Coral reefs offer some of the best dive experiences, thanks to their abundant marine life, diverse corals and warm water diving opportunities. Whether the reefs are deep or shallow, there is always something new to find. From tiny technicolour sea slugs to huge ocean giants passing by, coral reefs host it all.
Here, the divers at LiveAboard.com share their 8 of their favourite coral reefs to dive and easy ways you can help protect coral reefs around the world from harm.
1. Komodo, Indonesia
Komodo is one of the most marine species-rich destinations in the world, offering exceptional Indonesia scuba diving and the chance to see Komodo dragons.
Being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is no surprise the Komodo National Park has something special to offer divers, including over 1,000 fish species, manta rays, dolphins, eagle rays and abundant reef life.
Go diving there and you can immerse in a world of huge underwater pinnacles busy with schools of fish. There are reliable manta ray cleaning stations, vibrant soft corals and plenty of reef sharks to find.
When you’ve had enough diving, you can visit one of the only pink sand beaches in the world or go walking with Komodo dragons.
You can find Green Fins members in Labuan Bajo Komodo here.
2. Wakatobi, Indonesia
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Wakatobi National Park is a renowned example of successful marine conservation, with thriving reefs photography fans return to time and again.
The islands of Wakatobi, scattered across bright turquoise waters, are perfect for both divers and snorkellers thanks to the abundance of life in the shallows and at depth.
Hawksbill and green sea turtles can be seen at Wakatobi, grazing on shallow seagrass beds and munching on huge reef sponges respectively. Meanwhile, the reefs are busy with swirling schools of pelagic fish and the tiniest critters you can imagine.
This is one of the best destinations in the world for finding pygmy seahorses. You’ll need to look closely though – they’re smaller than your little fingernail!
3. Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea
Ranked as one of the world’s best coral reefs by National Geographic, Kimbe Bay is a great dive destination far off the tourist trail.
There are over 200 dive sites and flourishing coral reefs untouched by humans. Being sheltered from the open ocean, the corals of Kimbe Bay have reached enormous proportions. Coral bridges covered in sea fans and staghorn corals provide a dramatic backdrop against big schools of barracuda and passing dolphins. You can also dive a well-preserved WWII Mitsubishi Zero fighter plane there.
