Best Marine Biology Books of 2025

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery is a unique and fascinating exploration of the emotional and physical world of octopuses. Montgomery's immersion journalism takes readers on a journey to meet different personalities of octopuses, revealing their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and color-changing techniques. The book is a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, making it a must-read for anyone interested in marine biology and animal intelligence. The Soul of an Octopus is a touching, informative, and entertaining love story that teaches us about the meeting of two very different minds.

Oceanology: The Secrets of the Sea Revealed is an excellent introduction to marine life and ocean environment. Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution, the book explores every corner of the oceans, from coral reefs and mangrove swamps to deep ocean trenches. The book is filled with astounding photography that reveals an abundance of life, from microscopic plankton to great whales, seaweed to starfish. The book also examines the physical forces and processes that shape the oceans. Overall, Oceanology is a beautifully designed and informative book that is a must-read for anyone interested in marine biology or oceanography.

How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler is a remarkable debut collection of ten essays that explores the wonders of marine biology. The author profiles various sea creatures, including the mother octopus, Chinese sturgeon, Bobbitt worm, and common goldfish, and weaves their stories with themes of adaptation, survival, sexuality, and care. Imbler takes readers on a fascinating tour of creatures from the surface to the deepest ocean floor, inviting us to envision wilder, grander, and more abundant possibilities for the way we live. This book is a miraculous, transcendental read that attunes us to new visions of our world and its miracles.

Metazoa: Animal Minds and the Birth of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith is an exploration of the origins of animal consciousness. The author takes readers on a journey through evolutionary history, highlighting the ways that the development of animal bodies has shaped their minds. From sea creatures like sponges and corals to land animals like insects, birds, and primates, Godfrey-Smith weaves together vivid animal encounters with philosophy and biology to address the philosophical question of the origin of consciousness. This book is a fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in natural history and the evolution of the mind.

The Killer Whale Journals is an enthralling book that explores humans' complicated relationship with the biggest predators on earth. Author Hanne Strager takes readers on a journey through her personal experiences with orcas in the wild, tracing the complicated relationship between humans and killer whales, and delving into their behavior, biology, and ecology. The book features astonishing photographs from famed nature photographer and conservationist Paul Nicklen, revealing rare and intimate moments of connection with these fierce, brilliant predators. Overall, The Killer Whale Journals is a must-read for anyone interested in the biology of mammals, wildlife conservation, and the complex relationships between humans and animals.

Ancient Sea Reptiles: Plesiosaurs, Ichthyosaurs, Mosasaurs, and More is a fascinating book that explores the prehistoric world of sea monsters. Paleontologist Darren Naish provides a thorough examination of the anatomy, behavior, and diversity of these creatures who once ruled the ocean for 150 million years. With beautiful illustrations and expert knowledge, Naish takes readers on a journey back in time to witness the rise of these apex predators. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the biology of dinosaurs and the Mesozoic era.

Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves is a captivating and informative book that takes readers on a journey from the ocean's surface to its darkest trenches. Author James Nestor delves into the sport of freediving and the remarkable abilities of marine life, exploring how they reflect our own hidden potential. Nestor's personal experiences as he develops his own freediving skills adds an immersive element to the book. This popular science writing at its best is a must-read for anyone interested in marine life and the mysteries of the ocean.

This book of underwater photography by Brian Skerry offers stunning insights into the lives of whales, showcasing their complex societies and cultural elements. The book features arresting images of these majestic creatures and documents their unique dialects, matrilineal societies, and organized social customs like singing contests. Skerry's work is an eye-opener and will make readers appreciate the intelligence and beauty of these creatures. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the world's largest mammals and their importance to our planet.

The Log from the Sea of Cortez, a Penguin Classic, is a rare blend of science, philosophy, and high-spirited adventure, documenting John Steinbeck and biologist Ed Ricketts' month-long marine specimen-collecting expedition in the Gulf of California. This exciting day-by-day account of their journey together features an introduction by Richard Astro, and is a testament to the friendship between Steinbeck and Ricketts. Steinbeck's narrative portion of the work was reissued in memory of his friend and the inspiration for Cannery Row's "Doc". A captivating read that showcases Steinbeck's literary talent and love for the natural world.

This book, Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast, is an informative guide for beginners who want to hunt for fossil shark teeth. It provides essential information on how to identify and find shark teeth from the coasts of North and South Carolina. The book also features a user-friendly reference section that makes it easy to identify the species commonly found in the region. Written by Ashley Oliphant, an associate professor of English with a Ph.D. in 20th-century American literature, this book is a unique addition to the Biology of Fishes & Sharks Books category. Overall, it is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to explore the world of fossil shark teeth hunting.