Pigeon Island Private Snorkeling Trip — Private Boat from Nilaveli

1. Meeting Point & Transfer

• Arrive at our meeting point (Pigeon Island Tours) first for payment collection, check-in, and snorkeling equipment collection.
• Contact:
  • WhatsApp: +94 71 322 7050 (Chathuranga)
  • Email: pigeonisland.info@gmail.com
• Google Maps Location:
  • Share Link 1
  • Share Link 2
  • Address: M5RQ+XP, Gopalapuram, 42/1 B 4th Cross Lane, Nilaveli 31010
• If you require hotel pickup/drop-off, please arrange it in advance (extra charge applies).

2. Entry Tickets

• This is a government-managed national park.
• We will purchase your tickets for you.
• (All visitors must have an official entry ticket before entering the park.)

3. Snorkeling Equipment

• We provide masks, snorkels, fins, and safety jackets.
• Please check your equipment before departure.
• Any damage or loss may result in an additional charge.

4. Food (Breakfast Lunch Or Dinner)

• If you have ordered food (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), we will serve it at our center (the first meeting point location). Food is not allowed inside the island national park – it is strictly prohibited.
• Plasce we serve your food The Rice & Curry Seafood Nilaveli Google Maps Location https://share.google/a7dAkjji9s8TSag2C
• VVIP Tour food included
• For both private and sharing tours, food is not included. It can be ordered separately for an additional cost.

5. Boat Trip to the Island

• The boat ride takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
• Always wear your life jacket during the boat journey.
• Follow the boat crew’s safety instructions at all times.

6. Snorkeling & Swimming Rules

• Snorkeling time is usually 2–3 hours, depending on your package:
  • Private Tour: No time limit – you decide.
  • VVIP Tour : No Time Limit – You decide
  • Sharing Tour: 3 hours.
• A snorkeling guide can join you for an additional charge.
• The VVIP Tour includes a snorkeling guide.
• A guide is not included for private or sharing tours. If you need a guide, an additional payment is required, and we can arrange one for you.
• Do not touch or stand on coral reefs – they are fragile and protected.
• Do not chase or disturb marine life, including turtles and reef sharks.

Snorkeling Zones and Instructions at Pigeon Island Marine National Park

We take you to the island and drop you off. The boat then returns to the mainland to bring the next group. You can keep your bag and stuff at the government counter on the island (marked as ADCD on the map above).

Zone A

• Allowed only for snorkeling outside the marked rope.
• In this zone, you can see blacktip reef sharks, turtles, octopus, lobster, barracuda, many other fish, live and dead corals.
• If you see a turtle or shark inside the rope, you may cross the rope 1–2 meters (if depth is about 1.5 meters) to observe them, then return to the allowed snorkeling area outside the rope.
• While snorkeling, swim in a zigzag pattern to see more marine life.
• Always follow the commands of the island officers.
• Zone B
• Allowed for both boat snorkeling and diving.
• To access Zone B, you must cross the boat path, which is situated between Zone A and Zone B.
• Be very careful crossing the boat path to avoid accidents, as boat operators may not see swimmers.
• Before entering Zone B, inform wildlife officers or police lifesaving officers; they will assist you in safely crossing the boat path.
• In Zone B, you can see sharks, turtles, lionfish, barracuda, anemone fish, many other fish, live coral, and dead coral.
• Avoid swimming alone; always swim together with others.
• Zone C
• Allowed for bathing, snorkeling, and diving.
• No special rules besides common snorkeling guidelines.
• Visibility may be good here, with many coral fish to see.
• There may be strong currents, so using swim fins is recommended.
• Zone D
• Allowed for diving and snorkeling.
• No special rules besides common snorkeling guidelines.
• Visibility may be good, with many coral fish.
• Strong currents may be present, so using swim fins is recommended.
• General Safety Instructions
• Always stay safe and wear your safety jacket.
• Check your snorkeling gear before swimming.
• If you cannot swim confidently, please ask for guide assistance.
• Do not disturb animals or coral reefs.

7. Environmental Protection

• Take all your trash back with you – no littering.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect corals.
• Fishing, collecting shells, or removing corals is strictly prohibited.

8. Return Trip

• Be at the designated pick-up point on the island at the agreed time for the return boat.
• Late arrivals may incur extra charges.

9. Safety Reminder

• Snorkeling is at your own risk – follow all safety guidelines.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• If sea conditions are unsafe, trips may be delayed or canceled.