. But the scent doesn't match the season and its vibes for winters, it is an amazing Tom ford cologne for guys as well.

Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo Eau De Parfum Spray:

Giorgio Armani brings you a fresh aquatic scent for men who love the ocean, as the Acqua Di Gio Profondo.

This Eau de Parfum spray is titled “Acqua Di Gio Profondo” and has a fresh, watery scent. It smells woody and earthy and is bound to uplift the mood wherever it goes.

Acqua Di Gio scents are notorious for their minimal design and captivating fragrances. This perfume bottle also follows that tradition, with a deep blue bottle color and a simple design. In addition, the words “Acqua Di Gio” and “Giorgio Armani” appear on the front of the bottle.

The scent is a highly addicting scent best described as marine and herbaceous. When you apply it, the first scents you’ll notice are the top notes. These include Seat Notes, Bergamot, Green Mandarin, and Aquozone. Sea Notes and Aquozone are the main marine notes here. They make the fragrance smell like freshwater right from a stream or the ocean. Aquozone also has a strong ozonic scent that overwhelms anyone who smells it.

The inclusion of Bergamot and Green Mandarin truly makes this scent outshine the others. It gives an enchanting green, citrusy, and fresh aroma to an otherwise very aquatic scent.

Once the top notes fade away, you’ll be left with the middle or heart notes. These notes stay on you for the longest and are the core of the perfume. They include Rosemary, Cypress, Mastic, and Lavender. Rosemary and Cypress are green woody scents. Mastic Gum has a herbaceous scent that’s also slightly citrusy and pine-like. Lavender is the only floral scent that adds a layer of pleasure and delight to the other scents.

Finally, as the heart notes begin to dry out, the base notes kick in. They include Amber, Mineral Accord, Musk, and Patchouli. Musk is a sweet scent that, when combined with the earthy scent of Amber, produces a pleasurable aroma. Mineral accord smells like common minerals and makes it smell like you’re standing in salty seawater. Patchouli has a herbaceous scent that's borderline minty (you can find this fragrance at fragrancex).

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne Spray:

The Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne is a spray for women who want to smell aquatic.

This is the best perfume that smells like the ocean that became available on shelves in September 2014. And it has since become a classic marine fragrance. The main accords of the scent are marine, aromatic, and salty.

Starting with the bottle design, it’s captivating but nothing too fancy. The bottle is transparent with a metallic lid and the Jo Malone sticker on the front. The glassy design strongly resembles the nature of fresh, clean water, an iconic Jo Malone fragrance.

The main notes in this scent are Ambrette Seeds, Sage, and Sea Salt. Ambrette Seeds have a musky and floral scent with a slight woody earthiness. They are notorious for imparting a very lightly seductive aroma to the skin. And their earthiness realizes the idea of a rocky shore by the sea.

Sage has an earthy fragrance that’s also highly herbaceous. However, it’s often described as being too overwhelming and even sometimes with a hint of floral. This makes it seem like you’re on the seaside, and the breeze carries up all the fresh green scents.

Lastly, there’s Sea Salt. It’s a purely mineral smell that’s somewhat aquatic and takes home the idea of standing in seawater. Sea Salt is the perfect way to conclude this marine fragrance as it has a very aquatic and watery smell.

There are also robust woody notes that create the sensation of a forest near the sea. Or you feel that you’re in the ocean near some driftwood, and the aroma is revitalizing you.

The idea behind the Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne is to awaken a deep sense of freedom and escape in the user. It’s heavily inspired by the British beach and gives you a full three-dimensional perspective of marine life.

This is a day perfume, meaning it’s not ideal for use at night. Additionally, it’s perfect for use in the summers and spring. But don’t use it in the winter or fall, as the aquatic scent doesn't match the season. This one is more on a high-end price-wise, we recommend it in our luxury perfume for her article.

Chanel Bleu De Chanel Eau De Toilette Spray

The Chanel Bleu De Chanel is an Eau de Toilette Spray for men who refuse to be formatted by society.

As a marine scent, the Chanel Bleu embodies the free and independent man that takes control of his life. The scent is aromatic and woody, with strong addictive accords and a floral overtone. Probably one of the best chanel perfume for guys ever created.

First up, the design of the bottle is elegant and minimal. Black is a professional color that symbolizes the maturity that comes with manhood. That’s why this perfume bottle is black with the silver words “Bleu De Chanel” engraved on it. The bottle is unique and simple, iconizing the independent man and a really long lasting one.

