66 facts
With its nutrient-rich waters and vibrant reefs, Fiji boasts an extraordinary diversity of soft corals, earning it the title. Divers flock to its waters to witness the kaleidoscopic underwater gardens and abundant marine life.
Despite their small landmass, the coral reefs surrounding the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are remarkably rich in marine life, including diverse coral species, fish, and sea turtles. This makes them a hotspot for underwater exploration and research.
Unlike many oceanic islands, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are true coral atolls, meaning they are rings of coral reefs built atop submerged ancient volcanoes. The visible landmass is entirely biogenic, created by living organisms over millennia.
Remote Henderson Island in the Pacific used to hold this dubious record, but a 2017 study found that Cocos (Keeling) Islands' beaches were even more densely covered in plastic debris. Millions of plastic items wash ashore annually, posing a severe threat to marine life.
This invasive species, native to the Indo-Pacific, poses a significant threat to local marine ecosystems by preying on native fish and outcompeting them for food. Regular culling events and public awareness campaigns are in place.
The treacherous reefs and historical trade routes have left a legacy of sunken vessels, making the islands a world-renowned destination for wreck diving. Many are now artificial reefs, teeming with marine life.
One of only a handful in the world, this bay glows at night due to millions of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. When disturbed by movement, these organisms emit a spectacular blue-green light.
This unique shallow sandbar is famous for its population of friendly southern stingrays that interact daily with humans. Visitors can feed, pet, and even kiss these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The vibrant coral reefs surrounding the islands support an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. Snorkelers and divers can encounter a dazzling array of creatures, including parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda, sea turtles, and various types of coral, showcasing rich biodiversity just below the surface.
This Royal Mail Ship sank during a hurricane in 1867 off Salt Island, becoming one of the most intact and accessible shipwrecks globally. Its coral-encrusted remains offer an incredible underwater adventure, teeming with diverse marine life for divers to explore the historical site.