Ask most people if they have heard of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and the answer is yes. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometers (1,616 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (132,974 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. But what is the 2nd longest Barrier Reef in the world?

Many of you have dived, snorkeled, swam or paddled around in it. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) extends from the southern half of the Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands of Honduras. It is the longest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere. It includes dive locations such as Roatan, Cozumel, Belize and other. Getting to the MBRS takes about 4-6 hours from most US cities compared tothe 22+ hours to the Great Barrier Reef and the cost is about $1500 less.

Is there a difference? Of course you will see many different varieties of marine life on both reefs. Also, I can fly to Cozumel or Belize and be in the water for an afternoon dive. Going to Great Barrier I lose at least 3 days traveling.

So when you think about going to “The Barrier Reef” decide which one works better for you. If you have been to both why not let us know what you find as the greatest differences. I am sure other readers would love to know.