Gulf of Batabanó facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gulf of Batabanó |
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Gulf of Batabanó seen from space (false colors).
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 Gulf of Batabanó
Location in Cuba
Gulf of Batabanó
Location in Caribbean
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| Coordinates | 22°15′N 82°30′W / 22.250°N 82.500°W |
| Basin countries | Cuba |
The Gulf of Batabanó (also known as the Batabanó Gulf) is a large body of water located off the southwest coast of Cuba. It's like a big bay or channel in the Caribbean Sea. This gulf separates the main island of Cuba from a smaller island called the Isle of Youth.
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What is the Gulf of Batabanó?
The Gulf of Batabanó is a wide, shallow area of the Caribbean Sea. It's found off the southwestern part of Cuba. This gulf acts like a natural border, separating the main island of Cuba from the Isle of Youth.
Where is it located?
The northern edge of the gulf touches the southern coast of Cuba. This includes parts of Pinar del Río Province, Artemisa Province, Mayabeque Province, and Matanzas Province. The northern border stretches for about 80 miles (130 km). It ends near the Zapata Peninsula.
The northeastern part of the gulf has its own name: Ensenada de la Broa. From north to south, the gulf extends about 50 miles (80 km) down to the Isle of Youth.
How deep is it?
The Gulf of Batabanó is quite shallow. In most places, it is less than 200 feet (61 m) deep. This makes it different from deeper parts of the ocean.
Islands of the Gulf
Inside the gulf, there are many islands. Besides the large Isle of Youth, there are about 350 smaller islands. These islands are part of a group called the Canarreos Archipelago.
What happens there?
The Gulf of Batabanó is an important place for sponge fishing. People go there to collect natural sponges from the seabed.
See also
- Batabanó
- Surgidero de Batabanó
- In Spanish: Golfo de Batabanó para niños
