Pigeon Island Tours – Why Choose Us?

Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English

Pigeon Island Tours – Why choose Pigeon Island Tours for your trip?

  • Boat services: The Department of Wildlife Conservation does not operate jeeps or boat services for any national park in Sri Lanka (except Gal Oya National Park). Such transport services are provided by private sector operators.
  • Pigeon Island Tours PVT LTD — Legal registration: A privately registered company operating under the oversight of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Coast Guard, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and the Companies Act.
  • Boats: Boats are fitted with sun-protective canopies and well-maintained engines in accordance with the standards of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Coast Guard.
  • Life insurance coverage for all passengers: Life insurance coverage is provided for up to 7 passengers per trip as specified by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Coast Guard.

Important Notice — Boat Regulations

Regulations enforced by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard

Please ensure your trip is safe and compliant with legal regulations.

Regulation:

One boat may carry a maximum of 7 passengers (including infants) per trip.

  • If your group has 8 passengers (for example 7 adults and a 6-month-old infant), two boats are required.
  • If arrangements are not made, the extra passenger must refrain from going to the island.
  • Any party found violating these rules may be subject to fines or penalties under the applicable wildlife and coast guard regulations.

Please plan your trip with safety and the law in mind. We request all customers to comply with these regulations.

  • Quality, clean snorkeling equipment: Masks with snorkels, fins and life jackets are available for rent or for purchase.

Snorkeling – A Beginner’s Guide

Snorkeling is the activity of observing the underwater world while floating on the surface. It is suitable for beginners and helps you explore underwater safely and enjoyably.

  • Mask: For clear underwater vision.
  • Snorkel Tube: To breathe while floating on the surface.
  • Fins: To move easily through the water.
  • Life Jacket: Provides safety for beginners.
  • Rash Guard / Wetsuit: For sun protection and protection from corals.
  • Before entering the water, make sure all equipment **fits properly** and is **securely fastened**.
  • Beginners and those not confident in swimming should consider snorkeling with a **water safety attendant**.
  • Enjoy snorkeling, but always prioritize safety.
This guide is intended to help you explore the water safely and has been prepared to provide beginners with an enjoyable experience.
  • Trained life-saving guides: Trips are run with experienced guides trained in tourist safety and marine conservation.
  • Personal attention: Small groups and personalised attention to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
  • Packages for local and international customers: Special packages for both local and foreign visitors.
  • Fair, transparent prices: Special discounts available for local tourists.

If Google Maps cannot locate our position, please stop at the Nilaveli 16 km marker and call us for guidance. (Contact: Chathuranga / Nimali)

How to reach our Pigeon Island Tours Diving Center after booking

To get prices please click the button below and enter your details accurately

Pigeon Island – Local visitor rules & ID requirements

National IDs and identity checks

For local groups (including Sri Lankan citizens), all passengers aged over 16 must present their national identity card at the counter. Alternatively, a Sri Lankan passport or a Sri Lankan driving license may be accepted. Visitors without ID cannot receive local access permits and may be charged foreign visitor rates.

Visitors without valid permits are not permitted to enter the park. Unauthorized entry or violation of park regulations may result in fines ranging from LKR 15,000 to LKR 25,000 (see Gazette Notification No. 2292/11, dated August 08, 2022).

Special permits for resident visa holders

Resident visa holders may apply for special permits to visit Pigeon Island. When applying for these permits, please follow the required fees, documentation and legal procedures.

Permit issuance

Before heading to the island, permits are issued at the Nilaveli counter by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). We provide assistance with this process.

Please ensure you bring valid identification as the Department of Wildlife Conservation will not issue permits to visitors without ID.

Time is golden! To save both your time and ours, please click the button above and enter your details accurately. Thank you for booking with Pigeon Island Tours.

Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English

Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English

Pigeon Island Tour Reservation | Pigeon Island Tours

To reserve your Pigeon Island Tour with Pigeon Island Tours

Before reserving your Pigeon Island tour, you must first read and understand the rules and regulations of the Pigeon Island National Park (see below).

Pigeon Island – Local Tourist ID Requirement and Regulations

Pigeon Island – Tourist Regulations and Detailed Notice

National ID and Identity Verification

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).

Special Entry Permits for Resident Visa Holders

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.

Issuance of Entry Permits

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.

Important Notice — Pigeon Island National Park Rules

Important Notice — Pigeon Island National Park Rules

Pigeon Island is a protected marine national park. All visitors must follow the rules to ensure its conservation and safety.

