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Rainbow Reef, Fiji - Beginning with perhaps one of the most colorful reefs in this gallery, Rainbow Reef in Fiji is literally an underwater rainbow, filled with nearly 1,200 varieties of fish and 230 multicolored corals, according to Culture Trip.

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Tubbataha Reef, Philippines - In the Philippines, you will find Tubbataha Reef, which is home to 75% of the world's coral, according to Palawan Wonders.

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Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia - A fantastic snorkeling location is the Raja Ampat Islands, this area has the largest coral reef biodiversity, as per Culture Trip.

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Ningaloo Coast, Australia - Ever wanted to swim with a whale shark? This is the reef to visit! 

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Palancar Reef, Mexico - In this reef, you will find tons of colorful animals, such as seahorses, butterflyfish, parrot fish, and more!

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Apo Reef, Philippines - This reef is the second-largest continuous coral reef in the world! It's filled with bright pink and blue corals.

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Red Sea, Indian Ocean - This reef is more than 5,000 years old!

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Snapper Ledge, United States - This reef is used to growing Elkhorn coral.

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Great Barrier Reef, Australia - This is the largest reef on Earth and one of the most beautiful. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Grand Central Station and Chimneys, Fiji - Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world. These reefs feature corals of various hues and numerous marine species, such as manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and others.

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Aqaba Marine Park, Jordan - Several fish can be found here, including colorful butterflyfish, clown fish, and, if you're lucky, you might even spot a turtle or two!

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Pickles Reef, United States - This reef is famous for the Pickle Barrel Wreck, hence its name!

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Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean - This is the most protected reef in the world. So much so that scientists conducting research here don't even wear sunscreen in order to keep the waters as pristine as possible, according to Culture Trip.

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Belize Barrier Reef, Belize - The Belize Barrier Reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the second-largest coral reef on the planet after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

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Lord Howe Island, Australia - Swim with the likes of humpback whales, dolphins, and many types of fish in this underwater paradise and coral reef.

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Wakatobi Islands, Indonesia - The Wakatobi National Park is home to 750 coral reef species, according to Culture Trip.

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New Caledonian Barrier Reef, France - This reef is a popular location among scuba divers! 

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Bonaire Reef, Dutch Caribbean - Prepare to see a rainbow of colors, including pinks, greens, yellows, and bright purple at Bonaire Reef, also known as Diver's Paradise.

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Coco Island, Seychelles - This is an optimal spot for snorkeling. But be warned: you must plan a day trip only, as no accommodation is offered on Coco Island.

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West Bay Roatan, Honduras - For the best preserved reef in the Caribbean, be sure to visit the West Bay reef. 

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Pulau Menjangan, Indonesia - This reef is totally in tact, unlike many others that have been harmed by human activity.

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Amazon Reef, Amazon River - This reef is so spectacular, it's even got its own holiday! World Amazon Reef Day is January 28. Images of the reef were released in 2017 and it is considered one of the best marine biology discoveries of the last few decades.

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Bar Reef, Sri Lanka - This is one of the most immaculate coral reefs in all of Sri Lanka. 

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Manuel Luis Reefs, Brazil - This is the largest coral reef in South America and contains several ship wrecks. 

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Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park, Malaysia - Another very popular diving spot, this reef is a protected area in Malaysia. 

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Coral reefs - As stunning as these reefs are, did you know that, according to The Nature Conservancy, coral reefs are one of the most threatened marine systems on the planet?

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Coral reefs - Therefore it is important to care and preserve these stunning natural beauties. The reality is that many coral reefs around the world have been gravely damaged due to human activity or other environmental factors.

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Threats - Some have been badly affected by factors such as climate change, coral bleaching, over-fishing, and pollution.

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Conservation efforts -

Many organizations, researchers, and scientists around the world are dedicated to the restoration and conservation of our planet's beautiful and important coral reefs.

Sources: (Culture Trip) (Palawan Wonders) (The Nature Conservancy)

See also: Earth's best destinations to see wildlife

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