As for the scent, it’s mainly woody and citrusy with strong fruity across. When you apply the scent, you’ll be greeted with fruity and citrus top notes. These include Grapefruit, Mint, Pink Popper, and Lemon. Grapefruit and Lemon are citrusy scents, with Grapefruit being more on the fruity side. Mint is a strong scent that awakens the senses and adds a feeling of coolness. Finally, pink pepper imparts a layer of spice to the fragrance.

After the top notes wear off, you’ll be overwhelmed by the heart notes. The heart notes stay on you for the longest time and accompany you throughout your day. These include Ginger, Jasmine, Nutmeg, and Iso E Super. Jasmine is a floral scent that makes you smell more pleasurable. Ginger and Nutmeg are spicy scents that have distinct smells and therapeutic properties. Finally, Iso E Super is a compound with a dry woody scent that’s almost cedar-like.

As the perfume is about to fade out, the base notes shine through, bridging a nuance of new aromas. These include Incense, Sandalwood, Cedar, Labdanum, Vetiver, White Musk, and Patchouli.

Sandalwood and Cedar have woody scents, while Labdanum has an amber-like earthy aroma. White Musk has a sweet aromatic fragrance that forms the basis of most perfumery. Patchouli has a herbaceous, citrusy smell, while incense has a strong therapeutic smell. Finally, there’s Vetiver with a powerful and addicting green fragrance.

Hermes Eau Des Merveilles Bleue Eau De Toilette Spray:

Unleash your inner femininity with the Hermes Eau Des Merveilles Bleue, a perfume that symbolizes freedom and escape.

The Hermes Eau Des Merveilles Bleue is a perfume that smells like the sea. This scent is inspired by the sea of Merveilles and has strong fresh, and delicate olfactory notes. It’s made for women who love to be free and embrace their childhood and femininity.

Made in France, the Hermes Eau Des Merveilles has a unique design. Instead of the traditional bottle that stands on its base, the Hermes bottle sits skewed. It has a mock base and a real base that gives the bottle a skewed look.

The whole bottle is round in shape with a transparent body and a very slight blue shade at the bottom. The spray nozzle and lid are metallic, and the bottle's body is studded with stars. When you use the Hermes, you’ll feel like you’re living in a long dream, a sexy one which smells similar to some pheromone fragrances we tried.

But the bottle aside, the fragrance will make everyone turn their heads. It’s a highly marine scent with strong notes of woodiness. This is an aromatic fragrance with a bit of saltiness and a marine-like scent. To most people, it’ll smell like fresh water and greenery. We can find the same scents in some zara perfumes.

If you smell anything woody, then that would be the Juniper berries. These berries have a spicy and woody scent with a hint of resinous. They don't smell fruity but bring a lot of depth to any perfume they’re added to.

There are also strong implications for Patchouli. Although derived from mint, Patchouli has a soft earthy, and woody scent. In addition, it smells sweet and musky, making it the ideal candidate for this perfume.

The Hermes Eau Des Merveilles Bleue also uses Mineral Stone, the perfect choice for this scent. Mineral Stone adds a hint of saltiness to the whole concoction and makes it smell like sea salt. And since it’s an Eau de Toilette spray, it will last you 3 to 4 hours or less.

Rose Atlantic By D.S & Durga

Indulge in the delicate aroma of rose and the ozonic fragrance of sweater with the Rose Atlantic by D.S & Durga.

Rose Atlantic is a marine scent that’s floral and aquatic. From the design house of D.S & Durga, Rose Atlantic takes inspiration from Sinatra’s summer breeze and the delicate aroma of rosehips.

This perfume comes in a rather unique-looking spray bottle. It’s a cylindrical bottle with a black cap and the words “Rose Atlantic” printed on a beige sticker on the front. The liquid inside has a slight white hue, and it comes in a box that’s as elegant and professional.

Moving on, the scent of the Rose Atlantic is floral and marine. It features top notes of Rose Petals, Bergamot, and Lemon. Bergamot and Lemon have fruity, fresh, and citrusy aromas that captivate anyone who smells them. The central accord here is that of Rose, the star of the show. We found the smell a bit similar to some oscar de la renta fragrances.

