Google begun capturing 360-degree panoramas of coral reefs around the world

Above, a turtle is captured off Heron Island in Australia.

Google Maps has shown off its latest enhancement — a series of underwater panoramas in select places around the globe.

Announced on Tuesday, the underwater vistas comprise six sites of marine interest: Wilson Island, Heron Island and Lady Elliot Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay and Molokini crater; and the volcanic reserve of Apo Island in the Philippines.

“With these vibrant and stunning photos you don’t have to be a scuba diver — or even know how to swim — to explore and experience six of the ocean’s most incredible living coral reefs,” Brian McClendon, VP of Google Maps and Earth, said in a blog post.