105+ Water Tattoo Ideas to Help You Go With the Flow

From water droplets to traditional artwork, there are so many water tattoos for you to choose from!

Water is my favorite element - it is a representation of power, cleanliness, and new beginnings. So, it is always a fun appointment for me when I get to ink water tattoos. What's more, I also get to listen to the unique associations that my clients have with such tattoo designs.

In this post, I will share the top water tattoo ideas and walk you through the significance of these designs as well!

The Best Water Tattoo Ideas

Here are the top water tattoo designs to consider for yourself:

Water Drop Tattoos

A water drop tattoo can be a great idea if you want a smaller tattoo. Even a single water drop can be indicative of an entire body of water. And, so, this kind of water tattoo can have the same meaning as a lake, river, etc. or even the human body since it is largely made up of water.

One of the coolest things about this kind of water tattoo, though, is that it can have its own special meaning as well. A single drop or few drops in a water tattoo can depict taking a closer look at something magnificent.

This type of water tattoo can be a symbol for appreciating the finer details of the bigger picture. After all, if you take a close look at a water drop, it can be just as fascinating as a large body of water.

Also, there is no denying that a water drop can be beautiful and mesmerizing. So, this kind of water tattoo can be a great way for you to truly admire the components of something exquisite.

Now, there are a few different ways to bring this kind of water tattoo to life. You can get a water tattoo of a single falling droplet or a few droplets.

You can also get a water tattoo of a droplet on a surface. This can be a spherical droplet - you can choose to add a surface in your water tattoo or not.

In case you want to get a bit creative with your water tattoo, then you can depict the water droplet in a different shape like a heart.

Want to take things one step farther with your water tattoo? Then make it look like the water droplet is on top of another image - this will make it look the image underneath is amplified in size and detail.

Last, but certainly not least, you can choose to get a water tattoo that contains a picture within a water droplet. While this is certainly a unique tattoo, keep in mind that you will need a talented tattoo artist to help you pull it off.

Water Ripple Tattoos

If you are looking for more complex water tattoo ideas, then you should consider ripple water tattoos.

Now, this is an expansion of the water droplet water tattoo. Here, you show a water droplet falling into a watery surface. As it does so, ripples form.

There are a few different kinds of such water tattoos so there are a variety of design options for you to choose from.

If you want to keep your water tattoo fairly minimal, then you can simply use a water drop and concentric circles to depict the ripple. Otherwise, you can choose to go with detailed, rippling blue water tattoos.

Of course, it isn't just about realism with these water tattoos. As with most interesting tattoos, you are free to take some creative license here.

This means that you can make it look like the water is falling from something else - lips, plants, etc. Or, you can choose to do it up in different colors - a watercolor tattoo would be quite lovely here.

You can even decide to not show the water drop in this water tattoo. Instead, just have one or more ripples next to one another.

Now, such water tattoos aren't just about beauty although they are certainly aesthetically pleasing. These tattoo designs can also make for some meaningful ink.

This kind of water tattoo can be a symbol of disruption. So, if you are looking to make a change in your life, you may be waiting for that water drop.

Or, such a water tattoo can also be a reminder to you of how even the smallest force can have quite the impact. So, this water tattoo can be a depiction of either actions or consequences.

Water Splash Tattoos

Another cool tattoo idea with water elements is the water splash tattoo. As the name suggests, this kind of water tattoo showcases a splash of water.

Now, there is a lot to like about water tattoo ideas such as these. For one thing, it is certainly a unique and interesting water tattoo. So, if you are looking for something a little different, then this is definitely a great concept to consider.

There is also the fact that there is something very delicate yet refreshing about this kind of water tattoo. After all, a splash of water can help you to cool down, perk you up, or even snap you out of a daze!

Just bear in mind that such water tattoos are pretty complex - especially if you decide to get it done in white and blue ink. This is the kind of water tattoo that needs to be done by an experienced and detail oriented tattoo artist.

Abstract Water Tattoos

If you have ever watched water flowing, it can give you the feeling of seeing something untamed, wild, and beautiful. In case you would like to capture this feeling in a water tattoo, then you may want to consider abstract water tattoos.

Now, with these beautiful water tattoos, there is no rhyme, reason, or even structured design. Rather, it is all about tapping into the free flowing elements of water.

With such water tattoo ideas, it is up to you how much you want your tattoo to look like realistic water. If you want, you can have a water tattoo design that only minimally resembles water but you can use blue ink to reinforce the idea behind this design.

If you are someone who likes to push the envelope with water tattoos, then this design works well as watercolor tattoos as well.

One of the cool things about these water tattoos is that they can be designed to fit almost anywhere in your body. If you want something a little more subtle, then you can have your water tattoo on your upper arm.

In case you are considering sleeve tattoos, then you may want one that starts on the upper arm then moves its way down.

Not worried about showing off your abstract water tattoo? Then you can have a water tattoo that starts on your hand and spreads to your wrist and even forearm.

Stream Tattoos

If you are looking for calming water tattoo ideas, then a gentle river or stream tattoo is one to think about.

