What makes a barrier reef a barrier reef? We're here to tell you. Often referred to as 'rainforests of the sea,' barrier reefs are composed of billions of tiny coral polyps that form living walls, providing food and shelter for an array of underwater life and serving as hubs of buzzing marine biodiversity. While you've probably heard of Australia's gargantuan Great Barrier Reef, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these spectacular structures. Intrigued? Read on for our list of the best barrier reefs in the world…
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
It's only right to kick off our list of the best barrier reefs in the world with the most famous of them all: Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This mega reef stretches a whopping 1,553 miles along Queensland's coastline, making it the world's largest coral reef system (it's even visible from space). But it's not just great in terms of size. This UNESCO World Heritage site also earns this title for its incredible marine biodiversity, ranging from tiny tropical reef fish to majestic humpback whales.
Although the Great Barrier Reef has suffered from climate change-led coral bleaching over the years, ongoing conservation efforts are designed to preserve this stunning natural site, allowing divers to marvel at its vibrant corals and marvellous marine life for years to come.
Great Astrolabe Reef, Fiji
Located off the southern coast of Fiji's Kadavu Island, the Great Astrolabe Reef is known for its pristine coral formations, diverse marine life and dramatic underwater passages. Stretching just over 62 miles, the reef's myriad dive sites mean that amateurs and pros alike are drawn to Fiji's clear waters.
Mask up and dive down to Naiqoro Passage for kaleidoscopic corals and cute butterflyfish or explore the reef's manta cleaning stations to witness crowds of rays having bacteria removed by teeny-tiny fish and shrimp. The reef is also a bustling breeding ground for tuna, marlin and sharks, so you'll be treated to magnificent marine sightings whichever way you look.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Atlantic Ocean
Spanning the coastline of four epic South American countries - Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras - the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in terms of scale (and, in our humble opinion, diving opportunities).
If you're mad about marine life, you're in luck: the reef system is home to a vast range of underwater critters, from stunning sea turtles and majestic mantas to elusive whale sharks. On top of its incredible biodiversity, the reef system also serves to protect the Caribbean coastline, meaning divers can expect crystal-clear waters and secluded sites.
Red Sea Coral Reef, Red Sea
It's no secret that we love the Red Sea. This vast tropical ocean boasts over 1,200 miles of 5,000-year-old kaleidoscopic reefs running along the coastlines of Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia. Its longevity and proximity to Egypt's famous historic sites make it one of the seven wonders of the underwater world.
The scale of the Red Sea Coral Reef means that its diving opportunities are incredibly varied: in the northern Red Sea, you'll find incredible wreck diving sites, while the southern Red Sea is home to picture-perfect soft coral gardens. Wherever you choose, you can expect intricate coral formations, fantastic visibility and opportunities to swim with rays, dolphins and sharks - does it get any better than that?
Andros Coral Reef, Bahamas
Last (but certainly not least) on our list of the best barrier reefs in the world is Andros Coral Reef. This Bahamian reef is the third largest in the world, stretching over 120 miles along Andros Island, and is home to a vast array of dive sites and beautifully diverse marine life. Its remote location also means that the coral here is largely untouched, making for pristine views (and some pretty incredible underwater snapshots).
While the reef is home to a variety of dive sites, its wall dives are the true star of the show, dropping to depths of around 2,000m. As you swim along this incredible underwater cliff, keep your eyes peeled for vibrant tropical fish, curious lemon sharks and endangered Nassau groupers as they weave along the lush coral formations.
