Marine Life


Corals can be found worldwide. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world at over 1,600 miles long. Individual polyps range from 3 to 56mm in diameter or height; while colony size varies from 75mm to 1500mm (1.5m) in width, height or length. Individual polyps don’t last long but as a colony of coral can live for several centuries. Corals are transparent and don't have any colour at all. It is the alga, called zooxanthellae, that gives coral its colour.

Where to see coral

Corals are tiny animals that live together in colonies to form coral reefs. These reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by the corals, and which grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters. Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet, and play host to an extraordinary variety of marine plants and animals. In fact, although coral reefs occupy less than one per cent of the world's surface, they are home for 25 per cent of all marine species. Sadly they are also one of the world's most fragile and endangered ecosystems.

There are a huge number of different corals, but most are classified as either hard corals or soft corals. Hard corals are the building blocks of coral reefs as it is these that secrete the calcium carbonate. Soft corals do not have a hard skeleton and are often bendy, with a leathery feel. These corals often have wood-like cores made of calcium for support and fleshy rinds for protection; they can also display truly vibrant colours under torch or flash light.

There are three main types of coral reef: fringing reefs, which are the most common and exist along a coastline; barrier reefs that grow parallel to shorelines but are farther from shore and are usually separated from the land by a deep lagoon, and finally coral atolls, which are rings of coral reef growing on top of old sunken volcanoes in the ocean. They begin as fringing reefs surrounding a volcanic island; then, as the volcano sinks, the reef continues to grow, and eventually only the reef remains.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia



Diver in the Philippines



Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

This is one of the last few genuine frontier areas left on the planet. Mention Papua New Guinea and people will probably have visions of cannibals marauding through the jungle. Well, nowadays, the only headhunters you’re likely to come across are Australian recruitment consultants on holiday, but they – and you – would be among the first people to explore what is a truly original destination.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia


Australia offers great diving. As well as the Great Barrier Reef there are the wonders of Lord Howe Island and Ningaloo Reef.

Beach umbrella in the Maldives



Diver, Borneo, Malaysia


Malaysia is home to some wonderful diving and adventures with Sipadan and its surrounding islands being the jewel in the crown of Malaysia diving.

Fiji island aerial



Pyramids in Giza, Egypt


Egypt has vast historical and cultural aspects, and also offers world class diving, all within striking distance of Europe.

Tanzanian Sunset



Humpback whale, Mozambique



Diving off Babeldoab Island


Located midway between the Philippines and Guam in the western part of the Caroline Islands (this eastern part is known as Micronesia), the nation's claim to fame is now its world-class diving...

Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands

World-class diving and laid back Caribbean charm at its best. This is some of the very best diving in the Caribbean.

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