Best Coral Reefs

The best coral reefs are vibrant and colourful underwater gardens of magnificently-shaped corals and exotic fish and are true 'before you die' experiences. If you visit coral reefs responsibly and treat them with respect, you can support conservation projects and local tourism and help preserve them.

Coral reefs are found in shallow tropical waters where they have plenty of light and are formed when new coral grows over the top of the eroded calcium skeletons of dead coral. Residents of coral reefs include around 4,000 different types of reef fish, some of the earth’s most ornate creatures, as well as sponges, starfish, sea urchins, sea snakes, turtles, jellyfish, worms and sea cucumbers.

The warm waters that corals favour, along with plenty of sunshine and dense marine life, also attract tourism - meaning these beautiful natural wonders are threatened by pollution and fishing, and are highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Always treat them with the utmost care.

Related categories: Waterfalls, Lakes, Coastlines, Beaches, Islands.

Experts on Coral Reefs

Becky White

Having worked in law for 25 years and raised several children I took it upon myself as I have gotten older to spend more time doing the things I enjoy. Traveling to places famed for their marine environments and living off boats and on tropical...
Johnny Singh

I am currently working as a marine biologist at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, where I am responsible for educating guests about marine ecology and conservation, ensuring the resort is applying environmental standards. I also conduct...
Keraili Grant

Proud to be a Hawaiian native, I now work at conserving the regions natural marine wonders by promoting safe access and careful use in my work as an author, guide, conservationist, broadcaster and educator.