For many marine life enthusiasts, some of the most exciting specimens to observe are soft corals. These corals differ from hard corals in that they don’t produce a calcium carbonate skeleton, so they’re not as rigid as other corals. In addition, these corals usually have a unique bumpy or feathery appearance, due to the particular way they grow. Corals that are soft are exciting because they’re shaped differently, but also because there are so many vibrant colors and variations.
Sipadan, Malaysia
The island of Sipadan in Malaysia is one of the best places for viewing soft corals. Malaysian waters have hundreds of different species of both soft and hard corals. Types of soft coral found around Sipadan include black coral, blue coral, wire coral, wrinkled coral, bubble coral, and many types of soft sea fans, such as the harp coral. Many of these corals are very rare, but are easily spotted in these waters. In addition, turtles, manta rays, parrotfish and barracuda, as well as smaller reef-dwelling creatures, are common sights.
Vanessa’s Reef, Papua New Guinea
Another excellent place to see soft corals is in Papua New Guinea. Nearly all of the waters surrounding the islands of this country are filled with both soft and hard corals, as well as many different types of sea life. However, one of the best places to start a coral viewing adventure in Papua New Guinea is at Vanessa’s Reef, which is near the city of Kimbe.
Vanessa’s Reef is an area covered in many large sea fans. These fans are an amazing array of colors, including pink, red, yellow and orange. They can grow as large as a dozen feet across. Sea whips, another type of soft coral, are also common. These corals look much life sea fans, but have thinner, more open branches.
Fiji
Fiji is a country known to have the best soft coral viewing in the world. No matter where a person dives or snorkels around these islands, hundreds of different types of corals are sure to be spotted. The diving around the town of Ra, which is located on Fiji’s main island, is considered to be some of the best. Corals here are extremely diverse in species, size and shape. They are also very colorful. Blue, green, yellow, pink or red corals are common. Along with sea whips, fans, and wrinkled corals, leather corals, mushroom corals and sea pens are frequently spotted.
