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Best Beachy Binge Watching

It's cold outside, and although beach season is just a couple more months away, the ocean lovers among us are starting to go a little stir-crazy. Why not bridge the gap between winter and spring by binge watching some beautiful, educational, ocean documentaries on Netflix? We rounded up a few of our favorites (as well as the ideal snacks to pair!) for an afternoon of relaxing blue planet bliss. Be sure to call out any of your favorites in the comments and let us know how you're spending the last few chilly months out of the year before it's back to the beach and back in the water!

End of the Line
Note: This is a very serious documentary about the dangers of industrial fishing. It contains some disturbing images and information. Pair with wine--a lot of it. `

Released in 2009, this documentary was the first to expose, highlight, and share the impacts as well as the consequences of industrial fishing. This film has been eye-opening, specifically about a topic that deeply affects everyone but isn't widely discussed. End of the Line expertly blends moving, emotionally touching visuals with scientific data, compelling research and evidence. While it could easily feel dry, it's immediately engaging. The filmmakers intentionally set out to build a strong foundation of information, helping teach the risks of unregulated fishing--not just on the ocean's ecosystem, but across our entire planet. Featuring evidence and data from biologists, End of the Line hypothesizes that our global fishing stock will be depleted as early as 2048, unless we change the process. Not only does it share the results of over-fishing, but it gets into the legal loopholes of industrial fishing. Disturbing, shocking, but ultimately hopeful, this film is deeply rousing for nature lovers and casual viewers alike.

Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin
Note: This series covers everything from coastal parks to unique sea life. Pair with Chex Mix and gummy worms, to get a taste of everything.

This Emmy-Award winning show consists of 30-minute episodes with a conservationist lean. Beautifully filmed with humor, passion, and insight, it's not only educational about aquatic life, but about coastal ecosystems and the people working to protect them. Each episode features a look at a couple of ocean species, as well as a deeper dive into ocean-adjacent creatures, such as iguanas, crabs, birds, fresh water fish, and seals, sea lions, and walrus. With Jeff Corwin's authentic passion, wealth of knowledge, and charm, you'll be done with each season before you know it.

Blue Planet: The Natural History of Oceans
Note: This soothing British documentary needs a refined, yet comforting snack--we like tea with jam and toast, or maybe some Earl Grey ice cream and shortbread.

The BBC has a reputation for producing high-quality entertainment, specifically documentaries, and this award-winning eight-part series is no exception. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Blue Planet: The Natural History of Oceans is an epic, sprawling dive into the deepest trenches, the brightest reefs, and the most stunning beaches in the world. This series is grounded in passion for the ocean as well as conservation, but doesn't cut any corners on artistic production. With a stunning score, breathtaking cinematography, and exquisite narration, it's no surprise this series won so many awards. Although the series was filmed over several years, it never feels dated or thin--instead it weaves a rich, complex story that's approachable for all viewers, from curious youngsters to burgeoning marine biologists. Be sure to turn all the lights down and curl up with a blanket to fully immerse yourself in the advanced filming techniques and never-before-seen oceanic footage.

Turtle: The Incredible Journey
Note: This documentary follows a proud mama turtle on a mission. Pair with your great-great grandma's chocolate chip cookies to connect to your own heritage.

Watch as a female loggerhead turtle forges her path through life, survival, and motherhood. This heartwarming film tracks a sweet turtle on the same route as her ancestors: one of the most extraordinary journeys in the natural world! Beginning at a beach in Florida, she surfs the Gulf Stream, playing in the warm waters all the way up north. She chills i n the North Atlantic, makes her way to Africa, and ultimately back to the beach where she was born. But not everything is as easy as catching a warm swell for this lovely loggerhead--sadly, only ten thousand of the two million turtles that are hatched each year actually survive, but only one in ten thousand will make it back to lay their eggs. Will she make it? Or will she be another victim to mother nature?

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