Eastern Province · Trincomalee · Sri Lanka
Pigeon Island National Park
Snorkeling
Coral reefs, reef sharks and turtles in clear water, a short boat ride from Nilaveli Beach. Tell us where you are staying and we will arrange your Pigeon Island snorkeling trip.
About Pigeon Island National Park
Coral, clear water
and reef sharks
Pigeon Island National Park, Sri Lanka, is a small marine park about 1 km off Nilaveli Beach, north of Trincomalee. It protects two rocky islands and one of the best coral reefs in the country, and is named after the rock pigeons that nest there.
Pigeon Island National Park snorkeling is easy for beginners: the reef starts close to the beach in shallow, calm water. You can swim with reef fish, turtles and blacktip reef sharks, then relax on the island’s little beach.
Staying on the east coast? See Trincomalee, all national parks in Sri Lanka, or our Sri Lanka safari packages.
Inside the park
How Pigeon Island
is laid out
Boats leave from Nilaveli Beach and take about 15 minutes to reach the larger island. Snorkelers swim from the beach over the reef, and a short path climbs to a viewpoint over the sea.
The reef
Hard and soft corals in shallow water, just a few metres from the beach.
The beach
A small, rocky beach on the larger island where boats land.
The viewpoint
A short climb to the top of the island for views back to Nilaveli.
Marine life to look for
Turtles, sharks
and reef fish
Reef sharks
Small blacktip reef sharks often cruise the shallows, harmless to snorkelers.
Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles feed around the reef.
Reef fish
Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and many more over the coral.
Trip times
Pigeon Island National Park trip times
The park is usually open from about 7 am to 5 pm. Every Pigeon Island trip we arrange includes the boat from Nilaveli and time for snorkeling.
8:00 am – 12:00 pmMorning · our pick
Morning snorkeling trip
Calm, clear water and fewer boats, the best conditions for snorkeling.
May – OctoberSeason
Best months
The calm season on the east coast. Boats may not run in rough weather from November to March.
Times are approximate, and we confirm everything when you book.
Arrange a Pigeon Island trip
Arrange your
Pigeon Island trip
We arrange every Pigeon Island trip to order, with pickup from your hotel. Tell us where you are staying and your dates, and we will send an itemised quote.
01
Price on request
Boat, transfer and snorkeling · pickup anywhere in Sri Lanka
Pickup from your hotel
Staying in Nilaveli, Uppuveli or Trincomalee? We arrange the transfer, the boat and the timing for you.
- Pickup from your hotel in Nilaveli, Uppuveli or Trincomalee
- Boat trip and snorkeling, with gear on request
- Combine with whale watching or the Koneswaram Temple
Park tickets are charged per person, plus vehicle fees and taxes, and are listed separately in your quote. Pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance. Free cancellation until 24 hours before pickup.
Around Pigeon Island
Worth adding
to your trip
Pigeon Island lies off Nilaveli, a short drive north of Trincomalee and its beaches, temples and whale watching.
Nilaveli and Uppuveli
Long, quiet beaches where most visitors stay.
Whale watching
Blue whales and dolphins off Trincomalee, mostly from March to August.
Where to stay
Bases for
your Pigeon Island trip
Nilaveli
Beach hotels right opposite the island, the easiest base.
Uppuveli
A lively beach about 20 minutes south, with more places to eat.
Trincomalee
The town and harbour, about 30 minutes away.
We can book your hotel as part of your trip, or arrange pickup from wherever you are staying.
Travel tips
Tips for a better
Pigeon Island visit
Go in the morning
The water is calmest and clearest before the afternoon breeze.
Protect the reef
Do not stand on or touch the coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Bring water shoes
The beach is rocky, and shoes make getting in and out much easier.
Check the season
From November to March the sea can be rough and boats may not run.
FAQs
Your Pigeon Island questions
When is the best time for Pigeon Island National Park snorkeling?
From about May to October, when the east coast sea is calm and clear. Mornings are best.
Can beginners snorkel at Pigeon Island?
Yes. The reef starts in shallow, calm water close to the beach, and life jackets are available.
Will I see sharks at Pigeon Island?
Often. Small blacktip reef sharks are common in the shallows and are harmless to snorkelers.
How do you get to Pigeon Island?
By boat from Nilaveli Beach, about 15 minutes each way. Park tickets are bought before boarding.
Can NH Lanka Holidays arrange a private trip to Pigeon Island?
Yes. NH Lanka Holidays is a licensed, Sri Lankan-owned tour operator based in Negombo. Tell us where you are staying and we arrange the transfer, boat, park tickets and hotel pickup, or include Pigeon Island in a longer private tour. You can pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before pickup.
Nearby: Trincomalee · Minneriya National Park · Kaudulla National Park · All national parks in Sri Lanka
Ready when you are
Plan your Pigeon Island trip
with local experts
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Our Negombo-based team will reply within 24 hours.