Gulf of Mexico

The western Gulf of Mexico meets the long coast of Tamaulipas and Veracruz, where sandy barriers enclose lagoons behind the shore. To the south, the broad waters of Tamiahua Lagoon lie behind Cabo Rojo, while farther north Laguna Madre stretches along the coast. Rivers carry water from the Mexican interior through these lowlands to the sea. Offshore, the open Gulf extends eastward toward deeper waters.