25 Anchor Tattoo Ideas That Symbolize Peace and Stability

Anchors away! We’re talking anchor tattoos for this curated list that finds the timeless classic in both traditional and contemporary styles. If you’re considering an anchor tattoo, you’ve come to the right place to draw inspiration from. You might think that there are only a few ways to get an anchor tattoo but you will soon see that you have so many options available to you.

From tiny micro tattoos to huge sleeve pieces, there are a million different ways to go about getting your tattoo. Your options are just limited to size either. You may want to go for an unconventional style, photorealistic, or even abstract with your anchor tattoo. Let’s take a look at some awesome tattoos for ink inspiration!

Discover the Best Anchor Tattoo Ideas Below:

Fine Line

If you’re looking for an elegant anchor tattoo that isn’t a huge commitment, consider a delicate design that’s composed of just simple lines.

Black, Grey, and White

Take a close look at all of those tiny dots used to create texture. It’s simply astounding. The artist has used white ink to add highlight and that really pays off.

So Real

We find a photorealistic anchor tattoo here that looks so very real. The way the artist has captured light as a reflection from this silver anchor is a marvel.

With a Fierce Friend

Pairing anchor tattoos with marine life is a popular choice. In the above example, we find a shark all tangled up with the anchor.

Stylish

This is a sketch tattoo, a big trend today. Hallmarks of the style include movement lines and shapes that look like splotches of ink.

Traditional

Depending on who you ask, this is either a traditional or neo-traditional design. We find elements from old-school tattooing used to compose this bold and beautiful design.

An Entire Scene

If you are a maximalist, you might be wanting a large anchor tattoo. Work with an artist and you can easily turn an anchor design into a half or full sleeve tattoo.

With Heart

Here’s one of the more understated anchor tattoos on this list. Two hearts sweeten this design that is very simple with tidy lines.

Watercolor

Watercolor tattoos are one of the biggest ink trends today and that’s been true for a few years now. Orange and blue look so striking next to the bold black lines that compose this anchor and compass.

On the Map

Wow! We find a map as a background for this anchor tattoo that also includes a compass. What a masterpiece.

Simplicity Is Bliss

You don’t have to go huge with your tattoo if that’s not your style. Sometimes simple and small can make the biggest impact.

Delicate Details

We love the organic, botanical details included with this romantic anchor tattoo. Pair florals with your tattoo for a touch of whimsy.

A Tribute to Grandpa

The person who shared this image explained that the anchor tattoo is a tribute to a grandpa. Anchors are such powerful symbols that it’s only natural for folks to turn to them for a meaningful representation of someone they love.

Sketch

Here’s another sketch design that is even more apparent. It is reminiscent of drafting or animation.

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Tiny

Micro tattoos are extremely popular and that’s especially true for folks who are getting their first tattoo. If you’d like to test the waters with your anchor tattoo, go small.

A Cutie

Here’s a very sweet design with an anchor framed by a golden oval and flanked by two beautiful flowers. Work with a tattoo artist to help realize your unique vision and you won’t regret it.

Release the Kraken

Similar to the shark anchor tattoo we saw earlier, we find a Kraken in this example. It’s such a fun design that’s got plenty of movement and visual interest.

Very Clean Lines

Even in this close-up, you can see just how clean the lines of this tattoo have been applied. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with your anchor tattoo. Just find a skilled tattoo artist and request a basic design and you could walk away with something sublime.

With a Rope Band

Here’s a cool concept that finds a rope attached to the anchor forming a band around the arm. It adds drama and the texture of the rope is just beautiful.

Bejeweled

A crown meets anchor in this example that is rather singular. We only saw this sort of pairing once and it proves an interesting one. If you’d like to go in a more decorative direction with your anchor tattoo, it’s clear that it’s totally possible.

A Gentle Reminder

“Stay grounded,” this anchor tattoo with a banner says. Pair a motto or a meaningful phrase with your anchor tattoo for an even more meaningful design.

Cool Concept

Here’s one of our favorite anchor tattoos on this and it just so happens that you have to look for the anchor. Elements of this nautical scene merely hint at being an anchor. The black, bottom shape and the central line of the boat meet rope and a star to form the hint of an anchor. What a brilliant design!

A Seaside Scene

You can push the boundaries of your anchor tattoo and move in a less predictable fashion. This is another interesting concept that pairs an anchor that acts as a sort of frame for a family, beach scene.

The Mermaid

Do you believe in magic? Get fantastic with your anchor tattoo to express your sense of imagination. A mermaid looks so majestic in this very sharp design.

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Have Fun With It

We leave you with one of the most playful anchor tattoos on this list to encourage you to swing for the fences when it comes to your tattoo’s design. The weirder the better in most cases!

There you go! Did you find the right type of anchor tattoo for you? We hope you enjoyed these timeless designs and that you will continue the tradition of them with your very own tattoo. Happy tattooing!