Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Caribbean Sea contains approximately 6.3 million cubic kilometers (1.5 million cubic miles) of water, making it the world's second-largest sea after the Mediterranean Sea. This vast volume supports incredibly diverse marine ecosystems across the region.
The Caribbean Sea's water volume fluctuates throughout the year due to several natural factors. During the rainy season from May to November, increased precipitation causes water levels to rise. Conversely, the dry season from December to April brings higher evaporation rates and reduced rainfall, leading to a slight decrease in overall volume. Ocean currents also play a role in redistributing water within the basin.
Most of the Caribbean's water volume resides in its deep central and eastern basins, where depths average over 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). The shallowest areas are found along coastlines and continental shelves, creating the turquoise waters and coral reef systems that characterize the region's famous shorelines.