The Caribbean is an oasis of dreams, where almost all adventures can come true. From cruises, to walks through its calm sands. Discover in this article all about the Caribbean Sea, its location, description, islands, history, climate, flora, fauna and much more.
What is the Caribbean Sea?
The Caribbean Sea is a large mass of salt water, which runs through a number of nations, among which are:
- Colombia.
- Panama.
- Venezuela.
- Nicaragua.
- Costa Rica.
- Honduras.
- Mexico.
- Belize.
- Cuba.
- Dominican Republic.
- Jamaica.
- Puerto Rico.
It is the largest body of salt water on planet Earth. Its domains are close to 3 million km². It has a point of greater depth, baptized as the Trench of the Cayman Islands.
Of all the countries that make up its great extension, Venezuela is the one with the largest number of coasts. Which come to have more than 4 thousand kilometers of coastline.
The Caribbean Sea brings together more than 7000 land masses, including islands, islets and reef communities. The Caribbean region is made up of continental countries and island territories, whose coasts are touched by the Caribbean Sea.
All the islands found within this marine complex have an area of more than 230 thousand km².
The physical and chemical properties of its waters are quite balanced, allowing the development and sustainability of the ecosystems that coexist in it.
Caribbean sea location
So that the Caribbean Sea can be correctly located, it is necessary to mention that it is located in the eastern direction of Central America and in the northern direction of South America.
For greater precision of its location, the four cardinal points are taken into consideration. Each of them and the countries that comprise it are mentioned below:
North
To the north, the Caribbean has Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Speaking on
Towards the south of the Caribbean Sea, Panama, Venezuela and Colombia can be located.
This
Facing a compass and facing east, they will have the Lesser Antilles. That is, Antigua and Barbuda; Trinidad and Tobago; Grenada, Barbados and others.
West
The western part can be located in Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica and Mexico.
Training process
The Caribbean Sea as a large body of salt water, basically rests on the tectonic plates of:
- Caribbean.
- The American.
- South American.
- From Nazca.
- The coconuts.
Researchers believe that most likely, the age of the Caribbean Sea is between 150 and 180 million years.
Throughout the Devonian period, of the Paleozoic era, there was a depression in the earth, called the Proto Caribe. But the formation of the sea itself, began its formation process from the megacontinent Pangea.
Due to the displacement of Gondwana and its approach to Laurasia, its size was considerably reduced. During the Triassic period of the Mesozoic era, the continents presented enormous faults, which gave rise to the formation of the Gulf of Mexico.
As a result of all the events that occurred during the Middle Jurassic, all the cracks that originated gradually filled with water. Originating the southern basins, which are currently known.
During the Cretaceous period, the Caribbean Sea suffered a rise in the level of its waters and was molded into the shape it currently has. Due to the action of the tectonic plates, a fraction of the oceanic crust, suffered a displacement in the direction of the Caribbean basin and rests to date, at the bottom of the sea.
History of the Caribbean Sea
To recognize the cultural heritage of a certain region, it is essential to know the roots that sustain that culture. For this reason, reference must be made to those who inhabited the region and with whom they had contact.
The Taínos were the ones who occupied the territories of the Antilles. They formed a tribe of pre-Columbian indigenous people, who in order to survive, worked the land, had fishing tasks and were very good at making vessels.
The Caribbean ethnic group occupied all the areas that were on the margin of the Orinoco River. The Caribbean men had the recognition of being excellent in the maneuvers of the boats, as well as being feared warriors.
Long before the encounter between the two worlds took place, the Caribbean men were participating in battles, to conquer the lands occupied by the Taínos.
For the inhabitants of the European and Asian continent, the waters of the Caribbean were non-existent. It remained that way until Christopher Columbus undertook his journey to land in the Indies.
With the arrival of these Europeans to the new continent, the islands were rapidly occupied by people from the old world. They established ports, from where a large number of products were traded, with the rest of the civilizations.
Still believing that they had conquered the coasts of the Indies, the Kings of Spain authorized the necessary ships to set sail, to take possession of greater extensions of virgin territories.
