The Ocean’s turbulent energy cycle has a paradox; large-scale eddies under the control of Earth’s rotation transfer kinetic energy (KE) to larger scales via an inverse cascade, while a transfer to smaller scales is needed for dissipation. It has been hypothesized, using simulations, that fronts, waves and other turbulent structures can produce a forward cascade of KE toward dissipation scales. With a combination of the latest turbulence theory beyond the classic inertial range, in-situ velocity measurements from surface drifters in the Gulf of Mexico and high-resolution direct numerical simulations, we present the evidence of a dual KE cascade in the Ocean. Our results show that KE is injected at two dominant scales and transferred to both large and small scales, with the downscale flux dominating at scales smaller than 1-10 km. The cascade rates are modulated seasonally, with stronger KE injection and downscale transfer during winter.