what ocean is west of South America

That would be the Pacific Ocean. I've spent plenty of time navigating those waters, and honestly, it's massive. Once you head west from the coast of South America, you're pretty much staring into an endless stretch of blue until you hit the islands or eventually make your way toward the other side of the world.

It's definitely the most recognizable body of water when you're looking at a map of that region. The currents out there can be tricky to deal with sometimes, but it's a part of the job that you just get used to after a while. If you're planning a trip or just looking at a globe, you can't miss it.