As the warm weather draws near, do your thoughts turn to vacations on pristine beaches where you can wiggle your toes in the sand and splash in the clear blue waters of the ocean? Although this scene sounds ideal, have you ever stopped to consider the many sinister creatures that reside in the deep blue sea? Knowledge of these poisonous marine inhabitants may be enough to send you running back to shore. Here are some potential threats that lie hidden in those vacation waters.

The Giant Squid

The giant squid is so imposing that many sailors call it the “sea monster”, with its tangled mass of tentacles designed to wrap around some unsuspecting interloper. The giant squid is found predominantly in the waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans where it can grow to weights of over four hundred pounds. There have been tales of giant squid attacking ships but very no documented evidence of attacks on people. Still, this isn't a creature you'd particularly want to meet on a relaxing vacation.

Box Jellyfish

This creature is found primarily in calm waters along the cost of Australia and is one of the greatest marine threats in existence. Unless treated quickly, humans have almost no chance of surviving their poisonous sting. These creatures have a characteristic pale blue, transparent appearance with long tentacles armed with millions of stinging cells. No wonder it's earned the distinction of being the most venomous marine creature known to man! This is obviously not your garden variety jelly fish. It's enough to make you reconsider that Australian beach vacation.

The Stonefish

This marine hazard is another reason to stay out of the ocean. Native to the Pacific and Indian oceans, this creature favors coral reefs and rocky areas. Its rather benign appearance belies its considerable venomous potential. Appearing very similar to a stone in appearance, when this fish is stepped upon, it releases a poison from its tentacles that causes excruciating pain, swelling, paralysis, shock, and even death. Just one more reason to swim in the hotel pool.

The Portuguese Man of War

By appearance, many people would mistake this sea creature for a common jellyfish. It's characteristic long tentacles are used to poison fish and other sea creatures. So venomous is the poison that even a dead Portuguese Man of War can still deliver a nasty sting. Fortunately, although the venom causes severe pain, it's generally not life threatening, although you may wish you were dead from the excruciating pain. This marine creature is found in the warm waters of oceans worldwide.

The next time you grumble at a confrontation with a garden variety jellyfish or feel the pinch of a crab, just remember what else lurks in those deep waters and be thankful.