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:

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit/Debit card payment
  • Pay directly at our official Nilaveli office before or on the day of the tour

You may choose whichever payment method is most convenient for you.

    Name නම
    Email විද්යුත් ලිපිනය
    WhatsApp Number වට්ස්ඇප් අංකය
    Booking date දිනය
    Booking Time වේලාව

    මෙය පිරවිමේදි ඔබට අදාල නොවන සේවා සදහා (නැත/No) යනුවෙන් සදහන් කරන්න When filling out this form, please mark ‘No/නැත’ for any services that are not relevant to you.
    දේශිය වැඩිහිටි How many Local Adults (12 Years and Above ) දේශීය වැඩිහිටි (අවු 12 සහ ඊට වැඩි)
    දේශීය ලමා How many Local Children (6-11 Years Old)(දේශීය ළමුන් අවු 6 -11 අතර)
    දේශිය අතදරුවන් How many Local toddlers (Undre 5 Yeras old )(අත දරුවන් අවු 5ට අඩු)
    ඔබගේ කණ්ඩායමට අදාලව විදේශිකයින් සිටී නම් Foreign passport holders aged 12 and above are considered adults
    Foreign passport holders (age 6–11) child
    Foreign passport holders (age Under five) Infant
    ඔබගේ කණ්ඩායමට අදාල සාක් රටවල අය සිටිනම් SAARC passport holders aged 12 and above are considered adults.
    SAARC passport holders aged 6–11 child
    SAARC passport holders under the age of 5 infant
    How many Local persons are going snorkeling කීදෙනෙක් ස්නෝර්කලින් කිරීමට බලාපොරොත්තු වෙනවාද
    විදේශිකයින් සාක් අය කීදෙනෙකු ස්නොකලිං කරනවාද How many Foreing and SAARC persons are going snorkeling

    People who do snorkeling need a full snorkeling set (mask, swimming fins, safety jacket). Price: 1,500 LKR per person.කරුණාකර සම්පූර්ණ ස්කනෝකලිං කට්ටලය රු1500 අවශ්‍ය වන පුද්ගල සංඛ්‍යාව ඇතුළු කරන්න.

    People who do snorkeling need a half snorkeling set (mask, swimming fins Or Mask, safety jacket). Price: 1,000 LKR per person.කරුණාකර භාග ස්කනෝකලිං කට්ටලය රු1000 අවශ්‍ය වන පුද්ගල සංඛ්‍යාව ඇතුළු කරන්න.

    Snorkeling guide: 500 LKR per person. Please enter how many people need a guide.ස්නෝර්කලින් මාර්ගෝපදේශක: එක් පුද්ගලයෙකුට 1,000 LKR. කරුණාකර මාර්ගෝපදේශක රු500 අවශ්‍ය වන පුද්ගල සංඛ්‍යාව ඇතුළු කරන්න

    Water proof Camera Phone Case වතුර නොයන ෆොන් කවර How many do you want

    ඔබට පරවි දූපත් සංචාරයට අමතරව ඩොල්ෆින් තල්මසුන් නැරඹීමේ සංචාරය අවශ්‍යද? Do you need a dolphin and whale-watching tour in addition to the Pigeon Island tour?

    Would you like to get Brakfast or lunch after the Pigeon Island trip? ඔබට උදෑසන ආහාරය හෝ පරවි දූපත් සංචාරයෙන් පසු දිවා ආහාර ලබාගැනීමට අවශ්‍යද?

    Payment Option මුදල් ගෙවීම සිදුකරන ආකාරය

    Arriving at the Pigeon Island Tours Diving Center After Reservation

    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 “Pigeon Island Beach Entrance Ticket Counter” signboard to Nilaveli public beach, continue approximately 15 meters forward along the main road near the 16KM post, 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 (private paid car park) where clean water showers are also available for rinsing.

    Then proceed to the Pigeon Island Beach Ticket Counter located by the beach, confirm your identity, make the payment, and collect your entrance tickets. From there, walk to our boat waiting on the shore, where 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.

    Pigeon Island Snorkeling Guide

    Best Time for Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

    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.

    Note: From November to February, the monsoon season brings stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and rougher seas. Snorkeling tours may be limited or canceled for safety reasons, and visibility may be reduced.

    Tips for Visitors:

    • Plan your snorkeling trips during April–October for calm waters and clear visibility.
    • Always follow safety guidelines and park regulations, especially during monsoon months.
    • Bring waterproof cameras or snorkeling gear to capture the colorful marine life during the peak season.
    Important Notice — Boat Capacity Regulation

    Important Notice — Boat Passenger Regulation

    This rule has been established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Coast Guard of Sri Lanka.

