Five Oceans of The World: With Map!

Seventy-one percent of the world's surface is covered with water. The five oceans of the world cover our planet all joining together. 

Each world ocean has different characteristics that make it its own, this article goes into detail of each world ocean looking at it's location depth and temperature.

Over 80% of the world's five oceans and biggest waves are yet to be explored, and with limited knowledge, only approximately 7% of the Earth's oceans have been designated as marine protected areas.

What Are The Five Oceans?

The five oceans of the world largest to smallest are: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic.

Pacific Ocean

Location: Between Asia and Australia to the east, and the Americas to the west.

Size: The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the five oceans, covering an area of about 63 million square miles.

Average Temperature: The average surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean is around 70°F (21°C).

Surf Rating: The Pacific Ocean is renowned for its diverse and excellent surfing spots, with locations such as Pipeline in Hawaii and Tavarua in Fiji.

Current: The Pacific Ocean experiences the North Equatorial Current and the South Equatorial Current, influencing its overall circulation.

Average Depth: The average depth of the Pacific Ocean is approximately 12,080 feet (3,682 metres).

Atlantic Ocean

Location: The Atlantic Ocean is situated between the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east.

Size: The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean, covering an area of about 41 million square miles.

Average Temperature: The average surface temperature of the Atlantic Ocean ranges from 28°F to 86°F (-2°C to 30°C) in different regions.

Surf Rating: The Atlantic Ocean offers diverse surfing opportunities, with notable spots like Jeffrey's Bay in South Africa and Hossegor in France.

Current: The Atlantic Ocean is influenced by the Gulf Stream, a powerful warm ocean current.

Average Depth: The average depth of the Atlantic Ocean is approximately 12,080 feet (3,682 metres), similar to the Pacific Ocean.

Indian Ocean

Location: The Indian Ocean is located to the southeast of the continent of Africa, to the west of Australia, and to the north of the Indian subcontinent.

Size: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest out of the five oceans, covering an area of about 28 million square miles.

Average Temperature: The average surface temperature of the Indian Ocean ranges from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

Surf Rating: The Indian Ocean offers excellent surfing conditions, with famous spots like Uluwatu in Bali.

Current: The Indian Ocean is influenced by the monsoon winds, resulting in the reversal of currents during different seasons.

Average Depth: The average depth of the Indian Ocean is approximately 12,080 feet (3,682 metres), similar to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Southern Ocean

Location: The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica, extending northward to the southern coastlines of Australia, South America, Africa, and New Zealand.

Size: The Southern Ocean is the smallest and youngest of the five oceans, covering an area of about 7.8 million square miles.

Average Temperature: The surface temperature of the Southern Ocean varies widely, ranging from around 28°F to 50°F (-2°C to 10°C).

Surf Rating: The Southern Ocean is known for its challenging and cold conditions, making it less popular for surfing compared to the other five oceans.

Current: The Southern Ocean experiences the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the largest ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica.

Average Depth: The average depth of the Southern Ocean is approximately 13,100 feet (3,994 metres).

Arctic Ocean

Location: The Arctic Ocean is situated around the North Pole, surrounded by the northern coastlines of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Size: The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the five oceans, covering an area of about 5.4 million square miles.

Average Temperature: The surface temperature of the Arctic Ocean is typically near freezing, ranging from 28°F to 30°F (-2°C to -1°C).

Surf Rating: The Arctic Ocean is not known for surfing due to its extremely cold temperatures and icy conditions.

Current: The Arctic Ocean experiences the Transpolar Drift and the Beaufort Gyre, contributing to its unique circulation patterns.

Average Depth: The average depth of the Arctic Ocean is approximately 3,953 feet (1,205 metres), making it the shallowest among the five oceans.

Full Map of The Five Oceans

Is There A Sixth Ocean In The World?

According to a recent study, Earth may have a sixth ocean, though it exists in a realm hidden from plain view.

This expansive water reservoir, as revealed by an international study in Nature Geoscience, lies deep within the Earth's structure, specifically in the transition zone between the upper and lower mantle, at depths ranging from 410 to 660 kilometres.

Are There Seven or Five Oceans?

Traditionally, four world oceans were officially recognised: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, many nations, including the United States, now acknowledge the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean as the fifth. While the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans are widely known, the Southern Ocean is the most recently designated ocean.

Why Do We Say Seven Oceans?

In ancient times, the lagoons near Venice were dubbed the septem maria or seven seas by the Romans.

Contemporary interpretations point to these "seven seas" encompassing the Indian Ocean, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Adriatic Sea, Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea.

Smallest Ocean In The World

The smallest Ocean in the world is the Arctic Ocean covering an area of about 5.4 million square miles. 

Best Ocean For Surfing

The Pacific Ocean is renowned for offering some of the best surfing conditions globally, with iconic spots like Pipeline in Hawaii, Tavarua in Fiji, and Jeffrey's Bay in South Africa.

Its vast expanse provides diverse and world-class waves, making it a favourite destination for surfers seeking thrilling and challenging experiences.

Seas of the world

Pacific Ocean: Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, and the Tasman Sea.

Atlantic Ocean: Baltic Sea, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Sargasso Sea, and the South Atlantic Ocean.

Indian Ocean: Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Timor Sea.

Southern Ocean: Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Ross Sea, and Weddell Sea.

Arctic Ocean: Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, and the White Sea.

How Many Seas Are There In The World

There are several seas around the world, and the exact count can vary based on different definitions and classifications.

Generally, there are about 50 recognised seas.

Some well-known seas include the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea, the North Sea, and the South China Sea. Seas are typically smaller than oceans and are partially enclosed by land.

What Are The Five Major Ocean Currents?

North Atlantic Drift (Gulf Stream): Flows from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.

South Equatorial Current: Moves from east to west along the equator in the southern hemisphere.

Kuroshio Current: Flows northward along the eastern coast of Asia, particularly impacting Japan.

Brazil Current: Moves southward along the eastern coast of South America.

Antarctic Circumpolar Current: Circles Antarctica, connecting the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere.

What Is The Strongest Current In The World?

The strongest ocean current in the world is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC).

It is also known as the West Wind Drift. This current flows continuously from west to east around Antarctica and is driven by the strong westerly winds in the Southern Hemisphere.

The ACC is significant due to its vast reach and the volume of water it transports, making it the most powerful and influential ocean current on the planet.

Summing It Up: What To Do Now

Now you understand the five oceans that cover our world it's time to pick one grab your board and get out there!

If your interested in learning more about surfing discover our many guides that will inform you on your surfing journey. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay informed on our amazing surf shots and stories shared from surf creators around the world!