Visit one of the most beautiful and fragile marine ecosystems on Earth, where reef fish dart through a colorful forest of coral, stingrays sail beneath your feet, and giant clams dazzle with brilliant hues.

The Philippine Coral Reef, the gateway to our larger Coral Reefs of the World exhibit, highlights waters known as the center of marine biodiversity—an area of unbelievable beauty and importance. From the main museum floor, gaze over a shallow, sandy lagoon inhabited by giant rays, and schools of fish. Then, at the edge of the lagoon, a 212,000-gallon exhibit plunges into a different world.

At 25 feet deep, the Philippine Coral Reef tank is one of the deepest and largest displays of living coral in the world. Under the surface, thousands of fish mingle with eels, anemones, starfish, and coral, adding up to some of the most dramatic underwater views available without diving. 

A clownfish peeks out from the tentacles of an anemone

Find the hidden reef

The newly refreshed Philippine Coral Reef exhibit features an improved dive show experience and fascinating new creatures in the "Hidden Reef" section. Admiring from afar? Enjoy the view from our livestreaming webcam. 

0
An ARMS module placed in a coral reef

Data from the deep

The Philippine Coral Reef is more than an exhibit—it’s a living laboratory. Can you spot science in action by finding one of three Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) on public display in the tank for the first time? These devices will provide valuable insights into coral reef biodiversity as part of our Hope for Reefs initiative.

0
Closeup of a brightly colored, purple and pink anemone.

Reef 101

Why are reef animals so colorful? How do coral reefs around the world interact? What makes coral health so important? Get a crash course in the wonder and importance of Earth's coral reefs at our daily dive show.

0
A lion fish with long, venomous spines in the Philippine adaptations exhibit.

Surprising adaptations

There's more to the Philippines exhibit than the captivating main tank—a series of smaller tank galleries highlight the unique adaptations and interactions of reef organisms.

0