    Please make sure your journey is carried out safely and according to the official regulations. The following rule must be strictly followed:

    Regulation:

    A maximum of seven (7) passengers, including children, are allowed per boat.

    • If your group has eight (8) passengers (for example, 7 adults and a 6‑month‑old baby), then two boats are mandatory.
    • Otherwise, the additional passenger must refrain from traveling to the island.
    • Any person or group violating this regulation may be subject to penalties or fines.

    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.)

    Pigeon Island – Visitor Regulations and Detailed Notice

    Pigeon Island – Visitor Regulations and Detailed Notice

    • National IDs and Identity Verification: All domestic groups, including Sri Lankan citizens aged 16 and above, must present a valid National Identity Card at the counter. Alternatively, a Sri Lankan Passport or Sri Lankan Driver’s License may be used. Individuals without valid ID cannot receive local entry permits, while foreign visitors may pay applicable entry fees. No one is allowed entry without a valid permit. Violators may face fines ranging from LKR 15,000–25,000 (Refer Gazette No. 2292/11-2022, August 08, 2022).
    • Special Access Permits for Visa Holders: Residents holding a valid visa may apply for special access permits to visit Pigeon Island. All legal requirements, documents, and fees must be completed when applying for these permits.
    • Permit Issuance: Entry permits are issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) at the Nilaveli counter prior to departure, and our organization provides assistance throughout this process. Individuals without proper identification will not be issued permits. Unauthorized entry is prohibited, and violators may face fines of LKR 15,000–25,000.
    • Tour Services, Equipment, and Reservations: The DWC does not provide boat tours or snorkeling equipment rentals. Such services are available only through our licensed and authorized organization under DWC supervision. Our services include:
      • Rental of boats and snorkeling equipment
      • Reservation of boats and equipment according to group size and schedule
      • Avoiding delays during peak season by early booking
      • Ensuring safe and legally compliant tours
    • Safe and Legal Touring: Our priority is to provide all visitors with a safe, legal, and enjoyable experience. Please plan your trip following all rules, health and safety guidelines, weather conditions, and wildlife conservation regulations.
    • Cautionary Guidelines: Visitors must strictly follow all legal requirements and DWC regulations. Failure to do so may result in legal penalties or fines. Early planning of all reservations and permits is essential to avoid unnecessary delays or unsafe conditions.
    Contact Form Toggle – Slide

      Name නම
      Email විද්යුත් ලිපිනය
      WhatsApp Number වට්ස්ඇප් අංකය
      Booking date දිනය
      Booking Time වේලාව

      මෙය පිරවිමේදි ඔබට අදාල නොවන සේවා සදහා (නැත/No) යනුවෙන් සදහන් කරන්න When filling out this form, please mark ‘No/නැත’ for any services that are not relevant to you.
      දේශිය වැඩිහිටි How many Local Adults (12 Years and Above ) දේශීය වැඩිහිටි (අවු 12 සහ ඊට වැඩි)
      දේශීය ලමා How many Local Children (6-11 Years Old)(දේශීය ළමුන් අවු 6 -11 අතර)
      දේශිය අතදරුවන් How many Local toddlers (Undre 5 Yeras old )(අත දරුවන් අවු 5ට අඩු)
      ඔබගේ කණ්ඩායමට අදාලව විදේශිකයින් සිටී නම් Foreign passport holders aged 12 and above are considered adults
      Foreign passport holders (age 6–11) child
      Foreign passport holders (age Under five) Infant
      ඔබගේ කණ්ඩායමට අදාල සාක් රටවල අය සිටිනම් SAARC passport holders aged 12 and above are considered adults.
      SAARC passport holders aged 6–11 child
      SAARC passport holders under the age of 5 infant
      How many Local persons are going snorkeling කීදෙනෙක් ස්නෝර්කලින් කිරීමට බලාපොරොත්තු වෙනවාද
      විදේශිකයින් සාක් අය කීදෙනෙකු ස්නොකලිං කරනවාද How many Foreing and SAARC persons are going snorkeling

      People who do snorkeling need a full snorkeling set (mask, swimming fins, safety jacket). Price: 1,500 LKR per person.කරුණාකර සම්පූර්ණ ස්කනෝකලිං කට්ටලය රු1500 අවශ්‍ය වන පුද්ගල සංඛ්‍යාව ඇතුළු කරන්න.

