Top 10 Most Vibrant National Parks

Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, USA, Yellowstone is America's first national park, established in 1872. Spanning over 9,000 square kilometers (3,500 sq mi), the park is known for its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and hot springs, as well as an abundance of wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including 2,000 hot springs and 5,800 geysers. The park's unique geology was formed by volcanic activity in the past 17 million years. Established in 1872, it predates all other national parks in the United States. Yellowstone is often referred to as a living laboratory due to its diverse geological features.

Situated off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 sq mi). The park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, home to over 1,500 species of fish, 600 types of coral, and numerous other marine life. The reef system stretches over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) long. Established in 1975, it is a vital area for research, tourism, and conservation efforts. As the largest single structure made by living organisms on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef is an awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Located in Tanzania and Kenya, Africa, Serengeti National Park covers over 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 sq mi). Renowned for its annual Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, the park is also known for its diverse wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and elephants. With an estimated 300 species of animals, the Serengeti hosts some of Africa's most iconic creatures. The park receives millions of visitors each year due to its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Dating back about 40,000 years, human habitation is believed to have started in this area.

Spanning across nine countries in South America including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, the Amazon Rainforest covers nearly 5.5 million square kilometers (2.1 million sq mi). Often referred to as the world's lungs due to its massive contribution of oxygen, it is also home to over 10% of all known plant species, thousands of fish in rivers and streams, and countless bird species. Estimated to be around 55 million years old, this vast ecosystem supports indigenous communities living off the land sustainably. The Amazon Rainforest produces about 20% of the world's oxygen.

Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil in South America, Iguazu Falls spans over approximately 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) long and consists of over 275 individual cascades and waterfalls. Situated within an area that covers over 2.7 million square meters, it attracts millions of visitors yearly. The falls are powered by the Iguazu River and have formed through glacial retreat over thousands of years. Established in 1934 as the "Parque Nacional de las Cataratas," the park contains hiking trails for both locals and tourists.

Situated in Croatia, Europe, this national park covers around 82 square kilometers (32 sq mi) with 16 interconnected lakes creating a vast array of beautiful natural landscapes and geological formations. The area is known for its unique turquoise waterfalls originating from numerous underground springs. Over 100 species of birds can be found here, as well as the European Lynx, Bear Ursus and Wolf. In 1979 it became one of Croatia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Situated in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, the small island of Bora Bora covers an area of approximately 30 square kilometers (12 sq mi). Its main claim to fame is its picturesque white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise lagoon home to a vibrant coral reef system. The park's primary mode of transportation for locals includes paddleboats or boat rides across its sea. This island has served as the backdrop for countless films like "Moana," adding significantly to its allure.

Situated on the border between Arizona and Utah in the United States, the Grand Canyon covers approximately 4,900 square kilometers (1,907 sq mi). The canyon system is over a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. Established in 1919, it has become one of America's most popular national parks due to its massive geological size and diversity of wildlife such as condors, eagles, and bighorn sheep. It received the designation of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

Situated in southwestern Utah, USA, Zion National Park covers an area of approximately 1,157 square kilometers (447 sq mi). Renowned for its unique sandstone formations that create dramatic red rock landscapes, it is known as a paradise to outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers and climbers. Home to numerous wildlife species including mule deer, peregrine falcons, and great horned owls. The park features over 1,500 feet of sandstone cliffs stretching upwards towards Angels Landing.

Situated off the coast of Vietnam, in Southeast Asia, Ha Long Bay covers an area of approximately 1,600 square kilometers (618 sq mi). With thousands of limestone islands and islets dotting the bay's shores, it resembles a natural 'ghost town' from above. The park features around 2,000 limestone outcrops within its borders. Known for its beautiful landscapes created by millions of years of erosion, these limestone islands are not only visually stunning but also home to numerous species such as bats and birds.