Whether you want to be the surfer with the baddest ink around or you just like sea-themed imagery, well-done seashell designs are some of the coolest tattoos for men you can find on the sand. Seashell tattoos can be as adaptive as the ocean, stand the test of time, and mean just about anything.

The overarching seashell tattoo theme is protection. You’ll want to protect what’s underneath your body art just as much as the molluscs that called these shells home want to protect themselves. Thanks to that versatile security, they can be a perfect piece of art for any area of the body.

Whatever your niche is, we curated 20 amazing seashell tattoos for you to muse over. Just be prepared, you’re probably going to want more than one seashell tattoo by the end of this.

1. Small Seashell Tattoo

Considering seashells are on the smaller side most of the time, small seashell tattoos seem like a fitting choice for anyone searching for sea-creature ink. Not only is it accurate nature-wise, but small seashell tattoos can fit anywhere, like behind the ear, between the fingers, or the top of the foot. Not only that, you can avoid freaking out your grandparents by hiding those little seashells between your fingers instead of on your face or neck.

2. Simple Seashell Tattoo

Simple seashell tattoos are perfect for guys new to ink. We all like to think we’re pretty tough, but if you’ve never sat in a chair for hours on end while someone hammered your shaved-raw arm with needles, then getting that sick sleeve as your first ink-work might not be the best idea. You’ll definitely look badass, but unless you already know you have crazy-high pain tolerance, try some simple linework first, you can always add to it later.

3. Beach Themed Seashell Tattoo

If you’re looking for something larger and want more than just a shell, beach-themed shell tattoos are the next best fit. Since you’re already getting a shell tattoo, adding crashing waves, blowing palm trees, whatever your beach vibe can make a great addition.