      People who do snorkeling need a half snorkeling set (mask, swimming fins Or Mask, safety jacket). Price: 1,000 LKR per person.කරුණාකර භාග ස්කනෝකලිං කට්ටලය රු1000 අවශ්‍ය වන පුද්ගල සංඛ්‍යාව ඇතුළු කරන්න.

      Snorkeling guide: 500 LKR per person. Please enter how many people need a guide.ස්නෝර්කලින් මාර්ගෝපදේශක: එක් පුද්ගලයෙකුට 1,000 LKR. කරුණාකර මාර්ගෝපදේශක රු500 අවශ්‍ය වන පුද්ගල සංඛ්‍යාව ඇතුළු කරන්න

      Water proof Camera Phone Case වතුර නොයන ෆොන් කවර How many do you want

      ඔබට පරවි දූපත් සංචාරයට අමතරව ඩොල්ෆින් තල්මසුන් නැරඹීමේ සංචාරය අවශ්‍යද? Do you need a dolphin and whale-watching tour in addition to the Pigeon Island tour?

      Would you like to get Brakfast or lunch after the Pigeon Island trip? ඔබට උදෑසන ආහාරය හෝ පරවි දූපත් සංචාරයෙන් පසු දිවා ආහාර ලබාගැනීමට අවශ්‍යද?

      Payment Option මුදල් ගෙවීම සිදුකරන ආකාරය

      Please note: Following all instructions, reservations, and legal requirements ensures a safe and enjoyable visit. Adherence to these guidelines guarantees a special and secure experience at Pigeon Island.
      Pigeon Island Snorkeling Experience

      Pigeon Island Snorkeling – What to Expect

      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.

      Visitors may encounter schools of tropical reef fish, graceful blacktip reef sharks, and sea turtles swimming freely in their natural habitats. The waters are crystal-clear and shallow, making it ideal for beginners and families.

      Local Snorkeling Packages Include:

      • Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
      • Safety jackets
      • Boat transportation to and from the island
      • Professional guidance from experienced local guides

      Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or an experienced explorer, Pigeon Island provides a safe, beautiful, and memorable snorkeling adventure.

      Important Notice — Pigeon Island National Park Rules

      Important Notice — Rules of Pigeon Island National Park

      Pigeon Island is a protected marine national park. All visitors must follow the rules to help preserve and protect its ecosystem.

      • 🚫 Touching, standing, or walking on coral is strictly prohibited. Even a small touch can kill coral. (Penalty: Fine of Rs. 25,000 – 250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years)
      • 🚫 Removing or taking live or dead coral pieces outside the island is prohibited. Even a minor touch can destroy coral. (Penalty: Fine of Rs. 25,000 – 250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years)
      • 🐢 Do not chase or touch marine animals. Avoid swimming too close to turtles, fish, or coral reefs.
      • 🧃 Bringing food to the island is prohibited. Feeding or carrying food for animals is not allowed.
      • 🧃 Do not litter. Please take back all plastic bottles, food wrappers, and personal belongings to the mainland.
      • Anchoring glass-bottom boats or any boats on coral is prohibited. Such activities are strictly restricted within the island area.
      • 🎵 Playing loud music or using sound equipment is prohibited. Keep the environment peaceful and quiet for wildlife and other visitors.
      • 🚭 Alcohol and smoking are prohibited. These are not allowed within the park boundaries. Entering the island under the influence of alcohol is also forbidden.
      • Bringing or operating drones without the permission of the Director General of Wildlife Conservation is prohibited.
      • Anyone violating these rules may be fined, prosecuted, or permanently banned from entering the park by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

      (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 – Beginner’s Guide

      Snorkeling – Beginner’s Guide

      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.

      Essential Equipment for Snorkeling

      • Mask: Provides a clear view underwater.
      • Snorkel Tube: Allows you to breathe while floating on the water’s surface.
      • Fins: Helps you move easily and efficiently in the water.
      • Life Jacket: Ensures safety for beginners and non-swimmers.
      • Rash Guard / Wet Suit: Protects from sun, coral, and minor abrasions.