In their journey through the seas, they were always the object of looting by the pirates of the seas. To prevent the looting of future ships, they built fortified buildings, which would be the checkpoints for the thieves of the seas.
slave trade
In order to speed up the erection of the surveillance buildings, they brought in numerous African slaves. These were exploited, gave him inhuman treatment and sometimes caused his death.
When other monarchies realized the economic and strategic importance of the region. They commissioned the most experienced sailors to sail the seas and also establish colonies of their crowns.
This is how the English and French monarchies divided up what is now known as the Antilles Islands for their reigns:
french monarchy
- Martinique.
- Guadeloupe.
english monarchy
- Old and bearded.
- Barbados.
- Jamaica.
- Montserrat.
The raiders of the seas established themselves on an island in the Caribbean Sea, as a kind of command post. From there they directed all the attack operations of the merchandise and passenger ships that moved through the seas.
With the independence processes, during the 19th century many of these islands ceased to be considered colonies of the Spanish, English and French monarchies. But some of them are still under European tutelage.
By the end of 1800, the Island of Cuba was freed from Spanish rule. But the United States, as a reward for the war, remains in possession of the Island of Puerto Rico, to this day.
Caribbean Sea and its characteristics
Each of the bodies of water have their different ways of being identified. Mentioned below are some of those peculiarities that make the Caribbean Sea unique.
Features
- It has an approximate extension of almost 3 million km².
- The greatest depth is in the trench of the Cayman Island, where they were able to establish measurements of more than 7500 meters.
- It has an average salinity, greater than 30 parts per thousand (ppm).
- Its temperature in the pelagic zone is 27 °C and when it reaches benthic depths, it reaches 4 °C.
- The age of the Caribbean Sea is probably about 180 million years.
- It has one of the largest slopes on the planet, due to the confluence of South American rivers.
- In the Caribbean Sea, more than 10 thousand plant species cohabit and 50% of them are native.
- Due to the climate and the richness of its waters, it houses different birds, mammals, fish and reptiles in its bed.
- The reef community is numerous and one of the most beautiful in the world. Especially the coral reefs off the coast of Belize.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFgqHreiJfQ
Relationship of the Caribbean Sea and the environment
The Caribbean Sea boasts one of the most important coral chains on the planet. In its waters they stay near the 10% of all corals and cover an area of 52000 km2.
Of all the coral community, the barrier reef of Belize stands out. This reef is part of the Mesoamerican reef system and has an area of 963 km2. In the 1990s, it was included in the list of world heritage sites.
Due to climatic changes and the greenhouse effect, the surface of the Caribbean Sea has considerably increased its temperature. Causing this increase to move in the water column and put coral communities at risk.
As they are very fragile ecosystems, when physical changes occur in the conditions of the waters of the Caribbean Sea, they cannot continue to maintain the balance in the rest of the organisms that live in their spaces.
Dinoflagellate algae live in corals, between these and the coral there is a symbiotic relationship, which significantly benefits the reefs. Changes in temperatures cause the death of these algae, which are the ones that provide food for the coral.
When the algae-coral balance is broken, coral reefs tend to turn whitish. What also causes a series of alterations in the ecosystem, with its consequent disappearance.
Another cause of the deterioration of corals is the overexploitation of tourist activities, linked to harpoon fishing and diving.
Preservation of ecosystems
The systematic destruction of all this biological structure that coexists in the Caribbean Sea can produce a biotic imbalance and future considerable economic losses from all activities related to the sea.
In the quest to contain the destructive advance of the Caribbean Sea, at the end of the 80s, the agreement came into force to provide protection and promote the development of the marine environment of the Caribbean region.
In said convention, the prohibition of all human activity that is detrimental to marine species is agreed. The protocol was signed by all the nations that have a close relationship with the Caribbean Sea.
Hydrographic slopes
The group of hydrographic basins that contribute their water flows to the Caribbean Sea, is one of the largest chains on the planet. In addition to bringing together several of the longest and largest rivers.
Major tributaries
Each one of the rivers make their water contributions to the Caribbean Sea, it is not about which one contributes with greater percentages of water, the countries are simply mentioned and each one of the Rivers that make up the watershed.
