Pigeon Island Snorkelling

A half-day snorkelling trip to Pigeon Island National Park off Nilaveli near Trincomalee, one of Sri Lanka's two marine national parks. Snorkel over coral reef with reef fish, sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks.

About this experience

Pigeon Island Snorkelling is a half-day boat and snorkelling trip (about 3 to 4 hours) to Pigeon Island National Park, a small rocky island about 1 km off Nilaveli Beach, north of Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's east coast. It is one of only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka and has some of the island's best coral reefs. It suits confident swimmers, families with older children and first-time snorkellers. What can you see when snorkelling at Pigeon Island? Hard and soft corals, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and other reef fish, plus green and hawksbill turtles. Small blacktip reef sharks often swim in the shallows; they are shy and harmless to people. Why is it called Pigeon Island? The rocky island is a nesting site for blue rock pigeons. How do you get there? A 15-minute boat ride from Nilaveli Beach. Park entrance fees are paid on the beach, and a park guide or boatman goes with you. Do I need to be a strong swimmer? You should be comfortable in water. Life jackets are required and provided, and the main snorkelling area is shallow and close to the beach on the island. How far is Nilaveli from Trincomalee? About 15 km, or 30 minutes by road. Trincomalee is around 4.5 to 5 hours from Colombo or 3 hours from Sigiriya. Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.

Highlights

  • Marine national park
  • Coral reef snorkelling
  • Blacktip reef sharks
  • Green and hawksbill turtles
  • Colourful reef fish
  • Short boat ride from Nilaveli
  • Calm east-coast water in season

Travel tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest and water. Wear the life jacket provided. Never stand on, touch or collect coral. Do not chase turtles or sharks. Single-use plastic is not allowed on the island.

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