The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, located off Australia's northeast coast, is the world's largest coral reef system stretching over 2,300 kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, visible from space. Home to 1,500 fish species, 400 types of coral, and iconic marine life like sea turtles and reef sharks, it represents one of Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems. The reef's breathtaking colors come from vibrant coral formations that create an underwater wonderland. Though threatened by climate change and coral bleaching, this natural marvel remains a premier destination for divers and conservationists, protecting crucial marine habitats across 344,400 square kilometers.