Pigeon Island Tours – Keep the Ocean Clean Book Angel Rock

Angel Rock

Reef map and snorkeling safety. The red area is live coral — float over it, never stand on it.

Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom
Live coral zoneFragile coral growing close to the surface. No standing, kneeling or touching.
Angel Rock and reef lineRocks sit at or just under the surface and waves break on them. Keep clear.
Depth markersApproximate water depth at mid tide. Depth changes with tide and swell.
Boat areaBoats wait on the east side. Watch for propellers and stay where the skipper can see you.

Snorkeling safety at Angel Rock

Angel Rock is an open-water site off Irrakkakandi, north of Nilaveli. Please read these guidelines before your trip. Your guide will also brief you on the boat, because the sea changes day to day.

Before you get in

  • Listen to the full briefing. Your guide will explain today's current and where the boat will wait.
  • Wear the life jacket we give you for the whole swim, even if you are a strong swimmer.
  • Tell your guide about any medical condition, or if you are not confident in the water.
  • Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen, or wear a rash guard instead.
  • Children must stay with an adult at all times. No snorkeling after alcohol.

In the water

  • Swim with a buddy and stay where your guide can see you.
  • Get in and out only at the boat ladder. Never climb onto Angel Rock: it is slippery and waves wash over it.
  • Keep a safe distance from the rocks along the reef line. Swell can push you onto them.
  • Stay away from the boat area and never swim behind a boat.
  • Feeling tired? Roll onto your back and float. Your life jacket will hold you up.
  • All OK: tap your hand on your head. Need help: wave one arm above the water.

Protect the live coral

  • Float flat over the red zone. Never stand, kneel or rest your fins on coral.
  • Don't touch, break or take coral, shells or anything living.
  • Don't feed the fish.
  • Fix your mask or fins over sand or open water, not over the reef.
  • Give turtles and reef sharks space. Never chase or touch them.

Weather and currents

  • The calm season on this coast is roughly May to October.
  • Conditions can change quickly at the rock. If your guide calls everyone back, return to the boat straight away.
  • We shorten or cancel trips when wind or swell makes the site unsafe. Your safety comes first.

Emergency contacts

+94 71 322 7050Pigeon Island Tours (WhatsApp / call)
1990Suwa Seriya ambulance, Sri Lanka
119Police emergency, Sri Lanka

This 3D map is an illustration based on satellite imagery and our guides' knowledge of the site. It is not a navigation chart, and the 3D shape is not to scale. Depths shown are approximate, change with the tide, and are for guidance only. Location: Angel Rock on Google Maps (approx. 8.813° N, 81.209° E).