Southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and right next to the Atlantic Ocean, you find one of the largest seas in the world – the Caribbean Sea, boarded to the South by Venezuela, Colombia and Panama, the Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala on the West, Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to the North and the Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Saint Kitts and Nevis from the East. With an area of about 2,754,000 km2, and an average depth of about 2,200 meters below the sea’s surface, this sea is home to at least 14% of the world’s reefs and is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world – the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is also the largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches for 620 miles along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. The geological age of the sea is estimated to range between 160 to 180 million years. The deepest point is the Cayman Trough, which is located between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, at 7,686 meters below sea level. The largest island found in this region is Cube, with a land area of 42,426 square miles.
One of the largest oil-producing regions in the world, providing approximately 170 million tons of oil every year, the Caribbean Sea is home to over 7,000 islands rooted in its tropical waters, that belong to 28 nations. Coastal communities from 39 countries and territories, with populations of at least 116 million people rely on this sea for their food and livelihoods.
12,046 marine species live in the Caribbean Sea and of these, there are more than 1,000 known fish species, including flying fish, moray eels, bull sharks, tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, giant oceanic manta rays, and parrotfish, as well as 90 marine mammal species, including dolphins, sperm whales, manatees, humpback whales, and seals. It’s tropical climate and all-year beach-vacation temperatures makes it one of the most coveted destinations in the world. Its bright blue waters and vivid experiences call tourists from all across the world to is white sandy shores.
Swim below the sparkling waters and watch how brightly coloured fish dart through equally rich coral reefs. Explore unspoilt rainforests and catch a glimpse of the unique wildlife. Go island hopping and take in the different cultures, cuisines and communities, you have 7,000 to choose from, though some of them might be inhabited.
Your sunlit, tropical adventure awaits your arrival at one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