For such water tattoo designs, there are a couple of approaches to take. If you want a simpler water tattoo, then you can have a more abstract stream tattoo.

Here, you can have a few curved lines done up in blue to show the current of the water. You can also have some aquatic plants in between to add a bit more structure to your water tattoo.

In case you are on the lookout for more complex water tattoos, then you should consider going for a landscape tattoo. This means including lots of other details like banks, mountains, clouds, sun, and perhaps even animals in your water tattoo.

Such details can help to capture the serene flow of water in your water tattoo.

Of course, the level of detail that you want to include in your water tattoo is entirely up to you. So, you can add as few or as many natural components as you like.

Now, even if you do want a more detailed stream water tattoo, this doesn't automatically mean that you need to go for a large tattoo design. If you do want a smaller water tattoo, perhaps on your upper arm, then you may want to consider using geometric shapes to help create a frame around the tattoo.

Not only does this help to create smaller water tattoos, but it also helps your water tattoo ideas to feel more structured as a result too.

Lake Tattoos

Next up in the water tattoo ideas lineup are lake tattoos. These water tattoos are also great for anyone looking for calming tattoo designs.

Now, typically with such water tattoos, you do have to include a bit more detail - this is the only way to really distinguish your water tattoo as a lake tattoo.

So, what kind of additional elements should you add to your water design? Well, keep in mind that the level of detail is up to you.

In case you want a smaller or less complex tattoo, then it can be enough to just have a deck overlooking a lake. Or, you can have a boat in a lake.

Then, depending on how much detail you would like to add to your water tattoo, you can include a shore, mountains, trees, cabins, etc.

If you visited or continue to visit a lake, then you may want to use this view as inspiration for your water tattoo. This can also be a great way to personalize your water tattoo a little more.

Wave Tattoos

Wave tattoos are some of my favorite water tattoo ideas. This is because they allow you to condense the vast ocean into a smaller water tattoo design.

I also love that there are so many different ways to work with wave water tattoos. For instance, if you want a simple wave tattoo, then it is just a matter of getting a minimalistic outline. These water tattoos are so small that they can be placed practically anywhere that you want - even behind your ear!

Of course, you are also free to go all out with such water tattoos. This means adding plenty of detail to the tattoo - getting the curve of the wave, the crest, and even a bit of spray just right. You can also kick things up a notch with your wave tattoo but going with realistic colors.

There are also lots of ways to be creative with this kind of water tattoo. You can get the wave done in a particular shape. Or, you can have it framed within a geometric shape. In fact, you can have an actual picture frame surrounding it!

You can also include other environmental or landscape elements into your water tattoo to create a more realistic picture.

Ocean Tattoos

As you can imagine, ocean tattoos do require some careful planning. This is because it can be difficult to capture the vastness of the ocean. So, you have to figure out how to depict a small portion of the sea on your skin.

The good news for you is that there are a few ways to do this. You can actually take an abstract approach to your tattoo if you want. The cool thing about this kind of water tattoo is that it is essentially colorful scribbles.

Then, you can include the horizon just to help put the picture into perspective.

Your other option is to include a snippet of the sea and the sky. For this kind of water tattoo, though, it is best if you choose a more realistic style as it makes it easier to figure out what the tattoo is about.

To put your ocean water tattoo into context, you can also include the shore in the tattoo. You can either choose a realistic design for the shore or to include design elements like seashells on it so that you can determine what it is.

Your other option when it comes to such water tattoos is to include aquatic life in the tattoo as well. Then, you can include light ripples, splashes, or waves surrounding these creatures.

Once again, the sea life helps to add context to the tattoo without you needing to add too much detail or even work on the tattoo looking hyper realistic. It is also a great tattoo to have if you love all aspects of being in the ocean!

The most common sea creatures included in such water tattoos are whales, dolphins, and jelly fish. Of course, you can choose whatever creature that you like or feel inspired by.

Japanese Water Tattoos

Now, when speaking about Japanese water tattoos, you can refer to one of two things. This could be a tattoo design of waves or water that is based off of traditional Japanese artwork.

For this kind of tattoo, you have the option of choosing any wave or water tattoo design and you simply apply the styles and brushstrokes that are used in traditional Japanese art.

Or, you can base your tattoo of the work of Katsushika Hokusai. One of the better known works of this artist is Under the Wave Off Kanagawa, also known as the Great Wave.

This design features large waves about to crash over fisherman clinging to their boats. In the background, you have Mount Fuji.

There is some debate as to what this piece of art means. Some say that it is meant to depict the might of the ocean and to instill reverence in the capabilities of the sea. There are others that believe that the art is meant to depict a tsunami.

In any case, it is a stunning painting. And, if you love it, this is a perfect tattoo for you. You can choose to get an exact replica of this artwork. Or, you can take some creative liabilities and add or take away certain elements.

Well, there you go - the top water tattoo ideas for you to choose from! With so many options, you should be spoilt for choice. So, all that you need to do now is to figure out which concept and aesthetic is right for you!