Pigeon Island National Park consists of two small islands off the east coast in the Trincomalee district, about 1 km off the Indian Ocean coast of Nilaveli.
The islands have been declared a bird sanctuary since 1963.
In 2003, the area was elevated to national park status and its boundaries extended to include the surrounding coral reef. One of the best remaining coral reefs with high live coral coverage in the country, it is an ideal spot for scuba diving and especially snorkeling in Sri Lanka.
How to get to this snorkelling spot in Sri Lanka?
- Getting to Nilaveli Beach (Be very precise with your driver or Tuk-tuk)
- Pay your tax to get there
- Choosing your boat
Prices to visit Pigeon Island National Park are as follows (prices may vary according to the mood of the Navy guarding the islands): adult/child entrance US$10/5, service charge per group US$8 and boat charge Rs125 (Sri Lankan rupees).
There are boat operators who charge Rs. 1,500/- 1,800/- for a round trip to the island. It’s entirely possible to organize this excursion on your own. They have flippers and masks. If you can bring your own mask, such as Subea’s EasyBreath (from Décathlon), we recommend it, it’s so beautiful. If this isn’t possible for you, you can borrow a mask and snorkel, as well as flippers.
We’ve tried it out and recommend it, but don’t forget the sun cream– you’ll spend hours marvelling at the snorkelling in Sri Lanka.
We were lucky enough to see dozens of blacktip sharks (a harmless species of shark), in addition to the beauty of the underwater fauna. You may also see turtles. To have a chance of seeing sharks or turtles, there’s only one solution: arrive early.
The snorkeling area around the coral reef is shallow, so you can easily admire the seabed.
It’s a completely accessible experience for beginners.
If you’re still not convinced, here’s a video we unearthed for you on YouTube:
Where to stay near Pigeon Island
Nous vous recommandons Trinquemalay.
We tested Amaranthe Day Resort & Spa. Remember to book early, as prices can be quite high for Sri Lanka. It’s not necessary to take full board, and there are some nice little restaurants in the nearby streets.
Soon, we’ll have 2 people testing Trinco Beach by DSK. As soon as we get the feedback, we’ll share it with you.
If you have other addresses to recommend or a different experience, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
