Deutsch: Ozean / Español: Océano / Português: Oceano -/ Français: Océan / Italiano: Oceano
An ocean is a body of saline water that composes much of a planet's hydrosphere. On Earth, an ocean is one or all of the major divisions of the planet's World Ocean â€" which are, in descending order of area, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern (Antarctic), and Arctic Oceans. The word sea is often used interchangeably with "ocean" in American English but, strictly speaking, a sea is a body of saline water (generally a division of the World Ocean) that land partly or fully encloses.
In the travel context, the ocean refers to the large bodies of saltwater that cover most of the Earth's surface. Oceans offer various travel opportunities, including beach vacations, cruises, water sports, and marine wildlife encounters.
Examples of travel experiences related to the ocean include:
- A beach vacation on a tropical island, such as Hawaii or the Maldives.
- A cruise to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Alaska.
- Water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving in destinations with clear waters, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the Red Sea in Egypt.
- Whale watching tours in destinations such as Iceland, Hawaii, or Alaska.
Similar things to the ocean in the travel context include:
- Lakes - large bodies of freshwater that offer opportunities for swimming, boating, and other water activities.
- Rivers - bodies of water that offer scenic views and opportunities for activities such as river cruises or white-water rafting.
- Waterfalls - natural wonders that can be visited for scenic views or hiking opportunities.
- Hot springs - natural pools of geothermally heated water that offer relaxation and wellness experiences.
- Caves - natural formations that can be visited for exploration or guided tours.
- Glaciers - frozen bodies of water that can be visited for scenic views or guided tours.