Get a Glimpse of the most Gorgeous Coral Reefs on Our Planet. Here is a list of the top 10 Prettiest Coral Reefs, also known as the "Rainforests of the Sea".

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10. The Great Barrier Reef
Located in Australian waters, this is not only the largest, but also the most well-known one. It has around three thousand individual reef systems in it, and is about the same size as Japan. In case you were wondering, yes, it can be seen from outer space. The reef is estimated to be up to two million years old. This stunning reef is located near the Australian state of Queensland, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The reef attracts over two million visitors each year.

9. Belize barrier reef
This coral reef, too, is a world heritage site. It’s 190 miles long and occupies an area of 370 square miles. It has over a hundred different coral species, and around 500 species of fish. The Belize barrier reef is located off the coast of Belize, as close as a thousand feet in some places. It is a major tourist attraction, and attracts as many as half the 260,000 yearly visitors – who go scuba diving and snorkeling to see the colorful corals. Unfortunately, due to uncertain reasons, a large portion of the reef’s corals are damaged, and protection efforts are being initiated to reverse – or at least control the damage.

8. New Caledonia barrier reef
Located off the north-east coast of Australia, the New Caledonia barrier reef is named after its structure – which is roughly parallel to the seashore, and is separated from it by deep water. It’s the second-longest reef in the world, with a length of 930 miles. That’s half as long as Japan!
The reef has the world’s most diverse structure, with 146 different types of corals in it. In terms of coral and fish diversity, the New Caledonian barrier reef at least equals – and possibly surpasses – the Great Barrier Reef.

7. Fiji’s Rainbow reef
This coral reef lies between two Fijian islands, and comprises 230 varieties of coral and almost 1200 fish species. The creatures found here are truly gorgeous, from the electric blue ribbon eels, to beautiful carpet anemones, majestic lionfish and stunning coral varieties such as the staghorn.
The Rainbow Reef is famous worldwide for The Great White Wall, a dive location considered by divers to be one of the best.

6. The Maldives coral reef
Made up of 1200 small islands and blessed with wonderful weather year-round, the Maldives have often been described as heavenly. From majestic manta rays to the adorable butterfly fish, the waters are teeming with fauna you can’t take your eyes off. Pretty though the fish are, they’re nothing compared to the corals. The cup corals, brain corals and whip corals are just a few of the wonderful varieties found in these islands.

5. Tubbataha reefs natural park
Located in the Phillippines, this reef is considered one of the best diving sites in the world. The reefs are pristine and colorful, with 360 species of coral in them, and 600 species of fish. In addition, they have sharks, dolphins, whales, and beautiful birds.
The dive season at the reef extends from mid-March to mid-June, when the weather is mild and the seas are calm.

4. Red sea coral reef
This reef is located in the Red Sea as the name suggests, off the coasts of Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The flora and fauna found here is unique, with ten percent of the creatures being found nowhere else in the world. The reef is estimated to be thousands of years old, and is home to 1200 different species.

3. Florida Keys reef
The Florida Keys reef is the only living barrier reef in North America. It’s 700 miles long, and houses 65 coral varieties and over 500 species of fish. Fish species such as the French angelfish, Blue and Queen parrotfish, goatfish, Queen triggerfish and many others can also be found here.

2. Coral reefs in Lakshadweep
Situated in the Indian ocean, the Lakshadweep islands are surrounded by coral reefs of astounding beauty. The pleasant weather, local birds, coconut trees, pristine sand, and the vibrant coral make for a truly winning combination.

1. Hawaiian coral reef
Located near the US islands of Hawaii, this coral reef is home to many varieties of fish and other marine life forms. While the list of the varieties may not be long, they’re interesting all the same as almost a quarter of them are endemic to the islands. Whether the blue rice coral, rice coral or the finger coral, they’re all marvels of nature. Did you know that one of the biggest threats to corals is suntan lotion? It protects your skin, but chemicals like oxybenzone which are found in most lotions can get absorbed by corals and lead to bleaching. Because of this, places like Hawaii have outright banned certain sunscreen ingredients.

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