Colombia
The largest Colombian tributary is the Magdalena River, whose length is 1.5 kilometers. Other rivers that contribute their contribution to the Caribbean Sea are:
- Cease.
- Cauca.
- Sinu.
- I attract.
- Rancheria.
Venezuela
The contribution to the Caribbean Sea by Venezuela is in charge of the rivers:
- Catatumbo.
- tocuyo.
- A re.
- You and.
- chama.
Panama
The rivers that make their contribution to the Caribbean Sea, in the Panamanian area, fall on the tributaries of:
- Saint Saint.
- Changuinola.
- Chagres.
Nicaragua
In Nicaragua, the hydrographic contribution is in charge of the following rivers:
- Big from Matagalpa.
- Prinzapolka.
- Hua hua.
- San Juan.
Honduras
The water that reaches the Caribbean Sea as a contribution from Honduras, is through the rivers:
- patuca
- Hold on.
- Coconut.
- Ulua.
Guatemala
The water contribution of Guatemala is through the rivers:
- Motagua.
- Dulce.
Belize
The Caribbean Sea receives the waters of the Belize River, which has a length of 300 kilometers.
Mexico
The Hondo River is the one in charge of making the contribution to the Caribbean Sea. It is 200 kilometers long and discharges its entire flow into the Bay of Chetumal.
Cuba
The Island of Cuba pours its waters into the Caribbean Sea, through the Cauto River. This river is the second most important on the island, it runs for more than 300 kilometers before emptying into the sea.
Dominican Republic
The rivers in charge of increasing the contribution to the Caribbean, by the Dominican Republic are:
- Haina.
- Yaque of the South.
- Macoris.
- ozama.
- Nice.
- Chavon.
Jamaica
The Negro River, on the part of Jamaica, is the one that contributes water resources to the Caribbean Sea. It is the longest, with more than 50 kilometers and owes its name to the accumulation of decomposing plant matter at the bottom.
Puerto Rico
The waters of the Grande de Patillas River run through the surroundings of the Patillas municipality. It empties into the Caribbean Sea, after traveling a distance of 20 kilometers from its source.
Atmospheric conditions and resources
The climate directly affects the development of all the dynamics of the Caribbean Sea. It constitutes in itself, a promoter that the fauna and flora can be sustainable over time.
Terrestrial and marine ecosystems depend on the stability of the climate. Such is the case of coral communities, which undergo great transformations at a slight change in temperature.
The climate
The climatic conditions in the Caribbean Sea are affected by the movements of oceanic water masses and by the Peruvian current, which are large masses of cold water that rise from the bottom of the sea.
Thanks to the geographical location of the sea, it facilitates that throughout the year its waters average a temperature that ranges between 20 °C and 32 °C.
It is also the epicenter for the formation of hurricanes, which affect a good part of the hemisphere. As of the sixth month of the year, the residents of the countries that make up the Caribbean Sea area enter a state of alarm.
These are the months from June to December, when tropical storms are more likely to form, which, thanks to the warm climate of the region, quickly become hurricanes.
The air masses coming from the African coasts, converge in the Caribbean Sea, through the Atlantic. And when combined with Rainy weather tropical, they increase the chances that they could become hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.
Hurricanes are a big problem for the residents of the islands, due to the devastating force of their winds. But, the coral communities also suffer, because part of what the hurricanes drag falls into the sea, being deposited on the seabed.
Flora
The plant material present in the Caribbean Sea is very diverse. There are more than 10 thousand species of plant material in its habitat and half of them are native species.
The most common plants in the region are: the olive plant, characteristic of the Dominican Republic; the tropical caimito tree, widely spread throughout the Caribbean region; the shrubby plant the guayacán, considered the emblematic flower of Jamaica; the woody tree the ceiba, which was welcomed in Puerto Rico and Guatemala, as its national tree and the timber tree the mahogany.
Fauna
The set of animal species that inhabit the Caribbean Sea, belong to the subtropical climate zones. These areas are characterized by having a high influence of the movements of warm sea waters.
Half of its animal population is endemic and is made up of more than 400 taxonomic groups of fish, among which the moray eel, the barracuda fish and the giant grouper stand out.
