Gulf of Mexico Facts
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
It’s no secret that the Gulf of Mexico is a great vacation spot! This beautiful body of water is what brings people from all over to our destination. In addition to being home to so many incredible beaches, it is also a very unique region of the world. Check out these interesting facts to learn more about the Gulf of Mexico.
Visiting Alabama's Beaches soon? Check out these cool facts about the Gulf of Mexico before your visit!
Where is the Gulf of Mexico?
The Gulf of Mexico is located below the southeastern portion of the United States. It borders the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as the island of Cuba and parts of Mexico.
How Deep is the Gulf of Mexico?
The deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico, Sigsbee Deep, is estimated to be around 14,383 feet deep while the average depth is around 5,300 feet.
How Big is the Gulf of Mexico?
The Gulf of Mexico encompasses around 617,800 square miles of water and stretches around 932 miles across from east to west.
What Ocean does the Gulf of Mexico Belong to?
The Gulf of Mexico is a part of the Atlantic Ocean and is considered an ocean basin and marginal sea.
10 Fun Facts
1. The Gulf of Mexico is the largest Gulf in the world and the tenth biggest body of water in the world.
2. Our area is home to the largest fleet of charter fishing boats on the Gulf of Mexico, with over 100 in the destination.
3. A few hundred years ago, our beaches were home to pirates who hid in Perdido Pass and Perdido Bay while waiting to raid ships in the Gulf. It is rumored that they buried some of their stolen loot on the bay. You can try your hand at the pirate’s life with an adventure on a pirate ship cruise in Orange Beach.
4. Although it is rare to see sharks in our waters, around 50 species call the Gulf of Mexico home. The most common found around Alabama beaches are bull sharks, great hammerhead sharks, sand tiger sharks and shortfin mako sharks.
5. The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is the second-longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico.
6. The Gulf of Mexico has around 1443 different species of fish in its water. Anglers can check out the most common fish found on Alabama’s beaches here.
7. It’s no secret that the best seafood comes from the Gulf, which is why 75% of the shrimp in the United States comes from the Gulf of Mexico.
8. The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts the largest artificial reef program in the nation, with 1,136 square miles of artificial reefs located at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. In the fall of 2021, nine new sections of reefs totaling 110 square miles were added to the pre-existing zones.
9. It is estimated that around 10,000 bottlenose dolphins live in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They are known to be one of the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom. You can spot them and learn more about their life on the Alabama Gulf Coast on a dolphin cruise.
10. Every year, millions of birds migrate during fall, and many of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico during their trip. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded visiting our coast while migrating southward. The Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest is a fantastic opportunity to witness these birds in action.
Now that you’re familiar with the Gulf of Mexico, it’s time to start planning a beach trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
