Growing up in a small coastal town in Maine, I always looked forward to summer when the locals would share their favorite jokes at the annual lobster festival. It was a delightful blend of good food and laughter, where everyone from fishermen to tourists joined in on the fun. I remember one year, my uncle told a joke about a crab that sent the whole crowd into fits of laughter, and from then on, I realized humor is just as important as the fresh catch of the day. Here are some coastal-themed jokes that will surely tickle your funny bone!
1. Why don’t crabs give to charity?
They’re shellfish!
2. What did one tidepool say to the other?
Show me your true colors!
3. How do you organize a space party?
You planet at the beach!
4. Why did the fisherman get kicked out of the restaurant?
He kept making fishy orders!
5. What do you call a fish who practices medicine?
A sturgeon!
6. Why did the beach towel get kicked off the volleyball court?
It couldn’t handle the pressure!
7. What do you call a seagull that flies over the bay?
A bagel!
8. Why did the ocean break up with the pond?
It found someone deeper!
9. What did the fish say when it hit the wall?
Dam!
10. How do you throw a party in the ocean?
You wave it in!
11. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?
R, but it’s really the sea that he loves!
12. What did the lobster say to the crab?
Don’t get too shellfish!
13. How does the ocean say goodbye?
It waves!
14. Why was the beach always calm?
It had a lot of tide and no stress!
15. What happens to a fish that’s good at math?
It multiplies!
16. Why was the sand wet?
Because the sea weed!
17. How do sharks like their sandwiches?
With teeth on the side!
18. What do you call a fish who can play the piano?
A tuna fish!
19. Why do fish always know how much they weigh?
Because they have their own scales!
20. How do you know if a lobster is a good musician?
It’s always in tune!
Lobster Laughs
1. What did the lobster say to the chef?
I’m just here for the shell-ebration!
2. How did the lobster get his degree?
He clawed his way through school!
3. Why do lobsters never share?
Because they’re afraid to get shelled!
4. What do you call a lobster who tells jokes?
A crab comedian!
5. Why did the lobster blush?
Because it saw the ocean’s bottom!
6. How do lobsters communicate?
They use shell phones!
7. Why don’t lobsters ever get lost?
Because they always follow the tide!
8. What’s a lobster’s favorite type of music?
Shell-lectronic beats!
9. Why did the lobster sit on the beach?
He wanted to catch some rays!
10. What do lobsters wear to the beach?
Their best shell-abration outfits!
11. Why did the lobster go to the party?
To dance the night away on the sea floor!
12. What do you call a lobster who’s a good friend?
A real shell-mate!
13. Why did the lobster break up with the shrimp?
It found someone a little more shellfish!
14. How do lobsters like their eggs?
With a little bit of shell and a side of sea salt!
15. Why are lobsters great at tennis?
Because they always serve well!
16. What did the lobster say during the race?
I’ll shell you who’s boss!
17. Why did the chef love cooking lobsters?
Because they always bring a little extra flavor!
18. What do you call a rowdy lobster?
A clam uppity one!
19. How do you know when a lobster is lying?
When it’s on the hook!
20. What do you call a lobster who loves to play cards?
A deck of claws!
Beachy Wordplay
1. Why did the beach bring a ladder?
To reach new heights of fun!
2. What do you call a sunburned octopus?
An “ink-credible” tan!
3. Why are seagulls so good at flying?
They always wing it!
4. How do you keep a beach towel warm?
You fold it in a sunny spot!
5. Why did the sand apply for a job?
It wanted to make a little extra grain!
6. What do you call a surfer who’s lost his board?
A beach bum!
7. How does a clam show its love?
It gives a “pear-l” of its heart!
8. Why do beaches never get lost?
They always follow the coast!
9. What did the sand say to the tide?
You really know how to roll in!
10. Why was the beach so good at poker?
Because it knew all the waves!
11. How do fish respond to compliments?
They just say, “I’m hooked!”