Another important group of animals are birds. Where about 650 registered species are counted. 20% of these species are native and the rest is made up of birds with migratory habits, such as the green heron and the mangrove warbler.
Some species are in danger of extinction, both in Cuba and in Puerto Rico. These species that may cease to be part of the Caribbean fauna are the Puerto Rican parrot, the yacutinga guan and the savannah dove.
reptiles
Reptiles are a taxonomic group of great importance in the Caribbean Sea region. Among these animals can be mentioned:
- Green Iguana and Blue Iguana, both native to Grand Cayman Island.
- American crocodile, typical to find it on the coasts of Venezuela, Colombia and some Caribbean Islands
- Mona Iguana, lives on the island of Mona, in Puerto Rico.
- Horned iguana or rhinoceros, native to the Dominican Republic.
- Sea turtles, whose distribution covers Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, among others.
A taxonomic group of great importance for the marine ecosystem are the amphibians. There are more than 150 species of these animals, in the communities of the Caribbean Sea. One of the representatives of this category is the golden coquí, which is under threat of extinction.
There is also in this rich ecological niche that represents the Caribbean Sea, a significant number of marine mammals. Where the dolphins, manatees and the Solenodon genus stand out, which in the Cuban region is known as almiquí.
Caribbean Sea and its economic activity
The area that brings together the Caribbean countries, from the very moment of its discovery, has experienced a significant upturn in its economic activity.
The Caribbean Sea is the most important vegetable oil producing area on the planet, reaching nearly 200 million metric tons per year.
The most important reserves of non-renewable natural resources, such as natural gas and oil, are also located in the Caribbean area. That as a whole they reach production figures that are not enviable to the rest of the oil producers.
Fishing production is another of the fastest growing industries in the region. You can generate foreign exchange income, for the support of your nations, with the commercialization of your annual fish production.
Another item that drives the Caribbean economy is agricultural activity with the production of sugar cane. Several of the member countries of the Caribbean region are excellent producers of sugar cane for export and for the raw material processing industry.
Tourism
The tourism industry is one of the most thriving in the entire region, the Caribbean Sea is the favorite destination of many tourists worldwide. The organizations in charge of evaluating tourist activities calculate that a total of 15 million tourists from all over the world visit the region annually.
The income of visitors is very varied and drives downstream other industries and small businesses that enrich all the tourist equipment in the area.
The industries associated with tourism activities and contributing to its growth are:
Companies dedicated to the mobility of passengers in cruise ships. Annually, this industry allows the arrival to the Caribbean Sea area of approximately 10 million tourists annually.
The countries with the highest demand for cruise tourism trips are:
- Dominican Republic.
- Puerto Rico.
- Cuba.
- Barbados.
- Virgin Islands.
- Jamaica.
- Costa Rica.
- San Martin.
- Trinity.
- Venezuela (Margarita Island).
Airlines are also an important pillar in the growth of the Caribbean tourism industry. The large air transport companies do not diminish the growth possibilities of the small charter flight undertakings.
These small private companies also contribute significantly to passenger mobility. These tourist movements can be interregional or internal.
The cities with the greatest demand for tourism using air travel are:
Destination Mexico
- Cancun.
- Carmen beach.
- Cozumel.
- Port Adventures.
- Mayan coast.
- Huach River.
- Majahual or Mahahual.
Colombia
- Cartagena de Indias.
- Santa Marta.
- Providence.
- Saint Andrew.
Venezuela
- Cross port.
- Bird Island.
- Choroni.
- The Roques.
- Margarita Island.
- Fixed Point.
- Medanos de Coro.
Panama
- Panama Canal.
- Colon.
- Bull's mouths.
- Guna Yala.
Caribbean cultural current
The Caribbean Sea and its communities have served as a stage for many artists to have been inspired. Movies, novels, poetry, songs, photography, choreography and countless cultural currents that were the product of that magical corner of the planet are told.
Fantasy and navigation films have been made. One of the most renowned is the film Pirates of the Caribbean, the James Bond saga, among others.
