Is there turbulence over the ocean? Yes, but at low altitude there's not nearly as much as there is over land due to the lack of both thermals and mechanical turbulence. Turbulence over the ocean is generally the result of weather systems and high altitude clear air turbulence.

Turbulence is generally worse over land than over water, primarily due to the physical obstructions and thermal properties of the Earth's surface. Land features like mountains, hills, and even large urban skyscrapers interrupt the flow of wind, creating "mechanical turbulence" similar to the way water becomes choppy when flowing over rocks in a stream. Additionally, land absorbs and radiates solar heat much faster than water, leading to "thermal turbulence" or "convective currents" where hot air rises rapidly in columns, causing bumps for aircraft. Conversely, the ocean's surface is relatively flat and uniform in temperature, which typically results in much smoother air. The main exception to this rule is when flying through large maritime storm systems or over "cyclonic weather," which can produce severe turbulence regardless of the surface below. In clear weather, pilots and passengers will almost always find the "ride" much smoother over the open sea.