Which seas and gulfs are connected to the Atlantic Ocean?

The Atlantic Ocean is characterized by a variety of tributary seas and gulfs, particularly in the North Atlantic, which features a more diverse coastline than the South Atlantic.1

These connected bodies of water include:

• Seas: The Caribbean Sea, Baltic Sea, North Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea.1
• Gulfs and Bays: The Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Hudson Bay, and Baffin Bay.1

While many of these bodies are directly connected to the Atlantic, some maintain specific, restricted access. For example, the Mediterranean Sea communicates with the Atlantic only through the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow passage that significantly influences the conditions of both the sea and the open ocean. Similarly, the Gulf of Mexico is connected to the ocean via the Straits of Florida and the Yucatán Channel.23