By Best Western Siesta Key
June 26, 2023
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.
The 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.
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.
The surf conditions on the Gulf of Mexico are consistently calm compared to the Atlantic Coast. 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.