Crossing the Pacific… The World’s Largest Ocean
Dubbed Mar Pacifico (peaceful sea) by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, the Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world’s five oceans. To put its size into perspective, it occupies about a third of the globe’s surface and if you combined all the Earth’s landforms, the Pacific would still be bigger. Our travels across the South Pacific were by no means extensive considering its size, but our cultural and natural experiences were probably the most diverse of any place we have ever visited. Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh baguettes in downtown Papeete, Tahiti or beachcombing on a deserted island beach, visiting an island settled by the Bounty mutineers or trading for pearls in the Cooks Islands. This and more awaits you if you care to explore.
Some Interesting Pacific Ocean Facts
The largest of all five oceans, The Pacific Ocean contains 50.1% of all the world’s ocean water.
The average depth is 13,024 feet, with the deepest part known as Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, 36,037 feet below sea level.
The Pacific is home to most of the world’s islands, a staggering number of more than 25,000.
An area in the Pacific Ocean called the “Ring of Fire” contains most of the world’s active volcanoes, located underwater.
Total Surface Area: 65.1 million mi2
Total Coastline: 84,297 miles
Total Volume of Water: 160.7 million mi3
Click on an image below to explore the wonder of this vast and exotic area of the world. Interested in more information about this area?
After crossing the Pacific, we moved west and down under. Continue your travels with us in Oceania.