The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world, with some of the most beautiful coastal seascapes anywhere.

Known for super luxe polished quartz crystal sand, as white as the driven snow, and warm, sparkling emerald waters. Called ‘The Mediterranean of the Americas’, the Gulf supports some of the largest fisheries in the world. That fact combined with moderate, year round temperatures gives Destin Florida the distinction of having one of the biggest fleets of charter fishing vessels in the nation, often touted as being ‘the Luckiest Fishing Village on Earth’.

The Gulf is a spectacular natural wonder, with an astonishing diversity of species, many of which can be seen by travelers to our semi-tropical oasis. Here’s some of the most interesting facts about the Gulf of Mexico that will inspire you to learn more about this unique place when booking your stay at the Sea Oats Motel in sunny Destin Florida.

The Amazing Gulf of Mexico:

• The Gulf was created first by continental plates colliding in the Late Triassic period, around 300 million years ago, and then by the sea floor sinking.
• Almost half of the gulf basin is shallow waters over continental shelves, though it contains a trough that measures as deep as 14,383 feet.
• The total coastline of the gulf measures approximately 3,540 miles from the tip of Florida to the tip of the Yucatan.
• Along the US portion of the Gulf coast, 33 major river systems and 207 estuaries empty into the sea. -The Gulf Stream, which originates in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the strongest ocean currents in the world.
• The gulf coasts offers overs a range of habitats, including submerged vegetation, important upland areas, marine/offshore areas and over 5 million acres of wetlands, making up over a quarter of the wetlands in the United States.
• There are 29 marine mammal species found in the Gulf of Mexico, including such icons as bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, minke whales, sperm whales, and the West Indian manatee. Many of the species of marine mammals found here are threatened or endangered.
• The gulf is home to five species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, including Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, Hawksbill sea turtles, Green sea turtles, Loggerhead sea turtles and Leatherback sea turtles.

These facts and so much more are why we love our Gulf home and why you will love it too. When planning a trip to see our unbelievable Gulf coastline, we hope you’ll decide to stay with the caring staff at the Sea Oats Motel. There’s no better venue to enjoy all the amazing beaches, shopping, dining and unique area attractions from, than our outstanding, beachfront accommodations.

Our units include cozy furniture, spacious living areas, sumptuous beds dressed in crisp linens, oversized bathrooms, and private balcony facing endless miles of blue horizon bordered by sparkling emerald waters as well as fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, high speed internet, large flat screen televisions with movies on demand, and lots of fluffy towels.

Amenities range from first rate beach services who can provide access to chairs, umbrellas, jet skis and more, to our huge beachside pools, surrounded by lush vegetation and fragrant flowers, to our lighted tennis courts, and finally our shuttle service which will get your family safely around the shore.

There are so many adventures to be had nearby to Sea Oats Motel that you may not know where to start first, but you will know that you picked the perfect place to stay on your visit to the Emerald Coast.

Call the Sea Oats Motel today to learn more about our summer rates or to book your stay! 850-837-6655