In this satellite image a group of fringing and patch reefs runs parallel to the shore. Mangrove trees, which appear dark green, line the coast and dot some of the coral islands. Seagrass beds extend offshore from the mangroves and on the lee side of linear reefs. Signs of these tropical marine ecosystems are visible in this image. The color of the water varies from turquoise near these reefs to an average blue.

Reefs of La Parguera

In Puerto Rico, corals, seagrass, and mangroves paint a colorful Caribbean scene by day, while the waters of a rare bioluminescent bay glow blue at night. View the full story

Credits: NASA Earth Observatory / Michala Garrison