The Caribbean Coral Reef

When staying in 5 star Caribbean hotels, take the opportunity to visit the Caribbean coral reef. The vanishing reef area contains just under 10% of the world's coral, and is at the centre of many conservation efforts. The reef covers approximately 20,000 square miles, but is particularly susceptible to environmental damage, and the periodical destruction wrought by hurricanes in the area. The reef makes a fantastic excursion while enjoying a holiday luxuriating at 5 star Caribbean hotels, allowing visitors to get a better understanding of the problems affecting the area. Environmentally speaking, the carbon dioxide that is released by humankind is not only a pollutant in the air - as gases dissolve in the sea, the water grows more acidic. This, combined with a gradual rise in the temperature of the Caribbean Sea, has had serious repercussions for the reef.

Preserving the reef
Visitors to 5 star Caribbean hotels in the region can play a vital role in helping to conserve the world's second largest barrier reef. Holidaymakers can travel to the reef on dive excursions, allowing them to explore the wonders below the water, and the revenue that tourism brings has become extremely important in helping to preserve the area.

It is possible to take a look at the fringes of the coral and the life it contains simply by walking into the sea, but diving offers the opportunity to get up really close. Group dives are offered, meaning that an expert on the local area will take you to the best spots and provide a wealth of information on the region, its animals, plants and the environmental issues it faces.

Reef wildlife
Most 5 star Caribbean hotels will be able to provide visitors with information on how they can experience the reef for themselves. Those that do explore the area will find an amazing array of underwater life. There are more than 65 species of stony coral within the reef, and over 500 fish species. Along with hundreds of species of mollusc and the world's largest populations of manatees, there are a number of protected species including the green turtle, the loggerhead sea turtle, the leatherback turtle, and many others.

Some of the most obscure creatures found in the reef include the elusive and bizarre looking 'splendid toadfish'. Both the American and the morelet's crocodile are endemic to the area, as is the whale shark - the largest fish in the world, with a record length of over 12.5 metres.

Help support the Caribbean coral reef
A luxurious stay in any one of many 5 star Caribbean hotels will give you the perfect excuse to visit this delicate but vital ecosystem, and at the same time do a little to help protect it for future generations.


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