must see coral reefs around the world
12 Must-see Coral Reefs Around the World
A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem bound together with the help of calcium carbonate formed by corals. Situated off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981.
The Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is a collection of coral reefs along the coast of Belize, near the Caribbean Sea. It forms a major part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, which is the second-largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. It is also home to three distinct Caribbean atolls, one of them being the Glover's Reef.
The New Caledonia Barrier Reef
It is a double-barrier coral reef that is famous for its lagoon which extends up to 24,000 square kilometers!
The Raja Ampat Reef
Located in the far east of Indonesia, the Raja Ampat island is part of the Coral Triangle, an archipelago that has a fascinating mythological background. Boasting of numerous varieties of coral and fish, the Raja Ampat Reef is one of the richest coral reefs on the planet.
The Apo Reef
The submerged Apo Reef is marked by three islands - the Apo island, the Cayos del Bajo, and the Apo Menor. This reef is second largest single expanse coral reef in the world.
The Andros Barrier Reef
It is the sixth-longest barrier reef in the world and encompasses a wonderful combination of over 164 species of fish and coral.
The Red Sea Coral Reefs
Some of the reef structures here are over 5000 years old, and though there are no real barrier reefs, the coral reef system encloses actual atolls.
The Taveuni Reefs
The third-largest island in the Fiji islands boasts of two major attractions, the Vuna Reef and the Rainbow Reef. These reefs are renowned spots for diving and underwater activities.
The Roatan Reefs
The Roatan coral reefs form a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The island is among the top destinations for diving and snorkeling.
The Koh Tao Reefs
The Koh Tao reef is home to incredibly fascinating coral reef systems, and encompasses over 200 species of fish and 120 species of hard corals.
The Bonaire Reefs
Geologists have reason to believe that Bonaire island is actually an enormous coral reef that has probably been pushed above and below the sea. The entire island encompasses amazingly flawless and delicate coral reef structures and has been well-preserved by the Dutch government.
The Palancar Reef
The Palancar reef possesses an incredibly amazing range of marine biodiversity and aquatic life, some of the prime ones being, crabs, sea turtles, moray eels, parrotfish, and more.