Aquatic microbiology involves investigating various microorganisms, and phytoplankton populations are one of the most relevant in aquatic systems. Inland and coastal waters are ecosystems full of these small organisms, which, however tiny, are used as health indicators and primary productivity of these systems. This comprehensive review compiles the main elements of water remote sensing regarding microbiology, focusing on understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton populations in coastal and inland waters. Remote sensing data are precious for studying aquatic microbiology because they can gather critical information with extensive spatial coverage and frequency. These capabilities have driven significant advancements in the field and have motivated this review. Our analysis provides a broad outline of the past, current, and future directions in remote sensing of watercolor, drawing on a diverse array of global studies. We describe the strengths and limitations of satellite-based watercolor monitoring. The strengths include the ability of remote sensing to collect comprehensive data from water bodies, while the limitations involve challenges related to its processing and acquisition. Key findings highlight the use of orbital sensors for aquatic microbiology regarding long-term algal blooms and microbiological pollution trends. Finally, this timely review emphasizes the increasing use of remote sensing techniques, particularly concerning phytoplankton, and underscores the new capabilities and wide array of applications that remote sensing offers.