The top notes only appear for some time, and then they fade away, being replaced by the middle notes. Also known as the heart notes, these are the ones that take over for the majority of the time. They include Rose, Salt, Grass, and Lime Blossom.

Salt is an unconventional scent here. It’s a very mineral scent that gives the impression of being submerged in seawater. Lime Blossom is also a unique scent. It’s yellow floral but citrusy and imparts a pleasant aroma to the perfume. Finally, the grass is a herbaceous scent with a familiar awakening sensation. It’ll remind you of soft, breezy meadows near fresh streams of water and if you are a fan of Victoria Secret perfumes you gonna love this one for sure !

As the middle notes fade out, the base notes uplift the perfume and conclude the scent. These notes include Sea Water, Oakmoss, and Musk. Musk has a sweet aromatic scent that forms the basis of perfumes. Sea Water is a marine fragrance that makes you feel like you’re standing right there in the ocean. And Oakmoss has a rather woody yet earthy aroma that grounds the whole fragrance and reminds you of driftwood.

D & G Light Blue By Dolce & Gabbana

Bring the refreshing sensation of the ocean breeze with you with the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue.

Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana is the best perfume that smells like the ocean. It’s derived from refreshing slices of Bergamot and sensual woods. This fragrance is everything a man needs to kick-start his day. It represents the freedom and feeling of revitalization that comes with being at the beach.

Right from the start, you will notice how simplistic the perfume bottle looks. The exterior is made of glass. But it’s translucent instead of transparent. And the bottle cap is metallic.

Inside the bottle lies the real star of the show, the scent. The scent has citrusy, fruity accords, with the main theme being aquatic and mineral. The top notes include Bergamot, Sun-Dried Sicilian Mandarin, Frozen Grapefruit peel, and Juniper. The theme behind the top notes is the Mediterranean Sea.

The top notes are mainly citrusy with scents like Bergamot and Sun-Dried Sicilian Mandarin. Frozen Grapefruit Peel also has a citrus element. However, it’s mostly fruity. Juniper adds a hint of white floral to the fragrance to help enlighten your senses.

Once the top notes fade away, you’ll be left with the middle notes. These are also called the heart notes and make up most of the scent. They include Aromatic Rosemary, Sichuan pepper, and Rosewood. Rosemary has a green scent that’s recognizable. Sichuan Pepper has a peppery smell with a touch of citrus. And Rosewood has a pleasant floral woody scent that envelopes the user in a pleasant aura.

After the heart notes dry down, you’ll notice the base notes kicking in. These include American Musk Wood, Oakmoss, and Incense. All of these are woody plus earthy scents, with incense being almost therapeutic.

This is a day scent, ideal for when you have to go out to work or attend ceremonies. It’s not recommended for use at night. Furthermore, it’s a summer scent, not ideal for use in winter or fall.

Heeley Sel Marin Hee EDP Vapo:

When you use the Heeley Sel Marin, salty seawater and the smell of citrus fruits will grace your senses.

Heeley Sel Marin is an Aromatic Aquatic fragrance designed for men and women. It features citrusy overtones and strong green notes paired with a marine aroma. This scent is ideal for people who want to bring memories of the ocean and the beach with them. It smells incredibly aquatic and creates the sensation of fresh cool water.

The perfume comes in a generous 100-ml bottle that’s cylindrical with a jet-black cap. The bottle is transparent, and the fragrance inside is also see-through. The front of the bottle has the words “Sel Marin” and “HEELEY” written on it in a fancy font. And a logo of an anchor with a chain is printed on the front.

As for the scent, it’s an aromatic and marine scent with a hint of citrus and salt. The first notes you’ll notice are the top notes, which fade away after some time. These include Lemon, Green Notes, and Bergamot. Bergamot and Lemon are citrusy scents, with Bergamot being ever so slightly fruity. The Green Notes help ground the fragrance by adding a layer of herbal scents to the perfume.

Next, as these fragrances fade out, you’ll notice the middle notes. These stay on you for the longest and are the perfume's heart. They include Sea Water, Seagrass, Moss, and Salt. Sea Water and Seagrass impart a deep marine aroma to the scent. Seagrass, in particular, also has a slight herbaceous scent that’s downright pleasant and makes us think about some of the best ck perfumes.

Apart from that, moss and salt are also clever additions. Moss has a woody, herbal scent, while salt makes it seem like you’re in the salty seawater.

