Meet the site
Coral Canyons is a series of shallow canyons cut into the edge of Heron Reef, separated by coral ridges, with scattered bommies at greater depth beyond. The canyons are filled with fish, turtles and sharks, and the varied topography gives the dive a sense of exploration as you move from one canyon to the next. The site's signature sight is groups of bigfin reef squid hanging vertically stacked in the water column, rippling with changing colours as divers swim past. The squid are most often seen in the canyons and near the ridges, and patient divers who stop and hover can watch them at close range. Each of the deeper bommies has its own array of fish and features, so the site offers something for divers who want to go a little deeper, while the canyons themselves are shallow enough for new divers. Turtles rest in the canyons and reef sharks patrol the edges. Coral Canyons is in the resort's top ten sites and suits all levels. It is a good choice for divers who enjoy structure and animal behaviour, and it is excellent for photographers, especially for squid and turtle portraits. It was grouped with Coral Cascades in the earlier database pass but is a separate site with quite a different character: canyon topography rather than scattered bommies on sand. The canyons also make a good late-afternoon or night-dive location when scheduled, as the squid, crustaceans and sleeping parrotfish are easier to approach in torchlight, and the shallow depth keeps the dive relaxed.
What you might see
Bigfin reef squid (stacked schools), turtles, reef sharks, reef fish, hard and soft corals
Location
A series of shallow canyons cut into the edge of Heron Reef, separated by ridges and filled with fish, turtles and sharks, with scattered deeper bommies; known for stacked bigfin reef squid.
Facilities nearby
Heron Island Resort dive centre beside the harbour: gear hire, rinse tanks, lockers; resort restaurant and bar. Access is for resort guests only.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
diversiondivetravel.com.auheronisland.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.