Cyclone

Sea Cyclones are recurring throughout the Legend Of Zelda series. They can either be used as transportation or they may teleport Link to a different part of the Great Sea.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Sea Cyclones are created by Cyclos in the Great Sea. If Link approaches one, a storm will begin and Cyclos will appear in the middle of the cyclone. Link has a time limit to defeat Cyclos (by shooting three arrows at him) or he will be pulled into the cyclone and thrown to a different part of the Great Sea. If Link defeats him, Cyclos will teach Link the Ballad Of The Gales so he can create his own cyclones.

The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
There are two types of cyclones: Big and Small. Small Cyclones are found around the Isle Of Gust and Molida Island and damage the S.S. Linebeck if it gets too close. Big Cyclones are rare and usually serve as roadblocks.

Big Cyclones can be found above Mercay Island, in front of the Isle Of Ruins, and a hidden one is near Goron Island. The one above Mercay Island prevents Link from entering the Northwestern Sea that way until he has beaten the Wind Temple. The one in front of the Isle Of Ruins blocks entrance until Link has obtained the Regal Necklace, and the one near Goron Island is only activated when Link is on the island wall, too far from the mini-boss.

Cyclones can also be used as a mode of transportation, via the Cyclone Slate.