How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 2 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I have clinical anxiety?

No, this is a self-assessment tool designed to measure distress levels related to open water and is not a clinical diagnosis.

Can my results help me manage my stress?

Yes, by identifying which areas of worry affect you most, you can better target your coping strategies.

Discover if your fear of the ocean goes beyond normal caution with this scientifically inspired assessment.

Thalassophobia Scale

Assess your anxiety levels regarding deep bodies of water.

By Scott Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Reviewed by Mark Travers, Ph.D.

Thalassophobia is defined as an intense, persistent fear of the sea or large bodies of water. While many people feel a natural caution around the ocean, true thalassophobia can trigger panic attacks and avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily life. This Thalassophobia Scale is designed to help you quantify your anxiety regarding deep water, vast expanses, and the unknown depths. If you are interested in exploring other specific phobias, you might also want to take our Spider Fear Questionnaire or our Emetophobia Questionnaire to better understand your anxiety triggers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Thalassophobia Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Thalassophobia Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I have thalassophobia?: This quiz provides an indication of your anxiety levels regarding deep water but is not a clinical diagnosis. It can help you understand the severity of your fear compared to others.
Can my results help me overcome my fear?: Yes, understanding the specific triggers and intensity of your fear is the first step toward managing it. You can share these results with a mental health professional to help guide exposure therapy.

Thalassophobia Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Fear of Deep Water

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. Proximity to the ocean has caused me panic attacks or severe anxiety.

2. I avoid travel destinations near the ocean due to my fear.

3. The thought of being in deep ocean waters causes me anxiety.

4. My heart rate increases when I just think about the sea.

5. My fear of the ocean prevents me from boating or swimming.

6. I feel uncomfortable watching films or videos set in the ocean.

7. When near the ocean, I worry about attacks by sea life.

8. The thought of not seeing the ocean floor frightens me.

9. Seeing large bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans, makes me nervous.

10. My daily activities are impacted by my fear of the ocean.

11. I have nightmares about the ocean or deep water.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Thalassophobia Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Perez, L. A. (2024, July 15). Thalassophobia Test. CarePatron.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.