2025 Beach Essentials for Ocean Lovers: Sun-Safe, Eco-Friendly & Salty AF

You just finished your morning dives, rinsed your gear, and now you’re heading back to the beach for an afternoon of sunshine, snacks, and maybe a casual snorkel or two.

Whether you’re on a surface interval, staying dry before your next trip, or just soaking up the sun Baja-style, these are my go-to beach essentials for ocean lovers who care about their skin and the sea.

From reef-safe shimmer sunscreen to marine-animal-print rash guards and eco-friendly totes big enough for your fins, these products are sun-protective, planet-conscious, and cute as hell. I use every single one myself — and if you live in or around the ocean, I think you’ll love them too.

🕶️ Sojos Polarized Sunglasses – Ocean Collection

🌊 I'm genuinely obsessed with these and wear them everywhere — from boat days to beach naps.    Use code ANGELASEA for 10% off at checkout!

I’m seriously in love with the Ocean Collection from Sojos. These polarized sunglasses were designed with coastal vibes in mind — cool sea-toned frames, sleek shapes, and lenses that actually protect your eyes out on the water. Whether I’m spotting dolphins from the bow or chilling after a dive, these are my ride-or-die shades.

But here’s what makes them even better: this is a sustainable eyewear line crafted from recycled plastic and discarded fishing nets. Beyond using eco-friendly materials, SOJOS is partnering with Ocean Conservancy, contributing donations to support marine protection initiatives. Through this collection, they’re raising awareness about ocean conservation and inspiring the community to take action.

Why you’ll love them:

• Polarized + full UV protection
• Ocean-inspired styles that fit the salty vibe
• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• Made from recycled ocean plastics and fishing nets
• Supports Ocean Conservancy with every purchase

🌊 Salinity Swimwear Cropped Rash Guard

Sun protection that actually looks good — and works. 

If you’re spending any real time near the water, UPF clothing is a game-changer. It saves your skin, saves you from greasy reapplications, and it’s better for the reefs, too. I swear by UPF 50+ swimwear as one of the easiest, eco-friendliest ways to stay protected.

At Salinity Swimwear, we take it to the next level with cropped sun shirts that are cute and functional. They’re soft, breathable, quick-drying, and come in patterns inspired by the ocean — from spotted eagle rays to mermaid scales. Whether you're snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just hanging out between dives, these rash guards are a must.

Why you’ll love it:

• Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection
• Designed for water sports + salty lounging
• Vibrant, ocean-inspired prints
• Soft, stretchy fabric that moves with you
• Sizes XXS–6XL to fit every body

🧜♀️ Made for mermaids, divers, and sun lovers who want to stay protected from a long day in the sun.

💋 EOS SPF Lip Balm

Because crispy lips are not the move and so often forgotten to protect.

It is so easy to forget about your lips — but they burn too, especially during long beach days and surface intervals. The EOS SPF 15 Lip Balm is like a sun-protected cocktail for your lips: hydrating, tropical, and totally beach-day worthy. The pineapple coconut flavor smells like vacation, and it goes on smooth without feeling sticky.

Why you’ll love it:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 15
• No white residue or weird taste
• Long-lasting moisture even after a swim
• Easy to toss in a dry bag or fin pocket

👒 Straw Lifeguard Hat

Shade that screams salty style.

The perfect blend of FUNctional design and serious sun protection, Hemlock’s OG Lifeguard Hat features a tall cattleman crown, wide 4.5” brim, and certified UPF 50+ under-brim liner to shield your face, ears, and neck. Lightweight and breathable, it’s built for those who live life under the brim™.

Each hat comes with a uniquely printed under-brim design that adds a splash of color and personality to your sun protection — and yes, they even make kid-sized versions so the whole crew can match.

Why you’ll love it:

• Serious sun protection with a 4.5” brim and UPF 50+ liner
• Lightweight and breathable for beach days
• Unique under-brim prints with major ocean vibes
• Available in adult and kid sizing

✨ Merface Reef-Safe Sparkle Zinc Sunscreen

Glitter meets reef-safe SPF — yes please. 

This is not your basic sunscreen. Merface is a reef-safe, zinc-based SPF 50+ that adds a soft shimmer to your skin. I use it just on my face — it’s perfect for sensitive areas that need extra protection. Unlike other zinc sunscreens that leave you looking like you forgot to rub it in, this one is tinted bronze, silver, or gold, so you get glow and coverage.

It’s water-resistant, doesn’t sting your eyes, and actually works — even on long beach days.