The lifestyle and customs of its inhabitants have also been a source of inspiration for many writers. Such is the case of the Cuban-born writer Alejo Carpentier, also the Dominican Juan Bosch, Derek Walcott, García Márquez, among others.
The variety of musical genres that are developed in this region is very rich. Some have transcended their borders, others are still unpublished, but they are joy and are part of the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Caribbean.
The most outstanding musical genres of the Caribbean Sea area are:
- Reggae, in Jamaica.
- Merengue and bachata, typical of the Dominican Republic. Although it is currently spread throughout the world.
- Calypso, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, although it is currently practiced in other regions such as Venezuela.
- Reggaeton, has disputed its origin between Puerto Rico and Panama.
- Son montuno and bolero, promoted and extended from the Island of Cuba.
- Vallenato and cumbia, widely spread in the Colombian region.
- Joropo, typical of the Venezuelan plains.
Sport, language and religion
The most deeply rooted sport in the Caribbean Sea area is baseball par excellence. Among its member countries, they carry out a competition every year and in which they measure their ball skills.
Cricket is also frequently played, especially in the West Indies region. There is also a fairly important movement of football clubs, which are regulated by different federations.
The conglomerate of Caribbean nations holds a great sporting event that brings together the most outstanding athletes from each country. This sports meeting is known as the Central American and Caribbean Games, where every four years its competitors are measured.
Because of their diverse historical roots, the countries of the Caribbean area speak different languages. Among them we can mention: Spanish, English, French and other idioms that each of the regions have adopted as local media.
The religious cultural heritage of the region is also very diverse. Although the most deeply rooted is the Catholic religion, you can also find expressions of practice of other religions such as Protestantism, Hinduism, Anglicanism.
Other forms of worship are represented in the practice of Santeria, Voodoo and Rastafarianism, which is a movement originating in Jamaica.
Caribbean Sea attractions and more
The Caribbean Sea and the regions that form part of it are the best place to plan and enjoy a pleasant and well-deserved family vacation.
It is a part of the American continent that is full of exuberant natural beauty and the best climate you could wish for. In addition to the warmth of its people, who invite you to enjoy.
Choosing the ideal place to vacation in the Caribbean is a titanic task, due to the wide range of possibilities that the region offers you. Mentioned below are some of the options available to those who visit its beautiful lands.
San Blas Archipelago, Panama
It is a beautiful and spectacular archipelago, it has an island to visit every day of the year, since it has 365. But only 50 of them are inhabited by members of the Kuna tribe.
San Blas offers the tourist who visits it an unparalleled attraction. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes and have direct contact with the Kuna Indians, who gladly show the visitor everything about their culture and other things.
Those who choose this destination as a place to enjoy their vacations can practice diving, thanks to its crystal clear waters that invite you to appreciate all its marine fauna.
They can also enjoy snorkeling, while walking through the structure of the sunken ship in a coastal area of the island.
To get to this beautiful tourist spot, you must take a plane from Panama City.
Antigua and Barbuda
They are geographically located between the islands of Guadalupe and Montserrat, in the extreme south and the island of San Martín to the north.
A large part of its inhabitants are of Afro-American descent and put to serve those who visit them, in the best way. It has beautiful beaches that are suitable for all types of water sports.
In addition to adventure tourism, it is also a meeting place for cricket lovers. Since the practice of this interesting sport is very widespread on the island.
Between the months of January and July, international events are held, which allows tourism to increase in those months of the year.
Aruba
The island of Aruba offers tourists more than 40 kilometers of pristine coastline that bewitches whoever has contact with them. It has a hotel infrastructure and services that have nothing to envy to the rest of the Caribbean tourist destinations.
Its ideal climate, the warmth of its people and the beauty of its landscapes make it the first choice to enjoy a well-deserved family vacation.
The activities that can be carried out on the island are among the most varied. You can visit its beautiful beaches, which have transparent waters and white sands.
The most popular water sports in the world can be done on its beautiful beaches and landscapes. Tour operators also offer jeep safaris and a helicopter tour so they can enjoy the best photographs.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, the dream island. In this unique place you can enjoy the most varied activities, which include:
Adventure Tourism, where they can swim through underground rivers, they can also rappel, practice diving and learn to kayak, if they don't know how to do it yet.
