For most people, their unreasonable fear of water may be traced back to a past experience of near drowning, being unceremoniously pushed into a pool, or falling out of a boat. Others may have gotten aquaphobia from watching a scary movie like Jaws or a documentary on sharks, piranhas, jellyfish, and other dangerous creatures of the ocean. Some people may have lost a loved one to drowning or a shipwreck and have developed aquaphobia as a result. Aquaphobia may also be caused by unfamiliarity with bodies of water. Some who have no previous experiences with swimming, boating, or being near bodies of water may feel mild or severe unease in trying out water activities.

When near bodies of water, people who suffer from aquaphobia generally feel anxious and uneasy. Their heart rate would increase, they'd sweat excessively, tremble, and feel dizzy. They may also feel short of breath and others would cry or even get hysterical.

Aquaphobia is different from hydrophobia. The latter is usually manifested in the late stages of rabies, wherein patients find it difficult to swallow, show irrational fear when they see a glass of water or any other liquid, and are not able to satisfy their thirst.