12. Why did the beach get bad grades?
It was always getting washed away with distractions!
13. What did the ocean put on its resume?
Tons of “wave” experience!
14. Why did the shovel and the sand bucket get along?
They were a perfect match for digging up fun!
15. How do you organize a beach party?
You just “sand” out the invites!
16. Why did the lifeguard break up with their partner?
They just couldn’t handle the relationship’s waves!
17. What do you call an allergic reaction at the beach?
A tide-atch!
18. How do you catch a fish with a camera?
You snap a photo of its fin!
19. What did the ocean say to the beach?
Nothing, it just waved!
20. Why did the crab sit in the ocean?
Because it needed some “sea-rious” time to relax!
Nautical Nonsense
1. Why did the sailor break up with the ocean?
It couldn’t stop waving at other boats!
2. What do you call a boat that never stops talking?
A chatter-skipper!
3. Why did the pirate go to school?
To improve his “arrrticulation”!
4. How do you know if a captain is good at his job?
He has plenty of “sea-crets”!
5. What did the ocean say to the sailboat?
It’s time to “catch some wind” together!
6. Why did the octopus cross the road?
To get to the other tide!
7. What did the fisherman say to the fish that just got away?
You really hooked me there!
8. How do you throw a good nautical party?
You just need a little “buoy”-ancy!
9. Why did the mermaid start a gardening club?
Because she wanted to think outside the “sea”!
10. What did the anchor say to the ship?
“I’m here to keep you grounded!”
11. Why don’t boats ever get lost?
They always follow their “buoy” instincts!
12. What do you call a ship that tells tall tales?
A fanciful cargo!
13. How does a sailor know when he’s in love?
When he feels a “deep-sea” connection!
14. Why did the lighthouse refuse to play cards?
Because it was afraid of getting “flashed”!
15. What’s a pirate’s favorite type of exercise?
“Arrrrrobics”!
16. Why are dolphins so happy?
Because they’re always swimming in “good waters”!
17. What do you get when you cross a fish with an elephant?
Swimming trunks that never forget!
18. How do sailors send secret messages?
Through “ocean” codes!
19. Why are seafarers such great musicians?
They know how to navigate the “keys” of the ocean!
20. What did the whale say to the dolphin?
“Stop clowning around!”
Maritime Mishaps
1. Why was the boat always so clean?
It had a strong hull-iday spirit!
2. What do you call a ship that always plays hide and seek?
A “sneak”-er ship!
3. Why did the sailor start a bakery?
He wanted to make some dough on the side!
4. What did the crab say when he lost his job?
“I guess it’s time to claw back to work!”
5. How do you identify a friendly ocean?
It always gives you a warm welcome wave!
6. What does a sailor use to read the weather?
A sea-sonal forecast!
7. Why do fish make terrible secret agents?
Because they always get caught in the net!
8. How did the ship greet the captain?
It said, “Ahoy there, matey!”
9. Why was the fisherman always calm?
Because he knew how to reel in his thoughts!
10. What did the captain order at the seafood restaurant?
A “catch of the day” accompanied by shipmate fries!
11. Why did the buoy become a musician?
He had great buoy-ancy and could really float the notes!
12. What happens when a ship gets a flat tire?
It runs into a little “buoy-cycling” problem!
13. Why don’t waves ever run for office?
They can’t handle the pressure of the election tide!
14. What do you call a seagull that flies over the bay?
A bagel, but a good one at that!
15. How do whales keep in touch?
They use their “blubber” phones!
16. Why was the sailor’s report card always good?
Because he knew how to work on his “sea” grades!
17. Why don’t pirates drink tea?
Because the captain says it’s “scally-wag”!
18. What’s a fish’s favorite instrument?
The bass guitar!
19. Why did the ocean break up with the river?
It needed more “space” to “tide” over!
20. What’s a ship’s favorite board game?
“Battleship,” of course—it’s all about strategy on the high seas!
