Gulf of Mexico Compared To The Atlantic Ocean

    I have traveled to Florida many times and usually stayed on the gulf side. The state of Florida is a unique state that offers two different water coastlines, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. When comparing these two bodies of water, an ocean is a large body of water that has no specific boundaries. On the other hand, the gulf is also a large body of water but is surrounded by land on three sides.

    Should you decide to travel to Florida for your next beach vacation, you would need to decide which coast of Florida you would like to stay on. The coastline of the Atlantic Ocean is known to be somewhat rougher and have more large wave action. This tends to lead to water activities for those looking for a more active beach experience such as surfing and body surfing. Ships have traveled up and down the East coast for many, many years. This has led to a collection of shipwrecks, perfect for diving and snorkeling to discover their remains. The Atlantic coastline is also known as the “sailfish capital of the world.”

    To compare the two different coastlines, the climate tends to be a little different. Gulf temperatures are often 5℉ warmer than the Atlantic coastline, with the water temperature exceeding the temperature of the air. The laid back and relaxing atmosphere of Florida’s gulf coast is constantly calm compared to the Atlantic coast. There is a relaxing breeze blowing over the gulf while you relax on your beach chair compared to higher winds coming off the huge ocean. The Gulf of Mexico proudly offers beautiful turquoise blue water and soft, fluffy, powdered sugar-like sand compared to the dark almost murky green color of the ocean and gritty, crumbled brown sand. The views over the gulf are calm and breathtaking. There are plenty of beach activities such as parasailing, banana boat riding, beach tricycles, shell collecting, seeing dolphins and manatee, to name a few.

    Both Florida coastlines are beautiful and unique!

References

“This or That: Florida's East Coast vs. Gulf Coast.” Opal Unpacked, 20 Dec. 2021, https://opalunpacked.com/floridas-east-coast-vs-gulf-coast/. 

“The Differences between Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.” Best Western Plus Siesta Key Gateway, 22 June 2021, https://www.bestwesternsiestakey.com/the-differences-between-beaches-on-the-gulf-of-mexico-and-the-atlantic-ocean/.