The invention discloses a device and a method for recovering spilled oil in a water area. The device mainly comprises oil absorption hoses, generators, oil pumps, floating oil bags, rotating joints, a multi-branch head and hulls. Each oil absorption hose consists of a perforated hose body, a polypropylene oil absorption felt and a net rope; each polypropylene oil absorption felt is coated onto the corresponding hose body, and then, each polypropylene oil absorption felt is coated and fastened by using the corresponding net rope; each hose body comprises an upper rib, a lower rib, rope holes and oil absorption holes; both ends of each hose body are respectively connected with the oil pumps; each oil pump is driven by the corresponding generator, and is connected with the corresponding floating oil bag; the oil pumped by the pumps is recovered into the floating oil bags; the oil absorption hoses and the floating oil bags are arranged in an oil spilling water area; the generators and the oil pumps are respectively arranged on the hulls; the oil enters the hoses by the oil absorption holes in the hose bodies, and is pumped into the floating oil bags by the oil pumps. According to the device and the method for recovering the spilled oil in the water area disclosed by the invention, the oil and water are separated, and the integrated operation of fencing, absorption and recovery of the oil is realized. The device and the method are efficient and environmentally friendly and simple to operate. Meanwhile, the device consists of a plurality of independent oil absorption units, and can be used for coping with various large and small water areas.