Before reserving your Pigeon Island tour, you must first read and understand the rules and regulations of the Pigeon Island National Park (see below).
All local tourists aged 16 and above, including Sri Lankan citizens, must present their National Identity Card at the counter. Alternatively, a valid Sri Lankan Passport or Sri Lankan Driving License may be used. Visitors without valid ID will not be issued local entry tickets and must pay the foreigner rate instead.
Entry without a valid ticket is prohibited. Unauthorized entry or violation of park regulations may result in fines ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 (Refer to Extraordinary Gazette No. 2292/11, August 08, 2022).
Resident visa holders may apply for special entry permits to visit Pigeon Island. When applying, all required fees, documents, and legal procedures must be followed.
Before departing for Pigeon Island, entry tickets are issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) at the Nilaveli counter, with our assistance provided.
Since DWC does not issue tickets to visitors without valid identification, please ensure you bring your ID with you.
Always follow the instructions of wildlife officers.
Violation of park rules may result in arrest or prosecution under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.
Secondly, click the Reservation Button below and fill out the required information correctly as requested. No payment will be charged at this stage.
After verifying your details, we will inform you of the total cost for your trip via Email, WhatsApp, or Phone.
Once your travel date is confirmed, payments for your reservation can be made through the following methods:
You may choose whichever payment method is most convenient for you.
After reserving your Pigeon Island Tour with us, it’s very easy to reach our Diving Center located in Nilaveli.
For your convenience, click on this Google Maps Location Link to find directions to our location.
When arriving from Colombo, you can use the short Nilaveli route through Habarana – Kantale – Palampattaru – Seruwila Road. Alternatively, travel through Trincomalee city via the Uppuweli route to Nilaveli. After passing the side road leading to the Nilaveli 16 Km then stop and call (Chathuranga 0772973882 / Nimali 0740207335).
Otherwise, near the 16KM post, turn at the side road located between the Nilaveli Ayurveda Hospital and the Islamic (Muslim) Mosque on the right-hand side.
When arriving from Seruwila, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, or Habarana direction, the side road near the Nilaveli Ayurveda Hospital is on your right-hand side. If coming from Pulmoddai, Kuchchaveli, or Erakkandy direction, the same side road will be on your left-hand side.
Travel about 600 meters along this side road and stop near LAXUME GUEST HOUSE. Then arrive at our diving center to check your snorkeling equipment. At our office, we will provide suitable life jackets, handle payments, and complete all necessary arrangements. Our office also offers changing rooms and clean toilet facilities.
Unlike other Pigeon Island tour operators who leave equipment on boats at the beach, we prioritize your safety and hygiene by providing safe and clean equipment through our diving center. Therefore, visiting our diving center before the tour is mandatory.
After checking your equipment, bring your identification cards and drive to Nilaveli Beach in your own vehicle. You can park at a car park) where clean water showers are also available for rinsing.
Then proceed to the Pigeon Island Ticket Counter confirm your identity (Srilankan), make the payment, and collect your entrance tickets. From there,We use Our Boats you will be safely transported to Pigeon Island. (Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for all passengers, and from this point onward, you are under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Coast Guard.) Therefore, please kindly read and understand the rules and regulations mentioned below carefully and act accordingly, as officers will assume that everyone is already aware of these regulations.
The ideal period for snorkeling at Pigeon Island is April to October. During these months, the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and underwater visibility is excellent. These conditions are perfect for observing vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Tips for Visitors:
Please make sure your journey is carried out safely and according to the official regulations. The following rule must be strictly followed:
A maximum of seven (7) passengers, including children, are allowed per boat.
Please plan your trip accordingly, respecting all safety and wildlife protection laws. We kindly request all visitors to cooperate and comply with this regulation to ensure a safe and lawful journey.
(Kindly follow all wildlife rules and regulations.)
Snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park offers an unforgettable underwater adventure for visitors of all ages. The island’s vibrant coral gardens host over 100 species of corals, creating a colorful and lively marine environment.
Local Snorkeling Packages Include:
Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or an experienced explorer, Pigeon Island provides a safe, beautiful, and memorable snorkeling adventure.
(Always follow the instructions given by Wildlife Officers.)
