Have you ever heard of ‘The Coral Triangle’? If you enjoy diving and are always eager to know the next diving hotspots, then you may want to know about this special area in the ocean, particularly because it has high marine biodiversity and a rich coral reef ecosystem.
Eager to know more? Check this article out to learn more about the Coral Triangle, including where it is and what sorts of marine creatures you can find in it!
What is The Coral Triangle and Where is It?
The Coral Triangle is a marine region comprised of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It is one of the Earth’s most important hotspots of biodiversity, as this region has the highest diversity of corals and coral reef fishes. In fact, it is referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas”, providing critical habitats for endangered marine species, including sea turtles and whale sharks.
What is So Special About The Coral Triangle?
The Coral Triangle has the world’s greatest variety of marine species, particularly corals and coral reef fishes. This region hosts 76% of the world’s coral species, 37% of the world’s coral reef fish species, and 6 of the 7 sea turtle species. Below are some facts about this unique region:
1. Coral Reef Biodiversity:
76% or 605 out of the 798 coral species on Earth can be found in The Coral Triangle. This number is the highest compared to any other place in the world.
The heart of this diversity is on the Bird’s Head Peninsula in Papua, Indonesia. In this region, there are 574 species of corals, which make up 95% of The Coral Triangle and 72% of the world. What’s more, 553 coral species can be found in within the Bird’s Head Peninsula, Raja Ampat, making it the world’s coral diversity bull’s eye.
In addition, The Coral Triangle is home to 15 regionally endemic species of corals and shares 41 regional endemic species with Asia.
2. Coral Reef Fish Biodiversity:
37% of the world’s coral reef fish species are found in The Coral Triangle. That’s 2,228 out of 6,000. Additionally, this area is also home to 56% of the coral reef fishes in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Specifically, 8% of the coral reef fishes in this area are endemic. Moreover, 4 regions within the triangle have significantly higher levels of endemism. Those areas include the Lesser Sunda Islands, Papua New Guinea – Solomon Islands, Bird’s Head Peninsula, and the Central Philippines.
3. Sea Turtles Biodiversity:
There are seven marine turtle species in the world. Six of them live in the Coral Triangle: the leatherback turtle, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, loggerhead turtle, and flatback turtle.
In particular, these turtles are most commonly sighted in places like Papua (particularly the Northern Bird’s Head Peninsula or Waigeo region), Lea region in Papua New Guinea, and New Georgia in the Solomon Islands.
4. Cultural and Economic Significance
Covering an area of almost 6 million square kilometers, The Coral Triangle has important cultural and economic significance for the regions around and inside it. In fact, there are over 120 million people, particularly in coastal communities, whose livelihoods are supported by the marine resources in the triangle, whether through fishery or tourism.
Not only that, but they’re also vital for local cultures, traditions, and the environment, particularly due to their ability to act as a natural barrier against storms, hurricanes, and floods.
Best Diving Spots in The Coral Triangle
1. Raja Ampat
Home to 6 out of 7 sea turtle species, a high number of endemic reef fishes, and the world’s bull’s eye for coral diversity, it is no wonder that Raja Ampat is one of the best coral reef scuba diving destinations in the Coral Triangle and also the world. Not only that it has high marine biodiversity, but this magical place also has diverse underwater ecosystems and breathtaking natural landscapes.
A dive in Raja Ampat offers you the chance to encounter many of the most fascinating sea creatures, such as manta rays, whales, pygmy seahorses, and sunfish. You can also spot various rare or endemic species like the wobbegong shark, walking shark, and the wonderful black manta.
2. Kimbe Bay
Papua New Guinea’s Kimbe Bay is considered to be one of the best diving spots on Earth, and for good reasons! This bay offers a variety of marine habitats, from coral gardens to mangroves and seamounts. In addition, this area is heavily protected for conservation, which means the corals are undamaged and sea creatures can thrive.
Expect to see marvelous creatures like killer whales, dolphins, turtles, and critters like nudibranchs. You can also spot unique corals like giant barrel sponges, sea whips, and gorgonian sea fans.
3. Komodo Island
Home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world, Komodo Island is part of the Komodo archipelago in Indonesia. It has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Man and Biosphere Reserve, New 7 Wonders of Nature, and located within the Coral Triangle.
Komodo’s marine ecosystem is thriving with life, with fringing and patch coral reefs, as well as creatures like whale sharks, ocean sunfish, manta rays, nudibranchs, blue-ringed octopuses, and many more. Because of this, the archipelago is highly popular among divers.