The most beautiful beaches are available to those who choose to enjoy their vacations in this tourist destination. There are almost 300 kilometers of beautiful beaches and they are available to visitors.
They can also enjoy a day of surfing, in the best beaches to practice this sport. For everything your adrenaline demands, tour operators have an option.
If you are hungry for culture, you can visit the old forts that protected its coasts from pirates and other conquerors. You will also find options in museums and exhibition halls, arranged throughout the city for the enjoyment of locals and strangers.
Belize
It is an invaluable tourist destination, the attention to tourists is unbeatable. Easy communication, thanks to the fact that they speak both English and Spanish.
The sites of tourist interest are multiple, you can enjoy the beauties that the second largest coral reef on the planet hides. That gives the Quintana Roo region a place of honor.
Its calm waters allow all water activities and sports to be enjoyed by children and adults. They offer the enjoyment of diving, surfing or a spectacular catamaran ride.
Its turquoise waters are a dream, a memory that is engraved in the memory of all visitors.
Jamaica
The island of Jamaica is not only Bob Marley and reggae, it is also beach, sand, sun and activities in the Caribbean Sea.
An attraction of international stature takes place in the National Dance Theater. Tourists who visit the island can also go to the National Art Gallery and enjoy beautiful pieces of art.
Guided tours of the Pirate Henry Morgan Fortress and the Bob Marley Museum are organized for you to enjoy all your memories.
Festivals are also held every year, where the most outstanding international reggae performers meet. It is the most renowned festival and takes place in the city of Kingston.
Its spectacular climate is ideal for enjoying all activities related to the sea.
In the extreme north of Jamaica, there are the most beautiful white sand beaches that match their turquoise waters. All a dream!
Diving and activities can be practiced in harmony and in contact with the environment. It is inexcusable that you visit Jamaica and do not approach the most impressive waterfall on the island. Reich Falls is the most spectacular waterfall you can ever see.
For those who are lovers of diving, they have to visit the San San beach. The installed hotel capacity is one of the best, with options ranging from large hotels to the smallest inns.
San Andres
The island of San Andrés is the largest of the Colombian archipelago, it has a quite pleasant temperature that does not exceed 30 °C. It is ideal for programs the best family vacations and enjoy its beaches and keys.
Those who visit it, have the option of being able to tour the entire island by bicycle, on excursions that are scheduled by the region's tour operators.
This area of the Caribbean Sea has attractive beaches, with crystal clear waters and soft white sands. Its people are among the best in the world, friendly, courteous and always willing to help with a big smile on their face.
The combination of the Caribbean flavor and the desire to provide the best service, make this tourist destination the first on the list of options to visit. From Colombia, it is one of the most beautiful islands.
The activities that can be carried out in this beautiful place are very varied, among which we can mention:
- Water Sports: this archipelago is an inexhaustible reservoir of transparent waters where you will never get tired of swimming. They can also take boat rides through the keys. Diving and surfing are ideal to practice.
- Social spaces: on the island of San Andrés, tourists have a long list of options to enjoy varied music with the family, restaurants and dance floors to enjoy until dawn.
In order to get to this paradisiacal tourist spot, you must take a plane from the airports of Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali and Barranquilla.
Virgin Islands
This beautiful archipelago is made up of a group of beautiful islands, of which only 10 of them are inhabited. Among the largest are Tortola Island, Anegada Island, Virgin Gorda Island and Jost Van Dyke.
The activities that can be carried out on the islands include a visit to the Virgin Gorda baths, there are also companies that program scuba diving activities and appreciate the corals on Anegada Island.
They can also make guided visits to the rest of the islands in a yacht specially arranged for it. Visiting the caves of Norman Island is an incomparable experience and that no tourist who schedules their vacations here can miss.
Another of the attractions that the islands have and that is aimed at those tourists who love tourism in contact with nature, is the visit to the bird refuge of the Anegada Island, it is a natural space of 5 km2.
This bird sanctuary was created to preserve the native species of the islands and as a resting point for birds on their migratory journeys.