According to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, any person or group who violates the above regulations may be warned, arrested, fined on-site, or presented to the Magistrate’s Court within 24 hours by any authorized Wildlife Officer. Therefore, always act according to the law.Snorkeling is a recreational activity that allows you to explore the underwater world safely and enjoyably. It is beginner-friendly and can be done even without advanced swimming skills. This guide helps you start snorkeling safely and enjoyably.
This guide covers everything you need to know: size and geography, history and protection, what to see and do, practical planning advice, sample itineraries, safety precautions and how to visit responsibly.
Pigeon Island National Park is a small yet ecologically significant marine protected area located off Nilaveli Beach near Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast. The park comprises two small islands — often called Large Pigeon Island and Small Pigeon Island — and the surrounding reef and lagoon. The islands lie roughly 1 km offshore and are easily visited on a short boat ride from Nilaveli.
The protected area spans both land and sea zones and is relatively small compared with terrestrial parks; the management area reported in official descriptions includes several hundred hectares when marine zones are counted. The shoreline of the islands is fringed by coral reefs, seagrass beds and sandy patches, which together support a high diversity of marine life.
Because of its shallow reef flats and clear tropical waters, Pigeon Island is exceptionally suitable for snorkelling, shallow water exploration and for visitors who prefer not to dive deeply. Reefs host a mix of hard corals, branching Acropora, massive Porites colonies and abundant reef fish that create spectacular, colorful underwater scenery.
Pigeon Island received protected status to preserve its bird populations and marine biodiversity. Historically, the islands were known for their rock-pigeons (hence the name). Over the decades the site evolved from a local sanctuary to a nationally recognized protected area.
In the early 2000s the area was formally declared a national park under Sri Lanka’s conservation laws. With this status came stricter regulations: limits on visitor numbers, controls on boat anchoring, and a focused effort to manage tourism so that reef habitats and wildlife receive adequate protection.
Conservation at Pigeon Island is ongoing and involves multiple stakeholders: the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), local communities, licensed tour operators, and conservation NGOs. Together they monitor coral health, enforce park rules and remind visitors to adopt responsible behaviours.
Pigeon Island offers a compact but rewarding set of marine experiences. The following activities are the highlights for most visitors.
Snorkelling is by far the most popular activity. The reef crest comes close to the surface, allowing snorkelers to observe coral gardens, reef fish and occasional larger visitors such as sea turtles. Because depths are shallow, you don’t need advanced diving certification to enjoy the underwater scenery.
The islands have small sandy stretches where you can briefly rest, enjoy photos, or have a picnic (if permitted). Combine short snorkel sessions with relaxing on sandbanks for a balanced half-day trip.
The islands lie about 1 km off Nilaveli Beach. Most visitors stay in Trincomalee or Nilaveli and take boats operated by licensed tour companies or guesthouses. Book a boat transfer that includes life jackets, a guide, and park permits; unlicensed operators should be avoided.
The east coast’s calmer waters and best visibility are usually from March to October. During the northeast monsoon months (typically late October through February), seas can be rougher and trips may be cancelled. Early morning departures usually offer the calmest conditions and best underwater clarity.
Pigeon Island is a protected area; entrance fees and permits are usually required. Fees support park management and conservation work. Tour operators typically handle permits on behalf of groups — confirm this before departure and carry any documentation requested by authorities.
The islands have very limited infrastructure: there may be no toilets, freshwater or shops. Plan accordingly and treat the area as a fragile natural site — take all litter home and follow guide instructions about facilities.
Start with an early snorkel at Pigeon Island and after lunch visit Koneswaram Temple, the Fort Frederick area, or the Kanniya hot springs for a fuller cultural and natural experience.
Visiting Pigeon Island should be a safe and low-impact experience when everyone follows simple rules. Conservation and visitor safety go hand-in-hand.
Coral reefs are easily damaged by kicks, standing, or anchors. Avoid touching or standing on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and ask your boat crew to anchor in sand or mooring spots away from coral heads. Do not leave any trash behind.
Entrance fees and responsible tourism practices help fund protection and monitoring of the park. When you choose licensed operators who follow best practices, you contribute directly to conservation and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on healthy reefs.
This guide summarizes field observations, visitor reports and official descriptions of Pigeon Island. For up-to-date permit rules, entry fees and conservation notices always check with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, licensed local operators, or tourism authorities in Trincomalee prior to travel.
Quick reminder: Pick licensed operators, respect park rules, and aim to leave the reef in better condition than you found it.
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