Following that, the base notes will take over once the middle notes die out. They include Cedar, Leather, and Musk. Cedar makes it smell like driftwood or a forest by the sea. And Leather has that familiar new car or new jacket smell. Musk is a strong sensational fragrance that smells sweet and aromatic.

Davidoff Cool Water Eau De Toilette Spray:

Enchant everyone around you with the revitalizing smell of freshwater with the Davidoff Cool Water for men.

The Davidoff Cool Water is a classic scent derived from tobacco, rosemary, and Amber Wood. This is the male version of the scent, and it’s the best perfume that smells like the ocean. It has an Aromatic Fresh fragrance. It’s designed to smell like the ocean, bringing the freedom and independence of being in the water.

You’ll notice how refreshing the perfume bottle looks as you open the package. It has a deep blue color, representing the depths of the ocean. And the bottle cap is black. The reflectiveness of the bottle, paired with the refreshing blue color, gives off the sensation of ocean water.

But there’s a lot more to it than the looks. This scent has strong fresh, and aquatic notes. The first notes that you’ll notice are the top notes. These don't last for long but have an everlasting impact on the user. They include Peppermint and Lavender.

The combination of peppery with sweet and floral is an ingenious idea. The contrast helps create a dynamic scent that’s neither too spicy nor too floral.

As the top notes begin to fade, the heart notes will kick in. To help with the aquatic scent, the heart notes are woody and green. They include Sandalwood, Oakmoss, and Geranium.

Sandalwood is a spicy, woody scent that has some therapeutic properties. Oakmoss has a woodsy, earthy scent that will remind you of the ocean. And Geranium has a floral scent that’s soft and delicate. Together, these three create a welcoming fragrance that mimics the heart of the sea. The heart notes stay on you for the longest and make up the bulk of the perfume.

Once the heart notes have died down, you’ll notice the base notes. They are slightly warmer and include Amber and Musk. Both of these are sweet scents, with Amber being earthy and woody. They ground the fragrance and bring the perfume to a mesmerizing conclusion.

Nautica Blue Eau De Toilette Spray

The Nautica Blue is a sensational and refreshing scent with main accords of fruity and aquatic.

It’s an energetic fragrance made for the man who loves to be up and about. So if you’re the kind of man who loves to be free and endorses the outdoors, then this fragrance is for you.

It’s a highly refined scent that comes inside a charming perfume bottle. The bottle has an asymmetrical shape, with the nozzle leaning toward one side. The bottle is made of glass with a light blue tint, similar to that found in ocean water.

The Nautica Blue is an aromatic aquatic scent with fruity and citrus overtones. It features top notes of Pineapple, Peach, and Bergamot. All of these are fruity scents with distinctive fragrances. But Bergamot and Pineapple add a layer of citrus to the fragrance. These top notes are quite lively and will remind you of refreshing aquatic fruits.

But the top notes won't stay on for long. They fade away after some time and are quickly overtaken by the heart notes. These are the notes that stay on you for most of the time that the perfume is in effect. And they include Water Lily and Jasmine.

Both of these scents are floral, with Water Lily being reminiscent of marine life. The scent is very aquatic and reminds you of lakes and ponds where tropical flowers can be found.

Once the heart notes die out, you’ll notice the base notes. These notes are highly woodsy and aromatic. They include Sandalwood, Cedar, and Musk. Sandalwood has a slightly spicy woody nature that also has some health benefits. Cedar is a purely woodsy scent that reminds you of driftwood or forests. Finally, musk is an aromatic scent that takes over your senses and smells pleasant.

When these scents are put together, you get a powerful marine fragrance that resembles the ocean. It’s an Eau de Toilette spray, meaning it only lasts a maximum of 3-4 hours. It’s a day scent and is ideal for summer and spring use. Check our comparison article nautica blue vs voyage if you want to know more about this bottle.

Ocean Scents That Will Remind You of the Beach

Picking out the perfect fragrance that smells like the ocean is no joke. It’s a tough call. And more often than not, you’ll end up making the wrong decision. 

It’s crucial to find the right scent that suits your style. Luckily, I picked out the top 12 best perfumes that smell like the ocean.

So waste no more time and find the right perfume that smells like the ocean for yourself today! Have a look at our other blog post about the top creed perfumes for her and some amazing Louis vuitton colognes.

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