Oceanic One-liners
1. What did the ocean say to the beach ball?
Nothing, it just wanted to roll with it!
2. Why did the starfish fail its math test?
Because it couldn’t count past five!
3. What do you call a fish without eyes?
Fsh!
4. Why do jellyfish never make plans?
Because they’re always floating along!
5. How do clams communicate?
They clam up when it gets too loud!
6. What did the dolphin say to his friend?
You crack me up with your “porpoise” of humor!
7. Why do sharks never get lost?
They always follow their “fin”-stincts!
8. How does the ocean keep its secrets?
It keeps them under “sea”-d!
9. What do you call a lazy ocean?
A “shore” thing!
10. Why did the sea turtle get a promotion?
Because he had a lot of “shell”-f-discipline!
11. How do fish keep track of time?
With their “fin” watches!
12. What did the clam say to its lover?
You make my heart go “clam-b”!
13. Why do coral reefs always stay together?
Because they’re “attached” at the hip!
14. How do gills respond to compliments?
With flattery and a splash of excitement!
15. What did the barnacle say to the boat?
I’m “hooked” on you!
16. Why did the crab always use a computer?
To keep his “shell” of files organized!
17. What do you call a fish that practices medicine?
A “cardiologist” for the sea!
18. How does a fish write a letter?
With a “scaly” pen and sea-mail!
19. Why did the plankton join a band?
He wanted to make some “jelly”-ing tunes!
20. What do you get when you cross a fish with a snowman?
Frostbite!
Scenic Silliness
1. Why did the sun go to the beach?
To get a little tan and catch some rays!
2. What do you call a beach that’s always very clean?
A neat-ocean!
3. How do you make a tissue dance at the beach?
You put a little sand in it!
4. What did the ocean say to the wave?
Nothing, it just washed it away!
5. Why don’t beaches ever get lonely?
They always come with plenty of sunbathers!
6. How does snow make an appearance at the beach?
It just takes a “wave” on vacation!
7. What do you call a cool beach?
A chill-axing shore!
8. What did the sand say to the surf?
You make me want to roll in the tide!
9. Why was the beach always invited to parties?
Because it brings its own wave of fun!
10. What did the wave say to the sandcastle?
I’ll wash you away, but it was great to meet you!
11. Why was the beach always happy?
It had a lot of good vibes and sunny days!
12. How do you greet a beach at sunrise?
With a bright “shell-utation!”
13. Why did the beach become a comedian?
Because it always had everyone rolling in laughter!
14. What’s a beachgoer’s favorite instrument?
A conch trumpet!
15. What do you call a sad beach?
A shore disappointment!
16. Why didn’t the buoy get invited to the party?
Because it didn’t know how to float the conversation!
17. What do you get when a sandcastle wins a race?
A “shsand” victory!
18. How does the shore show appreciation?
It gives a standing ovation at sunset!
19. Why did the shell refuse to leave the beach?
Because it was too attached to the sand!
20. What did the ocean say to its waves during a storm?
“Stay strong, ride it out!”
Whimsical Wildlife Puns
1. What do you call a fish that loves playing hide and seek?
A “scaly” sneak!
2. Why do squirrels take vacations at the beach?
Because they want to come back with some “shell-fies”!
3. What did the clam say to the seagull?
You’re so “gull-ible”!
4. Why did the frog take a boat trip?
He wanted to catch a little “ribbit” on the waves!
5. How does a crab keep in touch with friends?
He uses “shell-ular” communication!
6. What did the duck say when he found his way to the beach?
I’m just “quacking” up over here!
7. Why are fish so smart?
Because they’re always in schools!
8. How do you know when an alligator is on vacation?
He starts wearing “scale”-y sunglasses!
9. What do you call a whale that loves to tell jokes?
A “whale” of a comedian!
10. Why did the octopus win the talent show?
Because he had “octo”-tastic skills!
11. What do you call a lazy otter?
A “couch-otter”!
