Snorkelling at Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island National Park is one of Sri Lanka's two marine national parks, protecting a shallow coral reef ecosystem around two small granite islands just off Nilaveli beach near Trincomalee. The reef is home to black-tip reef sharks, blue-spotted rays, hawksbill sea turtles, and hundreds of tropical reef fish species in crystal-clear turquoise water that rarely exceeds 5 metres in depth, making it ideal for snorkelling.

The islands themselves are nesting grounds for rock pigeons (from which they take their name) and offer photogenic shorelines and a small beach for post-snorkel relaxation.

Shorta Tours arranges Snorkelling at Pigeon Island as part of a tailored private itinerary, providing expert guides, comfortable private transfers, and hand-picked operators to ensure a seamless and truly memorable experience.

Pigeon Island was declared a National Park in 2003 to protect its coral reef from the increasing pressure of tourism following the development of Nilaveli's beach resorts. The reef suffered bleaching damage during the 1998 El Niño event but has recovered significantly in the two decades since, with hard coral coverage now among the best on the east coast.

The island's remoteness and the east coast's general inaccessibility during the civil conflict (which ended in 2009) inadvertently protected the reef during the crucial recovery period.

Today, Snorkelling at Pigeon Island remains one of the highlights of visiting east coast, drawing guests from around the world who seek its unique combination of history, nature, and authentic Sri Lankan character.

Entry to the National Park requires a ticket paid to the boatman; snorkelling equipment can be hired at Nilaveli Beach. The park rules prohibit standing or walking on coral; reputable operators enforce a strict no-touch policy.

Shorta Tours arranges return boat transfers with good-quality mask, fins, and snorkel provided, along with a brief reef etiquette orientation before entering the water.

Essential items to pack: Swimwear, rashguard, reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera if available..