To start with, coral reefs are an underwater ecosystem that is formed when calcium carbonate binds together the coral polyps. These beautiful looking underwater creations are worth admiring and hence tourists visit different countries all over the world to witness them. Where are these actually located? These are mainly located near the equator. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest one, located in Australia. Coral Reefs are known to be found in over 100 countries throughout the world. They form a belt in between the Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer. Some of the areas falling under this belt are The Persian Gulf, The Indian Ocean, The Pacific Ocean, The Red Sea, and the Caribbean Sea. You may also witness coral reefs away from the equator in countries where the warm currents from the Tropics flow. Some such places are Southern Japan and Florida.The Great Barrier Reef, AustraliaAs mentioned before, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest of all the coral reefs in the world. Not only the largest one but also it is considered as one of the most beautiful reefs in the world. It is a bunch of more than 3000 individual reef systems that have more than 400 different corals. The bright coloured ecosystem is abundant with lively marine creatures. The reef apart from its underwater beauty also is known for its beautiful islands and beaches with pristine water. Known among the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef, situated on the Queensland off coast also attracts a huge crowd of tourists each year. Belize Barrier Reef Central AmericaAfter the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Belize Barrier Reef in Central America is the second largest coral reef in the world. Also, it is the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. The place is also famous for its Mangrove forests and coastal lagoons. The reef is a combination of 106 different corals and is home to more than 500 species of colourful fishes and marine lives. Scientists are still doing their research to find out more coral types here. Also, in the latest expedition, it has been found that almost 40% of the corals are getting damaged due to human reasons. Recently, some steps are taken to safeguard the corals of this area. MaldivesTourists find the Maldives to be one of the best destinations when they are looking for isolated islands and beaches. The Maldives has as many as 1200 different islands which are all known for their breathtaking landscapes and vibrant coral reefs and marine life. It was during the event of El Nino in the year 1998 when the ocean water faced extreme warming and hence it led to the bleaching of the coral reefs. But recently, signs of recovery have been witnessed in the reefs and hopefully, they may get back their colours back again. New Caledonia Barrier Reef FranceNew Caledonia Barrier Reef is the place where one can witness the best creations of Mother Nature. The water of the ocean has variant shades of blue at different places offering an amazing view. This view is beautified even more due to the presence of coral reefs that is home to over 1000 different species of fishes and also other marine lives such as the green turtles. Many of the species and coral types are still to be discovered by the experts. Due to its amazing beauty and attractions, the place is visited by a huge crowd of tourists each year. Due to human reasons, the coral reefs are now under threat also. It is hoped that some steps are taken for the protection of the reefs without hampering the tourists attraction. The Red Sea Coral Reef EgyptThe Red Sea is located in between the two hottest desserts and these are the Arabian and the Sahara. The sea has coral reefs that are aged as much as 5000 years old. These 1200 miles long reef consists of 300 different coral specifies that is now home to as many as 1200 different fish species. Among these fishes, only 10% are such that are available in this area while the other migrates from some other water bodies. The most interesting thing about these coral reefs at The Red Sea is that they are quite strong enough to tolerate some of the most common elements today such as changes in the temperature. Rainbow Reef FijiIn between the two largest island of Fiji, Taveuni and Vanua Levu is the water area under which you can notice a vibgyor of colors. This is created by both hard and soft corals that are home to over 1200 different fish species. By now as much as 230 different corals have been discovered while many more are yet to be known. Due to the amazing beauty of the reefs, this is a perfect destination for underwater diving. Imagine, if it is a feast to the eyes by watching the colored water from above, how much mesmerizing will it be when you are under the water. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park - PhilippinesIf you are thinking about a place where you can enjoy great diving, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines is the best option in front of you. The vibrant colors of the corals are combined with a range of amazing marine lives to offer you a stunning diving experience. The 360 species of corals offer a beautiful home to 600 different fish species, 11 shark species, and 13 dolphin species. Apart from this, you can witness other marine lives such as whales, green sea turtles, Hawksbill and also some amazing birds. In the year 1993, the Natural Park has been also declared as a world heritage by UNESCO. Raja Ampat IndonesiaThis place is located at the heart of the coral triangle and is also known to be the largest coral biodiversity. When experts came across this fact, they started various steps in protecting the coral reefs of this area from various human disasters such as ocean warming and others. The 450 species of corals here built up a mind-blowing location for as many as 1427 fish species to survive. Palancar Reef MexicoThough this place may not be as large as the other reefs, this is a place that attracts the divers again and again due to the beautifully segmented corals here. It seems as if you are witnessing a whole garden of flora under the sea with colours of pink, orange, yellow and many more. The coral reef ecosystem here is home to some of the most amazing marine lives such as seahorses, sea fans, butterfly fish, parrot fish, squirrel fish and many more. The list does not end here as there are many more other countries where you may find coral reefs with their beautiful view. Some of them are the Great Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, Bonaire Reef in the Dutch Caribbean and many more.