      Tips for Beginners

      • Check that all equipment **fits properly** and is securely fastened before entering the water.
      • Beginners and non-swimmers should snorkel **with safety assistance**.
      • Enjoy snorkeling **safely and responsibly**, respecting marine life and surroundings.
      Following these guidelines ensures a **safe, enjoyable, and beginner-friendly snorkeling experience**. Proper preparation and use of equipment maximize fun and safety.
      Snorkeling – Beginner’s Guide

      Snorkeling – Beginner’s Guide

      • Start in Shallow, Calm Water: Choose a safe shoreline with calm, shallow water for your first snorkeling experience. Locations like Pigeon Island are ideal for beginners.
      • Practice Breathing Through the Snorkel: Before entering deeper water, get comfortable breathing through the snorkel tube.
      • Safety First: Always wear a life jacket if you are a beginner or a non-swimmer.
      • Protect Coral and Marine Life: Do not touch coral or fish – this protects the ocean and prevents injuries.
      • Float Calmly: Avoid swimming too fast; rushing can cause panic or accidents.
      • Recommended Locations: Start with beginner-friendly spots that have calm, shallow water:
        • Pigeon Island, Trincomalee – Many snorkeling tours provide life jackets, floating devices, and trained guides.
        • Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, Sri Lanka – Shallow reefs and calm waters suitable for beginners.
      • Experience and Guidance: With a trained guide, even first-time snorkelers can safely explore coral reefs and colorful fish.
      Hold onto your safety, trust your guide, and dive into the underwater world with confidence and excitement!
      Pigeon Island National Park — Guide: History, Size, What to See & Plan Your Visit

      Pigeon Island National Park — Complete Visitor Guide

      Nilaveli, Trincomalee — Coral reefs, clear water, snorkelling and marine conservation

      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.

      About Pigeon Island — Size, Geography & Environment

      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.

      History & Conservation

      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.

      What to See & Do

      Pigeon Island offers a compact but rewarding set of marine experiences. The following activities are the highlights for most visitors.

      Snorkelling — the main attraction

      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.

      Wildlife highlights

      • Corals: branching and boulder corals form colorful gardens.
      • Reef fish: parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish, snappers and more.
      • Sea turtles: green and hawksbill turtles are sometimes spotted grazing or resting near reef patches.
      • Reef sharks: blacktip reef sharks have been observed in shallow water — they are generally shy and pose no threat when respected.
      • Birds: rock pigeons and seabirds use the islands for resting and nesting.

      Beach time & relaxation

      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.

      Planning Your Visit — Practical Advice

      How to get there

      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.

      Best time to visit

      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.

      Permits and fees

      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.

      What to pack

      • Snorkel mask and fins (or rent locally)
      • Rash guard or wetsuit for sun and coral protection
      • Reef-safe sunscreen (apply sparingly before entering water)
      • Water, snacks, hat and sunglasses
      • Waterproof bag or zip-lock for valuables and a dry change of clothes
      • Small first aid kit and any personal medication

      Facilities & limitations

      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.

      Suggested Itineraries

      Half-day (morning) trip — recommended for most visitors

      1. 07:30 — Meet at Nilaveli beach / briefing and boarding
      2. 08:00 — Boat ride to Pigeon Island (10–20 minutes)
      3. 08:15 — Safety briefing, gear fitting and snorkel orientation
      4. 08:30–10:00 — Snorkelling session in the shallow reef zones
      5. 10:00–10:30 — Rest on the beach, photographs and snacks
      6. 10:30 — Return boat to Nilaveli; lunch in Trincomalee

      Full-day option: combine with Trincomalee highlights

      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.

      Safety, Responsible Tourism & Conservation

      Visiting Pigeon Island should be a safe and low-impact experience when everyone follows simple rules. Conservation and visitor safety go hand-in-hand.

      Top safety tips

      • Always snorkel with a buddy or under a guide’s supervision.
      • Wear a life jacket if you’re not a confident swimmer.
      • Check weather and sea conditions before going out; cancel if conditions are poor.
      • Respect wildlife: do not chase, touch, harass, or feed fish or turtles.
      • Stay within the zones designated for visitors and follow your guide’s instructions.

      Minimizing impact

      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.

      Why your visit matters

      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.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel?
      No — basic swimming skills help but many operators provide flotation devices, life jackets and guided support for beginners.
      Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
      Yes — bringing personal mask and snorkel often improves comfort and visibility. Fins can help with mobility but can be rented too.
      Are there toilets on the island?
      Facilities are very limited or absent. Use facilities on the mainland before departure and bring basic supplies with you.
      Is it safe to see sharks?
      Blacktip reef sharks are sometimes seen and are generally not dangerous when left undisturbed. Maintain a respectful distance and follow guide instructions.
      How long is the boat ride?
      From Nilaveli the ride is typically 10–20 minutes each way depending on boat type and sea conditions.

      Notes & References

      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.
      © Pigeon Island Guide — content prepared as a comprehensive visitor resource. If you want a Sinhala or Tamil translation, a printable PDF version, or a shorter brochure text (400–600 words), ask and I’ll prepare it.
      Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English
      Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English

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      Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English Pigeon Island Safe Guided Booking English

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