Seeing the Sea from Afar
Scholars have interpreted that seeing the sea from afar may signify awe or the nearing of something the dreamer hopes for. Seeing a calm sea is better than seeing it with turbulent waves. A lake might indicate a wealthy woman with directness in her character. Waves are interpreted as severe torment and trials. The receding of sea water until its edges appear could symbolize an affliction, drought, or the seizure of wealth by the ruler.
Per Ibn Sirin's Muntakhab al-Kalam fi Tafsir al-Ahlam