5 Reefs and Atolls You Must See Around the World
Reefs and atolls are some of the most fascinating eco-systems on earth. Bursting with life, they are a community of living organisms that includes plants and fish as well as coral. They are amongst the most diverse eco-systems in the world, making them fascinating to view and explore. Here we list five reefs and atolls from around the world that you must see if you get the chance.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The largest coral reef on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing that you can see from space. With corals, coral sponges, rays, dolphins, 1500 species of tropical fish, sea turtles and clams galore, the Great Barrier Reef is 1800 miles along the Queensland coast. Stay at Heron Island for 20 different dive sites that explode with colour and wildlife.
South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Atolls are reefs that have formed a ring around an underwater volcano, and stays there after the volcano recedes into the sea. The habitat inside the ring of coral is protected from the open water and is called a lagoon. The Maldives has 16 main atolls, and the dive sites around the South Ari Atoll have underwater islands that are covered in soft corals. Malhoss Blue Caves have overhanging clear blue corals which are a breathtaking sight to see. Stay in a luxury hotel for the true Maldives experience.
Nosy Be, Madagascar
This small island of the coast of Madagascar offers gorgeous reefs aplenty. They are deeper than normal, so they aren’t as bleached as other reefs, and they have less damage from fishing because the locals only use lines – this is a perfect destination for those who wish to view truly unspoilt nature.
Belize
At 170 miles, Belize is the second largest coral reef in the world. With three-metre sea fans, basket sponges, giant groupers and brightly coloured corals, Belize is a coral reef well worth visiting. As well as the reef itself, there are also three distinct atolls: the Turneffe Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Glovers Reef. The Lighthouse Reef is home to the Great Blue Hole, a 407 foot deep hole where midnight parrotfish and Caribbean reef shark live.
Raja Ampats, Indonesia
This reef offers 600 species of hard coral and 1200 varieties of fish. The reef is in great condition, and according to Conservation International marine surveys has the highest diversity of marine life in the world. It is part of the coral triangle, and the remote islands are relatively untouched, making the area perfect for diving all year round.
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