12. Why did the sea turtle break up with its partner?
They just didn’t have enough “turt-le” time together!
13. How do dolphins celebrate a great catch?
They throw a real splash party!
14. What do you get when you cross a crab with a pirate?
A crustacean that’s tough to crack!
15. Why are starfish such great friends?
Because they really know how to “cling” to each other!
16. Why did the pelican get a promotion?
Because it was always “flying” high in its career!
17. What’s a seal’s favorite type of music?
Anything with a good “seal-icious” beat!
18. How do you make a fish laugh?
You give it a “fin-tastic” joke!
19. What do you call a penguin that loves to surf?
A “cool” wave-rider!
20. Why do dolphins never get lost?
Because they always find their way “back to the ocean”!
Harbor Hilarity
1. Why did the fisherman bring a ladder to the harbor?
Because he wanted to scale up his catch!
2. What do you call a harbor seal that’s great at telling stories?
A “tail”-gating seal!
3. Why did the boat break up with the harbor?
It felt it was just too “moored” down!
4. What did one harbor wall say to the other?
I’ll always support you!
5. Why did the sailor constantly bring a broom to the harbor?
To sweep the competition away!
6. How did the dock stay so organized?
It had a lot of “buoy-ancy”!
7. What did the fisherman say about his favorite harbor?
It’s the “catch” of the day!
8. Why was the mooring line so relaxed?
Because it always knew how to unwind!
9. What do you call a funny boat?
A “pun”-derful little vessel!
10. How does a dock greet a ship?
With a “wave” and a nod!
11. Why did the harbor get heated?
Because things were really starting to “boil over”!
12. What song do boats love to dance to at the harbor?
“Dock and Roll”!
13. Why do marinas always look good?
They have great “rafts” and ties!
14. How do you make a harbor laugh?
Just give it a little “tide” of humor!
15. What did the boat say after a successful docking?
I’m ready to take a “bow”!
16. Why did the fishing boat always tell jokes?
It loved to reel in laughter!
17. How does a harbor worker stay cool in the summer?
They always “buoy” their spirits!
18. Why did the captain enjoy storytelling at the harbor?
He loved to make waves with his words!
19. What did the sailor say about his favorite time at the harbor?
“It’s simply the best time to anchor down!”
20. How do you know if a harbor is good at keeping secrets?
It always keeps things “under dock”!
Surfing Sayings
1. What do surfers do before a big wave?
They “board” the idea!
2. Why did the surfer bring string to the beach?
He wanted to tie some loose ends on the waves!
3. How do surfers stay calm during a storm?
They just ride it out!
4. What did the ocean say to the surfer?
You seem to have a “curl” of confidence!
5. What do you call a surfing competition at night?
A “moon-surfing” event!
6. Why did the surfboard go to therapy?
It had some deep-rooted “issues”!
7. How do surfers communicate?
They use “wave”-length transmissions!
8. Why did the surfer start a band?
He wanted to make “wave”-tastic tunes!
9. What do you call a surf competition for old folks?
A “Senior Surf-off”!
10. Why are surfers so good at telling stories?
They really know how to ride the wave of suspense!
11. How did the surfer impress his date?
He showed her how to “catch the feeling”!
12. Why did the surfer get kicked out of the library?
He kept asking for books on “wave” riding!
13. How does a surfer order breakfast?
With a side of “sunny-side up” waves!
14. What do surfers say to cheer each other on?
“Let’s make some splash-tastic moves!”
15. Why do waves never get lost?
They always find their way back to shore!
16. How do surfers celebrate after a good day?
They throw a “wave”-tastic party!
17. What did the wave say to the surfer when he fell?
“Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!”
18. Why are surfboards so positive?
Because they always keep their spirits up!
19. How do surfers stay warm in winter?
They use a lot of “board”-ing!
20. What’s a surfer’s favorite exercise?
Surfing the internet for the latest wave forecasts!