Caribbean Sea
Table of Contents
A destination of millions each year, the Caribbean Sea is known to be tropical sea. The sea is located in the Western Hemisphere and is a part of the Atlantic Ocean and is southeast of the Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean is actually a Mediterranean sea and it covers what is known as the Caribbean Plate, which is surrounded by South America to the South, Mexico the South and West, and to the North by the Antilles, the Greater Antilles, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Known collectively as the Caribbean, the Caribbean Sea and the islands of the West Indies are a popular vacation spot. The area offers fun, warmth, beauty, and a way of life for many people all around the world.
The Caribbean Sea is one of the largest salt water seas in the world with a total area of 1,063,000 square miles and a depth that is more than 25, 220 feet below sea level. The deepest point is located at the Cayman Trough, which is between Cuba and Jamaica. The Caribbean Sea has many differed gulfs and bays including the Gulf of Gonave, Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Darien, Golfo de los Mosquitos, and the Gulf of Honduras with each area offering something just a bit different.
The Caribbean Sea was given its name by the Caribs, which was one of the American Indian groups that were located in the region during the 15th century. Christopher Columbus gave the Caribbean Sea the name of the Antillas or Sea of the Antilles, and this is another name that the sea is known by today. It was Christopher Columbus that made the waters known, because before this the sea was truly unknown to Eurasia. Once found the Caribbean quickly became a great way to travel from continent to continent as well as a way to trade with others.
The Caribbean Sea has become popular since Columbus and is home to 22 island territories. The sea borders 12 additional continental countries. The Caribbean and surrounding areas offer an appealing backdrop to many vacations because of the year around nice temperatures, sunshine, and tourism cultures that the sea offers those that that travel.
The Caribbean Sea provides a sanctuary to more than 29% of the world’s coral reefs, having 20,000 square miles of coral reefs to boast. Most of the reefs in the Caribbean are located off of the islands and the Central American coast. In recent years the Caribbean Sea temperatures have risen considerably, which means that the Caribbean Sea is in danger of losing it’s well known Caribbean Sea reefs.
When the Caribbean Sea has temperatures of more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit some of the plants begin to die off, which throws the entire ecosystem into a tail spin. It’s in the best interest of those that live on and near the Caribbean to preserve the reefs as they account for a lot of the tourism and economy funds that come into the shores. With weather in the region being influenced by the Gulf Stream and Humboldt ocean currents, only time will tell how effective current efforts to reduce global warming and the destruction of the ecosystem will be.
The Charms of the Caribbean Sea: A Voyage Through Paradise
A Canvas of Blue
Imagine an artist, palette in hand, who dips his brush into the bluest of blues and sweeps it over a canvas as vast as the horizon. That’s the Caribbean Sea for you—a masterpiece painted by nature herself. This vast expanse of water is home to the second-largest coral reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It’s a living kaleidoscope where every hue tells a story of life thriving beneath the waves.
The Cultural Mosaic
The Caribbean Sea isn’t just about the water; it’s about the tapestry of people that live around it. Each island is a unique thread, woven into a vibrant cultural mosaic. From the rhythms of reggae to the ballet of salsa, every beat and step is a celebration of life. The sea doesn’t just connect these islands; it unites a diversity of stories, traditions, and histories.
The Life Aquatic
The sea is teeming with life. It’s not just a blue expanse; it’s a realm where the dolphin’s grace meets the barracuda’s speed. It’s where the majestic sea turtles journey across miles to return home. Have you ever gazed into an aquarium and found yourself lost in the tranquility? The Caribbean Sea is the ultimate aquarium, one that invites you to become part of the spectacle.
A History Retold
Beneath the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea lie sunken stories of galleons and pirate ships, of treasures lost and civilizations found. The sea has been a stage for historical events that have shaped the world, from the colonial exchanges to the echoes of freedom that rang across the islands.
Nature’s Bounty
The Caribbean Sea is not just picturesque; it’s a cornucopia that sustains life both in and out of its waters. It’s the lifeblood for the fishermen who, with their small boats, continue the dance their ancestors started—a dance of harmony between man and nature.
Islands of Splendor
Each island that dots the Caribbean Sea is a jewel, unique in its beauty and splendor. From the lush rainforests of St. Lucia to the volcanic silhouettes of St. Kitts, every piece of land tells its own tale of discovery and enchantment.
The Caribbean Cuisine
Your taste buds haven’t lived until they’ve experienced the flavors of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a fusion of African, European, and East Indian flavors—a culinary cruise that takes your palate on an adventure with every meal.
The Rhythm of the Waves
The waves of the Caribbean Sea sing a lullaby that lures sailors and dreamers alike. The sea’s rhythm is a constant reminder that life, much like the waves, has its highs and lows, but the beauty lies in riding it out.
Adventure Awaits
For the thrill-seekers, the Caribbean Sea is a playground. It’s where the winds whisper tales of adventure to those willing to set sail, to dive deep, or to surf the cresting waves. It’s the ultimate invitation to explore the unknown.
Under the Caribbean Sun
The sun’s embrace is warmest here. The Caribbean Sea basks in sunshine, inviting you to its shores for moments of tranquility. It’s where the sunsets are not just a daily occurrence but a daily celebration