Shark Canyon

Shark Canyon, located 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometers) west of the reef ledge known as Juno Ledge, is named after its resident sharks. These include reef sharks, lemon sharks, and even bull sharks. You’ll often spot them around the two bowl-like amphitheaters at the southern end of the dive site. Interestingly, this area was once popular for shark chumming, but the practice was made illegal within 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the U.S. coast. Despite the cessation of chumming, sharks still frequent this site more than others. Divers can wait in the protection of the amphitheaters to observe these magnificent creatures cruising by. The amphitheaters are not fully enclosed. They back onto a relatively flat reef top at a depth of 73 feet (22 meters) and open to the south, where the ledge drops off to 95 feet (29 meters). This area features intriguing overhangs and undercuts. When currents are stronger, many divers skip the amphitheaters altogether and focus solely on the ledge. The southern amphitheater is smaller and slightly deeper at 80 feet (24.5 meters), while the northern amphitheater bottoms out at 78 feet (24 meters). The northern amphitheater has two tiers divided by a small step, with the eastern end slightly shallower at 77 feet (23.5 meters). The amphitheater bottoms consist of sand and coral rubble, with a few solitary coral heads scattered throughout. The walls are similar in coverage to the ledges found elsewhere in the area, adorned with hardy gorgonians and sponges clinging to the reef substrate. Continuing north, the main ledge offers sightings of snapper, parrotfish, grunts, and angelfish close to the ledge. Barracuda, turtles, and grouper are also commonly spotted. Stingrays frequent the sandy areas below the ledge.