Pigeon Island is a tiny rocky island off Nilaveli beach, ringed by coral reef and clear blue water. A short boat ride from the mainland brings you to some of the best snorkeling in Sri Lanka, with colorful reef fish and, if you are lucky, blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
The island is protected as Pigeon Island National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s marine national parks, and is named after the rock pigeons that nest there. Its reefs are fragile and popular, so visiting responsibly matters.
What to see and do
- Snorkel the reef off the island’s main beach.
- Look for marine life, including reef fish, blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
- Relax on Nilaveli beach, one of the east coast’s longest stretches of sand.
Know before you go
- Time needed: Half a day, including the boat transfer
- Cost: National park entry fees and boat hire apply; boats leave from Nilaveli beach
- Rules: Do not touch or stand on the coral, do not feed fish, and take all litter back with you
- Tip: Go early to avoid crowds; it gets busy in the middle of the day in peak season
Best time to visit
The east coast season runs from about May to September, when the sea is calm and visibility is best.
Getting there
Boats leave from Nilaveli beach, a short drive north of Trincomalee. Trincomalee is reached by road or by train from Colombo.
Nearby
The surf town of Arugam Bay is further south on the same coast and in season at the same time.
