Ocean-focused horror is often less about the water itself and more about the unknown. The depths that are unexplored and the creatures lurking there. Things with teeth and spikes and appetites. Each year, we find newer and stranger sea-dwellers than any we’ve discovered before. Just this year, scientists have found a type of comb jelly that looks like a hot air balloon and this giant thing that looks like silly string and may be the longest animal recorded to date. All this time, we’ve been swimming and surfing and boating above these completely unaware. What else, then, lays in wait beneath the surface waiting, waiting, for a chance to take a bite? For those of you already predisposed to fear the ocean, look away. Here are eight horror books about the ocean to make you think twice about your next beach day. Not too terrified of these horror books about the ocean and want more to devour? Here are beautiful poems about the ocean! Or, try some seafaring books for your children to get their fill of salt water!