Coral reefs are ecosystems without equal anywhere in the world. In our opinion, no other natural environment—not even the densest and most luxuriant tropical rainforest—can convey so deeply such an impression of riches and vitality as is typical of an undisturbed and healthy reef.

The transparency of tropical waters, their high luminosity at great depths, the inexhaustible bustle of innumerable creatures in every shape and color, the surprising and extremely delicate architecture of madreporic colonies will never fail to astonish and fascinate even the most widely traveled divers and snorkellers.