We're highlighting some of the best places in the world to experience the wonder and life of our oceans. From underwater museums to giant monster waves, discover these places we need to protect every day of the year.
Underwater Museum, Cancun
To save the coral reefs around Cancun and Isla Mujeres, the head of this marine protected area came up with a unique solution. Sculptors created an underwater museum of more than 500 concrete pieces that would distract tourists from the fragile natural reefs and, over time, provide more habitat for wildlife. The sculptures depict people interacting with their environment in positive and negative ways to show both optimistic and more depressing outcomes for the future of our oceans.
Great Blue Hole, Belize
One of the best dive sites in the world, this huge sea sinkhole looks impressively scary from the surface. It lies in the middle of a coral reef off the coast of Belize, where the atoll drops suddenly into an underwater cavern 1000 feet in diameter and 400 feet deep. The crystal clear waters, midnight parrotfish, Caribbean reef sharks, and deep, dark blue abyss that seems to go on indefinitely attract people.
Glass Beach, California
In a nature preserve on California's northern Pacific coast lies Fort Bragg, where the beaches tell a story of a less sea-friendly time. Glass, trash and vehicles were dumped over the cliffs in the early twentieth century, and it wasn't until the 1960s that cleanup began. For decades, waves transformed what was left of the glass and pottery into beautiful, shimmering glass pebbles that now adorn the beaches. Amidst the trash that's become treasure, you'll find the usual marine life with rock pools full of crabs, sea anemones and shells alongside the memories of a past that we hope we've learned from.
Shark Bay, Australia shark bay australia
Australia is a must-see for any sea lover. The east coast has the famous barrier reef, endless pristine beaches, whales that can be seen from the shore, and some of the best surfing in the world. In the northwest, however, you'll find one of the most spectacular marine reserves in the world. Here you'll find million-year-old stromatolites (living fossils), beaches made entirely of shells, and ancient hot springs where you can swim. There are few places in the world where you can see wild dolphins as easily as here. The seagrass beds are also home to turtles, manatees, rays and snakes, which can be seen from the lookouts on the cliffs. An amazing place to experience the wildness of our oceans.
Hidden Beach, Mexico
On an uninhabited island 22 miles off the coast of Mexico lies a beach that cannot be seen from the sea. However, on the surface of the island is a gaping hole that leads down to a sandy beach washed by the Pacific Ocean. Accessible only by kayak or swimming through a long tunnel, this is the stuff of pirate novels and castaway fantasies. As always, there's also evidence of how human activity can have a negative impact. The holes and caves are thought to have come from military tests that destroyed much of the marine life. Later, tourists brought trash, pollution and damage to the fragile ecosystem. Fortunately, local authorities intervened, cleaned up and reopened the attraction under strict control.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand bay of islands new zealand
On the north coast of New Zealand are 144 small islands in a subtropical microclimate of rainforest, warm waters, secluded bays and golden beaches. Rent a kayak or snorkel off the coast of Urupukapuka, the largest island in the bay, or hike the coastal trails to secluded beaches with clear waters. Aboard a safari boat, you can spot dolphins, whales, gannets and other marine life.
Nazaré, Portugal
You've probably seen the picture of the famous Nazaré Lighthouse, dwarfed by a 100-foot monster wave and a tiny Garrett McNamara surfing it. This small town in Portugal is home to a natural phenomenon that generates some of the biggest waves ever surfed. A deep ocean canyon 5 km offshore directs all the power of the Atlantic Ocean to the shore, creating huge waves that are impressive even without surfing competitions. Nazaré is also a pretty, traditional town where fishermen still live with their boats and colorful houses and where there's a charming church where I'm sure many have prayed before setting sail.
This famous group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is considered one of the best places in the world to observe wildlife. Its isolated location 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador is a perfect haven for a diverse wildlife. You can see whales, dolphins, albatrosses, sharks, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles and much more. If you are lucky, you will see the native marine iguana, the only lizard in the world that spends time underwater.