South Africa is a country located in the southernmost part of Africa. It has a long coastline that stretches for over 2,500 kilometers, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. One of the questions that many people ask when planning a trip to South Africa is how many oceans the country has. In this blog post, we will delve into the different oceans that South Africa borders, their characteristics, and what they offer to visitors.
Indian Ocean
South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that borders two oceans - the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. The Indian Ocean is to the east and south of South Africa, and it is the world's third-largest ocean. The warm Agulhas Current flows southward along the east coast of South Africa, which contributes to its subtropical and humid climate. The Indian Ocean also boasts an impressive array of marine life, including different species of fish, whales, and dolphins. Many beautiful beaches, resorts, and coral reefs lining the eastern coast of South Africa give visitors a chance to enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
Some Fun Facts About The Indian Ocean:
- The Indian Ocean covers an area of about 70.56 million km2
- It is the youngest of the world's major oceans and is still expanding
- The deepest point in the Indian Ocean, known as the Java Trench, is over 7,000 meters deep
- The Indian Ocean is home to the endangered sea turtle, dugong, and various species of sharks and rays
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is to the west of South Africa, and it is the world's second-largest ocean. Compared to the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean is cooler and has a different range of marine life. The Benguela Current, which flows northward along the west coast of South Africa, brings cooler water from the southern Atlantic, resulting in a much dryer and arid climate. However, the Atlantic Ocean is still an attractive location for visitors to South Africa. Many coastal towns along the western coast of South Africa offer unique experiences such as whale watching, fishing, and exploring shipwrecks.
Some Fun Facts About The Atlantic Ocean:
- The Atlantic Ocean covers an area of about 106.4 million km2
- The ocean's annual average temperature is about 15°C (59°F)
- The Titanic shipwreck lies over 3,800 meters deep in the Atlantic Ocean
- The Atlantic Ocean is home to various species of marine creatures, including dolphins, fur seals and sharks
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Africa is lucky to border two oceans, the Indian Ocean to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Each of these oceans offers different experiences to visitors, from the warm beaches, coral reefs and subtropical climate of the Indian Ocean to the cooler Atlantic Ocean with its unique marine life, shipwrecks and whale watching opportunities. Regardless of which ocean visitors prefer, South Africa offers a plethora of choices which make exploring the ocean and all associated activities one of the best things to do while visiting the country.
