Last Updated: July 27, 2023 by TRUiC Team

OCEAN BUSINESS IDEAS

Water is all around us, it's no suprise that consumers and entreprenuers flock to Ocean Business Ideas. With everything from bottled water, to water parks, there are endless possibilities when it comes to water based businesses. We've made finding that idea easier than ever, read our guide to find your perfect ocean based business.

trash collectors collecting trash in the ocean

BEST OCEAN BUSINESS IDEAS

We've put together a list of our favorite Ocean Based Business Ideas and evaluated each based on startup costs, required skill level, and earning potential to help you find the perfect consulting business idea for you.

1. Water Delivery Business

Bottled water delivery businesses offer fresh, delicious options for hydration. Whether for residential or commercial use, water is a vital part of good health and will be a bonus for family and employees.

Learn how to start a water delivery business.

2. WATER REFILLING

A water refilling business produces safe, drinkable water for consumers. Normally, a water refilling business’s water is cheaper than retailed bottled water. Buyers can purchase pre-filled two-to-five-gallon water bottles or bring their own jugs.

Typically, a water refilling business has a refilling “station” which uses a kiosk to distribute water. Other water refilling businesses, meanwhile, provide water refilling stations for public spaces like museums, parks and schools.

Learn how to .

3. CRUISE LINE

A cruise line has one or several large boats designed to accommodate numerous fun-seeking individuals. This business is centered on providing guests with a good time. Cruise liners are a place for relaxation, socialization, and romance. Cruises are in-demand as they provide people with a fun and relaxing means of vacationing. Cruise lines offer all sorts of social activities on and off the ship. This business is a fantastic way to bring people closer to one another, bolster social ties, and provide people with a sense of belonging.

This is the ideal business or someone who is looking for a way to bring people together for a fun, rewarding and memorable experience. If you are a hospitable individual and enjoy providing people with a good time, you should consider starting a cruise line business. Furthermore, if you enjoy life on the water, good food and entertainment, a cruise ship business is worth considering.

Learn how to start a cruise line.

4. BOTTLED WATER

Bottled water businesses deal in the bottling and distributing of drinking water to consumers. Whether purified, distilled, or natural spring water, your bottled water business will supply your customers with ample hydration.

Taking the steps to start your own bottled water business can be a satisfying experience that allows you to make money while also helping your customers achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Learn how to start a bottled water business.

5. SEA SALT BUSINESS

Anyone who is self-motivated, likes working with their hands, and has access to seawater may consider starting a sea salt business. Owners will need some level of expertise to recognize the best locations, seasons, and times to source the salt. This requires at least basic knowledge of tides, currents, and sea levels.

Once you’ve pinpointed the best source for your sea salt, the startup costs for your business are very low. You can get started with a few buckets and jars, a food processor, and a means of evaporating the sea water you collect. The low costs, virtually unlimited supply of free raw materials, and high markup potential mean a sea salt business can be extremely profitable.

Learn how to start a sea salt business.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services
And, use our free tools to help start your business:

Use our Business Name Generator for help brainstorming your new venture’s name

Learn how to form an LLC, one of the best business structures for ocean businesses

Use our free business plan generator to start planning your business today

Get your unique logo with our free Logo Maker and start branding your business

After finding your perfect idea learn how to start a busines

6. SURFING SCHOOL

If you are an avid surfer looking for a business venture that won’t interfere with your hobby, you may consider opening a surfing school. Beyond being a skilled surfer, you should be adept at teaching your craft to others and familiar with all necessary safety considerations when working with people in the water. While not required, you may also consider getting certified through the International Surf Association.

Startup costs can be kept low, especially if you conduct your courses at a public beach. With low startup and overhead costs, the bulk of the money you bring in will be profit. Your overall earning potential will depend entirely on how many clients you’re able to teach each week and what you charge per class. While most surfing schools will remain fairly small, there is always the potential to expand by bringing on additional instructors.

Learn how to start a surfing school.

7. MARINA

Boat owners need a place to keep their boats, both during the boating season and the off-season. While some boats can be kept on a trailer and launched, other vessels cannot -- and even boaters who have trailerable vessels often don’t want to have to launch and take out their boat every time they go out on the water.

A marina business offers boaters a place to keep their boats, docking or mooring them in the water during the boating season, and storing them on land for the rest of the year.

Learn how to start a marina.

Learn more about starting a business by visting the U.S. Small Business Administration.

8. WATERPARK

Frequented by families of all kinds in the summer season, waterparks are a great business for entrepreneurs who want to give customers a fun time. Entrepreneurs with previous small business ownership or management would be best suited for this business venture. Innovators who enjoy a fast-paced atmosphere and are dedicated to reinvesting a portion of their profits can turn a small waterpark into a million dollar enterprise in a matter of years.

This industry has realized significant growth over the last decade and is expected to continue at approximately 3.5% annually. Research indicates that over 375 million guests visit these establishments in the United States each year. With a meticulous operational strategy in place, your park can earn a piece of this multi-billion dollar industry’s profits.

Learn how to start a waterpark.

9. SWIM SCHOOL

Swim schools can vary in size and scope, from a casual business that you run from the pool in your backyard to a large-scale operation with multiple classes occurring simultaneously in different indoor or outdoor pools. No matter the scale of your business idea, it is best to have a passion for the sport if you want to start a school of your own. All swim instructors will also need proper training and certification to conduct lessons.

Most swim school owners opt to rent out pool space at a health club or municipal pool. Because you will not need to own or maintain your own facility, the startup and overhead costs for this business are fairly low. As a result, swim schools enjoy a high profit margin of 20% to 30%. While most swim school businesses remain small, there is always the opportunity to expand your business locally or regionally.

Learn how to start a swim school business.

10. CANOE & KAYAK RENTAL BUSINESS

Many people enjoy being on the water, but they either do not own a boat or want to go boating where they can't bring theirs. A canoe and kayak rental business lets people rent canoes and kayaks to take out on nearby waterways. Customers can take canoes out for as little as an hour or as long as a day or more.

Anyone who enjoys canoeing and kayaking may be well-suited to open a canoe and kayak rental business. Business owners also must be strong enough to move canoes and kayaks onshore.

Learn how to start a canoe & kayak rental business.

11. PROFESSIONAL MERMAID

Woman dressed in a mermaid costume diving in a reef

Professional mermaids have grown in popularity in recent years. This quirky business idea may be a good fit for a strong swimmer who enjoys acting and interacting with people.

While high-end costumes can be expensive, startup costs can be kept quite low for this business since it can easily be run by booking clients entirely online. As a highly specialized business, professional mermaids can charge a high hourly rate. With regular bookings, this can be a quite lucrative business, bringing in $1,500 or more per week.

Learn how to start a professional mermaid business.

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