There’s a good reason many travelers trek halfway around the world to go snorkeling or scuba diving. Their mission? To scout out some of the world’s top coral reefs, marine habitats that are flush with saltwater fish, corals and crustaceans. It also doesn’t hurt that most of the world’s coral reefs are found in tropical waters like those surrounding Southeast Asia, Florida, Australia and the Bahamas.
These colorful ecosystems are often filled with stunning sea creatures like starfish, eels, urchins, turtles and even sharks. The reefs themselves typically showcase a wide and bright range of corals, from soft corals like sea anemones and sea fans to hard types like brain coral. Many of the world’s reefs are now protected, and tourism helps local organizations continue to keep these wondrous underwater habitats healthy.
You don’t need your scuba certification to enjoy a peek at the world’s top reefs, though; take a glimpse under the sea with this photo tour of coral reefs from around the world.
(Main image: Will Steacy/NOAA’s National Ocean Service)
