Top 10 Largest Coral Reefs in the World

This ecosystem is situated off the coast of Australia and spans approximately 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles). It's home to an incredible array of marine life, including more than 1,500 species of fish, 600 types of coral, and many other creatures such as sharks, rays, and turtles. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest single structure made by living organisms, stretching across nearly 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 sq mi).

Located in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of New Caledonia, this reef system covers around 12,000 square kilometers (4,633 sq mi). It's renowned for its vibrant coral and diverse marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and rays. The New Caledonia Barrier Reef is considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Situated off the coast of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, this reef system spans approximately 410 kilometers (255 mi). With its unique location at the intersection of African, Arabian, and Asian tectonic plates, it has created a rich array of marine life. The Red Sea Coral Reef is often referred to as one of the best places on Earth for scuba diving.

Off the coast of Belize in Central America lies this large reef system that covers around 300 kilometers (186 mi). It's famous for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including over 500 species of fish, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Andros Island in the Bahamas, this reef system stretches about 320 kilometers (200 mi). It's one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world, providing vital habitat for an array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The Andros Barrier Reef is particularly known for its remote location.

This small island nation in the Indian Ocean has a unique system of atolls with a barrier reef covering about 90 kilometers (56 mi). It's celebrated for its pristine beaches and diverse marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and an incredible array of fish species. The Maldives Coral Reef is often considered one of the best places to see dolphins.

Found off the coast of Western Australia, this reef system spans approximately 200 kilometers (124 mi) and features some of the most pristine coral in the world. It's renowned for its whale shark population, where these gentle giants migrate through the waters between March and July each year. The Ningaloo Reef is an incredible place to see tropical fish, rays, and sharks.

Located off the coast of Indonesia in the Pacific Ocean, this reef system covers about 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 sq mi). It's home to a significant number of marine species, including sea turtles, whales, and various fish types. The Banda Sea Coral Reef is often referred to as one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

Situated about 500 kilometers (310 mi) off the coast of Costa Rica, this reef system covers around 1,400 square kilometers (540 sq mi). It's a popular destination for deep-sea diving due to its incredible marine life and unique underwater landscapes. The Cocos Island Coral Reef is known as one of the most remote places on Earth.

Located off the coast of Indonesia in the Pacific Ocean, this reef system covers about 4,000 square kilometers (1,544 sq mi). It's often referred to as one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.