4. Solomon Islands
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Islands often stun many ocean lovers with its diverse coral reefs and vast seagrass meadows. What’s more, the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas expedition team discovered the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands in October 2024. The colony stretches 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high.
The reefs in the Solomon Islands typically range from fringe reefs, barrier reefs, patch reefs, atoll reefs, and lagoon environments. Meanwhile, for sea creatures, you can expect to find pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, green moray eels, leatherback turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays.
5. Lembeh Strait
Known as the ‘Muck Diving Capital of The World’, the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia is renowned for its extraordinary muck diving experience and abundance of macro critters. However, beyond its muck dive opportunity, the Lembeh Strait is also a part of the Coral Triangle region! There’s a wide variety of hard and soft corals in all sorts of colors that thrive in this strait, providing a home for various small creatures.
In Lembeh Strait, you’ll have the chance to encounter critters you may not be able to find anywhere else in the world. For instance, the flamboyant cuttlefish, Lembeh seadragon, mimic and hairy octopus, ribbon eel, and the fascinating-looking stargazer!
6. Sipadan & Mabul Islands
Sipadan and Mabul Islands, located off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, are world-class diving destinations and a part of the Coral Triangle region. Sipadan is renowned for its clean coral reefs, drop-off, and vibrant marine creatures. Just a short distance from Sipadan, Mabul offers a paradise for macro enthusiasts, as the waters are teeming with unique critters, coral gardens, and sandy seabeds.
In these islands, you can find schools of jackfish, barracudas, and both the green and hawksbill sea turtles. Peer into the coral walls and you can find various seahorses, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and even moray eels and reef sharks!
7. Banda Sea
This remote, Indonesian sea offers you some of the most pristine and beautiful coral formations in the world. In fact, this area hosts over 397 coral species, 683 species of fish, and several species of turtles. What’s more, the corals of the Banda Sea are known for being highly resilient against climate change and volcanic activity, thanks to the sea’s unique geological and climatic history, which helped the corals to adapt and even develop new species.
As a hotspot for marine biodiversity, a dive in the Banda Sea means you have ample chance to encounter pelagic species like tunas, jacks, hammerhead sharks, mantas, and even blue and sperm whales.
8. Tubbataha Reef
Home to healthy and pristine reefs that are rich in marine life, the Philippines’ Tubbataha Reef is an important part of the Coral Triangle. Located in the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reef’s marine environment is highly exceptional, with 100-m vertical walls, extensive lagoons, and two coral islands, providing habitat to over 1,200 marine species, including 181 vulnerable and critically endangered species.
A dive in the Tubbataha Reef offers you the chance to encounter various ocean creatures, including tiger sharks, Napoleon wrasse, whale sharks, jacks, barracuda, and many more. As one of the oldest marine ecosystems in the Philippines, the Tubbataha Reef holds an important role in the reproduction, dispersal, and colonization of marine creatures in the Sulu Sea.
Ecosystem Threat and Responsible Marine Tourism
Despite being a marine hotspot with the highest coral diversity in the world, the Coral Triangle is constantly facing threats that endanger its delicate ecosystem. These threats range from human activities to climate change.
Threats from Human Activities
Over the years, human activities have caused serious damage to the coral reefs. Overfishing and destructive fishing, as well as irresponsible tourism, pollution and coastal development cause habitat destruction, either damaging or destroying the corals.
Threats from Climate Change
The Coral Triangle also suffers from the effects of climate change, from the rising sea temperatures that cause coral bleaching, to ocean acidification, where the increased carbon dioxide absorption decreases the ocean’s pH weakens coral skeletons, and affects their growth.
Because of this, we need to take immediate action to protect this region. While several NGOs and local governments have initiated marine conservation efforts to protect this marine area, we also have to be mindful of our behavior and actions, especially when we’re visiting areas inside the Coral Triangle.
Responsible tourism is one of the few simple steps we can take. This includes not destroying the corals or touching the marine life, not leaving any waste or littering in the area, and choosing accommodations and tour operators that prioritize sustainability.
Let’s Dive Responsibly with Solitude World Liveaboard and Resorts!
Practicing a sustainable lifestyle and responsible tourism is important to ensure that future generations can enjoy the planet’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity while supporting the well-being of local communities and protecting the ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a reliable, responsible dive operator for your next dive trip, come join us at Solitude World’s Liveaboard and Resorts!
Our liveaboards can take you to explore the best and most pristine dive spots in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau. Meanwhile, our resorts in Indonesia and the Philippines are ready to offer you an exciting dive experience with complete land-based amenities and top-notch hospitality.
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!