Overview
Swap ancient ruins for white sand on our private Trincomalee day trip from Sigiriya. Your English-speaking driver picks you up from your hotel in Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana at about 6:00 am, and about two hours later you are on the east coast, ready for a swim.
The price covers your private return transport for the day: US$110 for 1 to 3 people in a car, or US$140 for 4 to 7 people in a van. Add a boat trip to Pigeon Island for snorkelling in the booking box.
Pigeon Island snorkeling
From Nilaveli, a short boat ride takes you to Pigeon Island National Park, where shallow coral reefs are home to blacktip reef sharks, turtles and bright reef fish. The boat and snorkelling gear cost US$35 per person when booked with us; the national park ticket is paid at the beach. Read more about Pigeon Island National Park.
Nilaveli beach and Trincomalee town
After snorkelling, relax on Nilaveli beach, one of the longest and quietest beaches in Sri Lanka. In the afternoon, visit the cliff-top Koneswaram Temple inside Fort Frederick, with views over the ocean where whales and dolphins are often seen. Read more about Trincomalee.
When to go
The east coast is at its best from about April to October, when the sea is calm and clear. From November to March the north-east monsoon can make the sea rough and the boats to Pigeon Island may not run, but the beach and temple are still worth the trip.
More day tours from Sigiriya and Dambulla
This is one of our private day tours from Dambulla and Sigiriya.
Highlights
- Trincomalee day trip from Sigiriya with hotel pickup at about 6:00 am
- Swim and relax on Nilaveli beach
- Optional Pigeon Island snorkeling with reef sharks and turtles
- Visit the cliff-top Koneswaram Temple
- Private air-conditioned car (1–3 people) or van (4–7 people) with an English-speaking driver
- Transport from US$110 · boat and tickets extra
