Coral reefs are the most colourful creations under the water. They are also known as the “rainforests of the sea”.
These reefs hide so many secrets in them in the form of different marine creatures, so many of which are yet to get discovered.
ADVERTISEMENT
Different types of coral reefs show different characteristics and the looks are sublime.
The fascinating underwater world will inspire you and your thinking, in a totally distinct way.
In this article, you will get to know about the following coral reefs to visit in the world,
Let’s see each of these in detail…
1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier reef is situated off the Australian coast of Queensland and is the largest reef system in the world.
It includes more than 2,900 individual reefs, and 900 islands running across 2300 kilometres.
This reef is visible from outer space and is built of billions of tiny living organisms, called coral polyps and is the biggest single living structure.
The diversity of life in this reef system is insanely beautiful.
ADVERTISEMENT
Thirty species of cetaceans are found on the reef, which includes Indo-pacific humpback dolphin, humpback whale and dwarf min whale.
The dugongs’ population is large on these reefs.
There are more than 1500 pieces species, including red bass, clownfish, different species of snapper, red throat emperor, and coral trout.
Water animals are found here and the list is endless.
So many species of sea creatures are found here and so much is there to be discovered. It has become one of the most intricate crude ecosystems on the planet.
2. New Caledonia Barrier Reef, New Caledonia
New Caledonia Barrier Reef is a French territory situated in the southern pacific.
It is surrounded by the largest lagoon in the world, with an area of 9000 sq. miles and the encircling reef is also one of the longest on the globe.
This reef has diverse species of marine animals including 2328 species of fish.
It holds the third-largest population of endangered dugongs and is a very significant habitat for green sea turtles.
Over 200 molluscs and a blooming population of humpback whales are present here.
The best part is you can go scuba diving at various sites in the lagoon and enjoy the sights of the coral reefs along with the swimming marine creatures.
3. Rainbow Reef, Fiji
Located in the Somosomo strait, between the Fijian islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni, Rainbow Reef is famous for its beautiful dive sites.
This coral reef is the habitat of 1200 exotic pieces species and 230 hard and soft corals.
The giant white wall, under the water and surrounded by fish is as beautiful as you can imagine.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are indefinite colonies of soft blue corals and the currents at this part are very strong, so divers who are experienced can go diving here.
Swimming with the Manta rays is another experience of a lifetime.
The activity is conducted from the month of May to October.
Keep your cameras ready when you go diving with the rays and when they arrive with their different majestic sizes.
4. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is also known as the species factory.
It is an archipelago at the northwestern tip of Bird’s head peninsula, in Indonesia’s west Papua province. It covers an area of 8034.44 sq. kilometres.
The islands have a tropical kind of climate ranging between 68 to 91°F.
Raja Ampat is considered to be the global centre of tropical marine diversity. This region comprises over 600 hard coral species and over 1700 species of reef fish.
It’s also the habitat of rare marine creatures like a few kinds of whales, dugongs, orcas and dolphins.
There is much more biodiversity in this region wobbegongs, jellyfish, and way too many more.
5. Great Chagos Archipelago Reef, Indian Ocean
Great Chagos Archipelago takes up more than 550000 sq. kilometres of the area covered with reefs and shallow limestone platforms.
The islands formed with the corals are called atolls.
The scenic beauty is mesmerising and to date, these reefs are the least polluted ones, hence well preserved.
It is home to the human brain like Ctenella Chagius.
ADVERTISEMENT
320 species are fish are living in this coral reef including butterfly fish, dam shellfish wrasses and quite a few more.
A few different species of rays were also reported.
It is a charming archipelago with all the coral reefs and the majestically colourful fishes and other sea creatures.
6. Apo Reef, Philippines
Apo Reef is a coral reef system located in the western waters of occidental Mindoro, Philippines. It consumes an area of 34 sq. kilometres and is separated by the Apo east pass from the actual land.
There is giant napoleon wrasse, yellow margin triggerfish, yellow-white soft coral, cushion star, yellow crinoid, sea cucumbers and numerous others.
It is literally considered to be the sanctuary to many species including endangered ones.
The vibrant corals, fishes, and other marine creatures, and the deep blue water makes it more desirable.
You can also go scuba diving and snorkelling, in the reef area, the experience will be worth every moment due to the flora and fauna and the crystalline water along with the glistening white sand.
These are some of the most popular and beautiful coral reefs in the world.
The ecosystems of these reefs are literally God-gifted and are existing for millions of years with the same aura.
If possible, I would suggest going and looking at a few of these amazing creations. They are mind-boggling but in a great way.
Some more articles you can check out:
- How to Check (Track) Passport Status Online In India 2024
- 6 Best Places To Try Paragliding In India 2024
- How To Add Money To IRCTC e-Wallet Online 2023
- IRCTC e-Wallet Registration Process Online 2023
- 6 Must Visit Beaches Near Santa Ana (California)
- 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Odisha
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article are affiliate links. This means when you buy or book anything using those links, you help support this website at no extra cost.
The images used in the article are for representation purposes only.