Personally, I like using something strong like this on my face and sensitive areas, then layering a general reef-safe sunscreen for my body. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our full reef-safe sunscreen guide — it breaks down what to look for and why it matters.

Why you’ll love it:

• Non-nano zinc with SPF 50+
• Reef-safe + cruelty-free
• Subtle glitter finish that photographs so well
• Works as a highlighter + sunblock

✨ Sunscreen that protects you and the ocean.

⛱️ ISLA Recycled Beach Umbrella

Shade that’s sustainable and stunning.

If you’ve ever struggled with a cheap umbrella that flips inside out, you need one of these. ISLA Label’s umbrellas are made from recycled plastic bottles, FSC-certified wood, and come in the dreamiest prints. They’re super lightweight and give full UPF 50+ shade — which makes them perfect for long beach hangs, sandy picnics, or dive basecamp days.

Why you’ll love it:

• Canopy made from 100% recycled plastic
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Easy to carry + quick to set up
• Gorgeous boho prints with fringe detailing

🌎 Look good, do good — shade responsibly.

🌿 Ocean-Inspired Beach Tote 

A roomy tote that carries all your salty essentials — with sea creature style.

This bag is a favorite for a reason. The Sand Cloud Beach Tote is lightweight, durable, and spacious enough to hold your towel, mask, snorkel, snacks, and whatever else you drag to the beach. Made from recycled materials and built to last, it's perfect for divers and ocean explorers who need function and personality.

What really seals the deal? Sand Cloud offers gorgeous marine animal prints, including sea turtles, whale sharks, and coral reef designs that make it clear where your heart lies — underwater. And as a bonus, every purchase helps support marine conservation efforts.

Why you’ll love it:

• Big enough for dive or snorkel gear
• Made from recycled materials
• Interior pockets + soft, sturdy construction
• Designs feature whale sharks, turtles, and other ocean icons
• Sand Cloud donates to marine conservation nonprofits

🌊 Bring your ocean love to the surface — and the shore.

🏖️ Sand Cloud Ocean-Inspired Beach Towel

Soft, oversized, and salty in all the right ways.

Sand Cloud continues to impress with their limited-edition line of ocean-inspired beach towels, and they are 🔥. With designs that channel coral reefs, waves, jellyfish, and seafoam tones, these towels are a perfect blend of art and function.

Beyond their beachy aesthetic, Sand Cloud is committed to protecting our oceans. Their towels are made from 100% organic Turkish cotton, and every purchase helps fund marine conservation initiatives. They’re a proud member of 1% for the Planet and actively support nonprofits working to protect sea life and ecosystems.

They’re oversized (hello, actual comfort), soft enough to nap on, and quick-drying — ideal for post-dive chills or laying out between salty swims. I personally love how each design feels like a little visual love letter to the sea.

Why you’ll love it:

• Made with 100% organic Turkish cotton
• Part of Sand Cloud’s limited ocean-themed towel collection
• XL towel = full-body lounging or beach layering
• Quick-drying and super absorbent
• Bold, artistic prints that stand out on the sand
• Member of 1% for the Planet + supports marine nonprofits

💧 Ocean Bottle – Resuable Waterbottle

Stay cool, hydrated, and plastic-free.

Every beach day should come with good hydration, and Ocean Bottle nails it. These sleek, double-wall insulated bottles keep your water cold all day and help fight plastic pollution at the same time. Each purchase funds the collection of 1,000 plastic bottles’ worth of ocean-bound waste, and the bottles themselves are made from recycled stainless steel and BPA-free materials.

The ocean-inspired colors are perfect for salty souls, and they’re tough enough to survive any adventure — from freediving trips to sandy siestas.

Why you’ll love it:

• Keeps drinks cold or hot for hours
• Made from recycled materials
• Each bottle funds plastic collection in coastal communities
• Leak-proof, dishwasher safe, and built to last

🌍 Sip with purpose and cut down on single-use plastics.

Your Salty Summer Starter Pack

There’s a lot of beach gear out there — but if you’re someone who lives for the ocean, you need products that are actually built for it. These are my tried-and-true essentials for summer 2025: salty, sun-safe, and selected for scuba girls, mermaids, and ocean lovers who don’t sit still.

Whether you're spending a no-dive afternoon on the sand, kicking back during your surface interval, or just soaking up that post-ocean glow, this gear will keep your skin protected, your vibe strong, and your conscience clean.

💬 Got a favorite ocean-approved product I need to try? Let me know in the comments — I’m always down to add another salty staple to my lineup.

📚 P.S. Looking for your next beach read? Check out this ocean-themed reading list packed with recs for divers, ocean nerds, and salty souls.