The Red Sea is home to some of the most unique coral reefs thanks to its unique geography.  This most northern tropical sea is an isolated saltwater inlet sandwiched between Asia (the Middle East) and Africa, connected to the Indian Ocean only via a narrow 26–29 km (16–18 mile) waterway.  Because of this feature and the regional arid climate, the Red Sea experiences high evaporation rates and thus is one of the most saline bodies of water in the world (upwards of 1.035 s.g.).

Yet corals, fish, and other reef life thrive here, with many species (like the famed purple tang Zebrasoma xanthurum) found in no other place in the world.  Here is an amazing HD video shot by Amir Stern of teeming life under the waves at the Red Sea.

And here’s a bonus Red Sea video shot by Carlotta Rio.