The 10 Best Reefs In The World, For Scuba Diving And Snorkeling

Best coral reefs in the world, such as Belize Barrier Reef, are filled with rare and threatened marine species.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with mangroves, cays, estuaries, atolls, bays, and coastal lagoons. It is also filled with over 500 species of fishes and 106 hard and soft coral species.

One of the top scuba diving destinations, it is the longest continuous barrier reef spanning over 298 km of coastline. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, diving, and sailing are some popular water activities here.

Reef in the Caribbean Sea, Mesoamerican Reef, borders the coasts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.

Home to over 60 coral species, 500 fish species, 350 mollusks, several marine mammals, and seagrasses, it also has some critically endangered species.

It is a prime tourist destination and is globally known as the tapestry for rich marine biodiversity. You can explore the region by going on snorkeling excursions and diving tours.

Solomon Islands beaches and reefs are untouched and some of the healthiest in the world. A tropical paradise, it has immense lagoons, temperate shores of coral islands, and beautiful coral reefs.

It offers a tremendous variety of underwater terrain and habitats and outstanding marine biodiversity. 

Barracuda Point and Mary's Island are some of the popular spots for diving here.

Raja Ampat Coral Reef comprises over 450 different species of corals. One of the richest reefs in the world, it has 75% of all identifiable coral species.

It is home to starfish, sponges, mangroves, seagrass, sea urchins, rainbow runners, parrotfish, six endangered turtle species, marine mammals, and over 1600 fish species.

The locals are dependent on these reefs for their livelihoods. Experience world-class diving adventures, and numerous water sports at Raja Ampat.

Ocean reefs to see that are beautiful include Koh Samui. The coral reefs here are colorful, and the coves and beaches are secluded.

From manta rays to whale sharks and reef sharks, Koh Samui is filled with a wide range of marine life.

The water here is known for outstanding snorkeling possibilities. Silver Beach and Taling Ngam are two of the many beaches with rich reefs here.

Beautiful ocean reef in Papua New Guinea is worth a visit. The coral reef biodiversity, lagoon systems, and extensive coastline make it one of the prettiest places in the world.

The seclusion and remoteness of the place mean that the reefs are very healthy. The marine environment is closer to a paradisiacal state than anywhere else in the world.

With 52,000 km sq of reef systems and 400 coral species, PNG contains a lot of healthy and colorful coral gardens. The Kimbe Bay here is among the must-dives in PNG.

Crystal clear blue water, pristine reefs, and world-class surf resorts make Tavarua Island one of the must-visits.

The 24-acre heart-shaped island offers a wide range of ocean adventures for everyone to relish. Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, kayaking, kiting, and surfing are some of them.

Tavarua Island has protected reefs, making it some of the most abundant in the southern hemisphere.

Marsa Alam in Egypt has some of the healthiest reefs in the world. They run along the shore from Port Ghalib south and are home to a ton of fish and marine life.

Dolphin House - Sha'ab Samadai Reef, Elphinstone Reef, and Sataya Dolphin Reef are some of the most mesmerizing reefs here.

At Brayka Bay, just 18 km north of the city, awaits an array of sea life. Some animals here include reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, parrotfish, and many more.

Great Barrier Reef in Australia is made of hundreds and thousands of individual reef systems.

With an incredible size and abundance of marine life, it is indeed the largest coral reef in the world. It is a site of pilgrimage for water sports lovers, especially scuba divers from all around the world.

This reef stretches 1400 miles down the east coast of Queensland, Australia. You can also dive with sharks on the Osprey Reef.

Maldives has one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. The Maldivian islands all feature stunning coral landscapes.

Because of the location and formations of the reefs, diving in the Maldives is fantastic. The Great Chagos Bank is indeed the largest reef system in the entire Indian Ocean.

Many of the reefs here are easily accessible right off the beach. The locals here depend on the reefs and the tourism it brings for their livelihood.