Frequently asked questions
Last updated: 28 September 2026 · The Sea Messages safety team
Short, honest answers to what people ask most. Can't find yours? Write to support@seamessages.com and we'll get back to you.
What is Sea Messages?
Sea Messages is a free anonymous messages site and app, in the style of Sarahah and NGL. You claim an island, share your link in your story, and friends send you notes and questions without their name. Every message is checked before it reaches you, and nobody can pay to find out who sent it.
Is Sea Messages free?
Yes. Your island, your link, and sending, receiving and replying to messages are all free. We don't run ads or sell your data, and we will never sell a feature that reveals who sent a message, not now and not later.
How do I make my anonymous messages link?
Sign in with Google or Facebook, pick a username (English letters, numbers or _), then name your island. Your link becomes seamessages.com/b/username. Put it in your Instagram story or WhatsApp Status, or share the ready-made story image. Anyone who opens it can write to you; they sign in once to send, and you still won't see who they are.
How do I add the link to my Instagram story?
Start a new Instagram story, tap the sticker icon, choose the Link sticker and paste your island link. The link sticker is available to every account; you don't need 10,000 followers. You can use the ready-made story image from the Me tab as the background. Step by step: the Instagram story guide.
Can they tell who sent the message?
No, unless you choose to show your name before sending. The recipient only sees the message. We keep the sender's account on our servers so blocking and reporting work, but we never show it to the recipient or sell it. Details: Can they tell who sent it?
Are the messages real, or are some fake?
Every message you get was written by a real person. We never make up messages to pull you back in; in 2024 the US FTC alleged another app did, and the company settled (what happened with NGL). If our team ever writes to you, it's a note clearly signed by the Sea Messages crew, never dressed up as a person.
How do you stop hurtful messages?
Every message is checked automatically before delivery, and messages that break the rules are held or rejected instead of delivered. If a message sounds harsh, we ask the sender whether they want to soften it first. Automated checks can miss things, so you also have block, report and muted words. See the safety page.
What is the open sea?
The open sea sends your bottle to a random active person who hasn't closed their open sea; if they'd rather not keep it, they can throw it back to drift to someone else. It's on for everyone by default; turn it off in the Me tab if you don't want bottles from strangers.
Can I reply to messages?
Yes. Open the bottle and write back; your reply reaches the sender even when they're anonymous, without you ever learning who they are or seeing their name. You can also share the message with your reply as a card in your story.
Can I send photos?
Yes, you can add a photo to your bottle. We remove all of its hidden data, including the location your camera saves, so a photo can't give away where you are. A photo may wait for a quick review before it's delivered.
How do I block someone or report a message?
Right from the message: tap Report or Block sender. Blocking works even on an anonymous sender, because we know their account on our servers without showing it to you, and the sender isn't told they were blocked. Reports go to our team for review.
How old do I need to be?
At least 13, or the minimum age in your country if that is higher. If you're under 18, use Sea Messages with a parent or guardian's knowledge. Parents and teachers will find a short guide on the safety page.
How do I delete my account?
Go to the Me tab and choose Delete my account; your profile and the bottles tied to it are removed for good. You can also ask us to delete it by writing to support@seamessages.com.
Is Sea Messages related to Sarahah or sites with a similar name?
No. Sea Messages (رسائل البحر) is an independent service at seamessages.com, with no connection to Sarahah or to any other site or app with a similar name. Always check that the address starts with seamessages.com before you write or sign in.
Is there a mobile app?
Sea Messages works in the browser on any phone today, and you can add it to your home screen so it opens like an app and notifies you when a bottle arrives. We're working on a mobile app.