Straits of Florida

The Straits of Florida is a maritime passage between the Florida Keys and Cuba that connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The channel extends roughly 150 kilometers and reaches depths of about 1,800 meters at its deepest point.

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first documented these waters in 1513, marking the beginning of European navigation through this passage. The route was then used for centuries by traders and seafarers crossing between the Atlantic and Gulf regions.

The maritime border between Cuba and the United States, established in 1977, divides the strait into two distinct economic zones for resource management.

A strong ocean current called the Florida Current flows through the strait and significantly affects navigation and shipping traffic. Those observing or traveling through this waterway should be aware of the strong currents and tidal movements.

Several exploratory wells were drilled south of the Florida Keys during the 1950s to search for mineral deposits. These drilling attempts produced no major discoveries but remain part of the water's exploration history.