Bodies of Water of the Caribbean

The Caribbean Sea is a body of water and a suboceanic basin of the western Atlantic Ocean. The entire area of the Caribbean Sea, the numerous islands of the West Indies and adjacent coasts are collectively a region that is known as "The Caribbean."

Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of southeastern Haiti lies a hidden oasis of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance: Étang Saumâtre, also known as Lake Azuéi. As the largest lake in Haiti and the second largest in Hispaniola after Lake Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, this salty water body embodies the essence of Haiti's natural landscape, offering a sanctuary of tranquility and biodiversity in the heart of the Caribbean.

Grenada's oldest and most extensive protected area is the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve. It boasts diverse elevations and terrain that house numerous ecological subsystems. Notably, the Forest Reserve's Grand Etang Lake serves as its centerpiece.

The Gulf of Venezuela is an inlet of the Caribbean Sea bounded by Venezuela and Colombia. It is a shipping route for the petroleum-producing Maracaibo region. The Guajira Peninsula is located in northeastern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela.

Nestled within the azure embrace of the Caribbean Sea lies a trio of ecological wonders, each contributing to the rich tapestry of biodiversity and conservation efforts in Bonaire. Lac Bay, Klein Bonaire, and the Bonaire National Marine Park are testaments to the island's commitment to preserving its natural heritage while providing invaluable ecosystem services and recreational opportunities.

Nestled in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic lies a natural marvel – the Lago Enriquillo and Isla Cabritos National Park. This stunning protected area encompasses the largest lake in the Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, and the entire Caribbean Region, along with the captivating Isla Cabritos (Goat Island) at its center. This remarkable destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and a fascinating cultural heritage.

Nestled within the captivating Gulf of Honduras, a wide inlet of the Caribbean Sea, lies a tropical paradise – the Bay Islands. Among these islands, Roatán stands out as a jewel, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich natural heritage. This region, indenting the coasts of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting a unique ecosystem with a diverse array of coastal marine waters, including estuaries, barrier beaches, lagoons, salt marshes, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, keys, and barrier reefs.

Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve are located on the island of Saint Croix. The protected area preserves upland watersheds, mangrove forests and marine environments. It also contains the only known site where a Columbus expedition set foot on what is now U.S. territory.