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The Differences Between Beaches on The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onJune 22, 2021 in Beach, Gulf of Mexico, Relaxation, Siesta Key, The Beach.

If you are a first-time visitor to Siesta Key or spend time in the sand on both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast, you are sure to notice the difference between the Gulf’s silky white sand and warm, crystal clear, tranquil waters, and the Atlantic Ocean’s hot, tan sand and more active, refreshing waves. Although the Gulf of Mexico is considered to be a part of the Atlantic Ocean, since an ocean has no boundaries, the Gulf and the Atlantic are still separated by the Caribbean Sea. In addition to their boundaries, there are numerous ways these two bodies of water vary and therefore, the beaches we enjoy are unique. To shine a light on these dissimilarities, the experts here at Best Western Siesta Key are diving into the three biggest differences between the beaches on the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast.

Sand Composition

Without placing your foot down on the white sand of the Gulf, you can already tell it greatly differs from the sand of the Atlantic Ocean. The notorious pristine white sand beaches of Siesta Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast are not only beautiful to look at but are just as comfortable to walk on. Unlink the coarse golden sand on the Atlantic Coast, the soft, fluffy, and powdered sugar-like white sand remains cooler and is never too hot to walk on. While the sand on the Atlantic side is comprised of a mix of seashells, pebbles, and other stirred-up sediments from the ocean, the Gulf’s white sand is comprised of 99% white quartz crystals.

Gulf Temperatures vs. Ocean Temperatures

From ocean and river currents to offshore winds, as well as air temperature and wind chill, there are a lot of factors that play a role in controlling the water temperature at the beach. While some prefer a nice cool swim in the ocean, others favor warm waves to float in while basking in the sun. The water in The Gulf of Mexico is often five degrees warmer than the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to The Gulf Stream. However, it isn’t uncommon for the water temperature in the Gulf to exceed that of the air temperature on a late summer evening, as it can reach 92 degrees between July and September. Meanwhile, the peak temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean are between 82 and 86 degrees. 

Waves and the Clear Blue Water

Mirroring the laid-back and relaxing atmosphere of Siesta Key and Florida’s Gulf Coast, the surf conditions on the Gulf of Mexico are consistently calm compared to the Atlantic Coast. As the exciting Atlantic Coast beaches are perfect for surfing, body surfing, and boogie boarding, you can find beachgoers on the Gulf making use of their kayaks and paddleboards. Due to the lack of strong waves that stir and sweep up shells, sediment, and debris from the ocean, the Gulf of Mexico proudly offers its breathtaking, signature turquoise hue but often forfeits the lulling “roar” of the ocean.

The Gulf of Mexico is the largest gulf in the world, with 600,000 sq miles bordered by 1,680 miles of US coastlines. Its shallow, saltier, and serene waters surrounded by velvety quartz sand may seem like another world when compared to the Atlantic’s cool and thrilling waves and golden-brown sand. While experiencing these differences for yourself in Siesta Key, your friends are waiting to welcome you here at Best Western Siesta Key.