Pigeon Island Safety Guidelines – Stay Safe While Snorkeling
Welcome to Pigeon Island Marine National Park!
Your safety is our top priority. Please take a few minutes to read these essential guidelines before your tour. Following them ensures you enjoy a safe, unforgettable experience while helping protect our beautiful coral reefs and marine life.
Why Safety Matters
The Importance of Following Guidelines
Pigeon Island is a protected marine national park. Safety rules help protect both visitors and the delicate ecosystem. By respecting these guidelines, you not only stay safe but also contribute to ocean conservation.
Your Responsibility as a Visitor
All guests must follow instructions provided by guides and boat operators. Always stay within designated snorkeling areas and respect warning signs or safety boundaries.
Before You Travel
Meeting Point & Transfers
- Arrive at our meeting point first for payment collection.
- GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor reservations must also pay the national park entrance fee.
- Check-in and collect snorkeling equipment.
- Contact Information:
- WhatsApp: +94 71 322 7050 (Chathuranga)
- Email: pigeonisland.info@gmail.com
- Google Maps Locations:
- Click Here – Google Maps
- Click Here – Google Maps 2
- Address: M5RQ+XP, Gopalapuram, 42/1 B 4th Cross Lane, Gopalapuram, Nilaveli 31010,Sri Lanka
- Hotel pickup/drop-off: Arrange in advance (extra charge applies).
- Arrive at the designated meeting point at least 20 minutes before departure. Your guide will brief you about the tour plan and safety rules.
National Park Entry Tickets
This is a government-managed national park. (Tripadvisor and Get Your Guide Bookings National Park Entry Tickets Not Include)
All Tax Include On direct Booking on Our Website
Food Service (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Food is served at the meeting point only. No food is allowed on the island.
- Google Maps Location and Reviws Top Rated : Rice & Curry Seafood Nilaveli
- VVIP Tour: Food included
- Private/Sharing Tours: Food not included; can be ordered for extra cost
Core Safety Rules & Tips
Life Jackets & Equipment Checks
Always Wear a Life Jacket
Life jackets are mandatory for all guests during boat rides and snorkeling. Ensure your jacket fits comfortably before departure.
Check Your Snorkeling Gear
- Provided: Masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets.
- Check your equipment before departure.
- Any damage or loss may incur additional charges.
- Our team provides sanitized snorkeling equipment. Please check everything before the trip begins.
Before entering the water, test your mask, snorkel, and fins. Inform your guide immediately if you need replacements or adjustments.
Boat Trip to the Island
- Duration: 10–15 minutes
- Always wear a life jacket during the journey
- Follow all crew instructions
Swimming, Snorkeling & Buddy System
Always Snorkel with a Partner
Never swim alone. Stay close to your guide or your assigned partner at all times.
Guide Services
- Private/Sharing Tours: Guide not included; additional charge applies
- VVIP Tour: Snorkeling guide included
Time Management Tour Durations:
- Private Tour: No time limit BOOK NOW
- VVIP Tour: No time limit (guide included) BOOK NOW
- Sharing Tour: 3 hours BOOK NOW
- Shared tours usually last between 3 hours, depending on sea conditions. Always return to the boat at the time given by your boat man
Snorkeling Zones & Instructions
Pigeon Island has four zones (A, B, C, and D). Your guide will explain where you can snorkel safely. Please remain within your assigned zone.
Zone A (Outer Reef Snorkeling)
- Allowed outside the marked rope
- See blacktip reef sharks, turtles, octopus, lobsters, barracuda, live and dead corals
- If turtles or sharks are inside the rope, cross 1–2 meters safely, then return
- Swim in a zigzag pattern to see more marine life
- Always follow island officer commands
Zone B (Boat Snorkeling & Diving)
- Must cross the boat path carefully; inform officers for assistance
- See sharks, turtles, lionfish, barracuda, anemone fish, live and dead corals
- Never swim alone
Zone C (Mixed Activity)
- Allowed for bathing, snorkeling, diving
- Good visibility; many coral fish
- Strong currents may require swim fins
Zone D (Advanced Diving)
- Diving and snorkeling allowed
- Good visibility; strong currents – swim fins recommended
Be Aware of Currents
Avoid swimming against strong currents. Use your fins to move smoothly and save energy.
Boat & Path Safety
Use Designated Boat Lanes
Avoid swimming across boat paths. Wait for assistance from your guide if you need to cross.
Enter and Exit Carefully
Use the ladder or guide’s assistance when entering or leaving the boat to avoid slipping or injury.
Wildlife & Coral Protection
Do Not Touch Marine Animals
Turtles, reef sharks, and fish are wild animals. Observe them respectfully without touching or chasing them.
Protect the Coral Reefs
- Do not touch or stand on coral
- Do not chase or disturb marine life
Environmental Care
No Littering
Keep our oceans clean. Do not throw plastic, food, or any waste into the sea or on the island.
- ake all trash back with you; no littering
- Fishing, shell collection, or coral removal is strictly prohibited
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Only use eco-friendly sunscreen to prevent chemical damage to marine life and coral.
During the Snorkeling Tour
Stay Within the Assigned Zones
Follow your guide’s instructions carefully. The zones are marked for your safety and to protect marine habitats.
Emergency Support
If you feel unwell or need assistance, signal your guide immediately by raising your hand.
After the Tour
Boat Pickup & Return
Listen carefully to the guide’s call when it’s time to return. Do not stay in the water once the boat man sounds.
Late Arrivals & Extra Charges
Late return may result in additional charges for extended boat operation. Please follow the time schedule responsibly.
Weather & Cancellation Policy
Safety Comes First
Tours may be delayed or cancelled due to rough seas. In such cases, you may reschedule your tour at no extra cost.
Refunds
If the tour cannot operate due to unsafe conditions, the company will offer a full or partial refund. The refund will be according to company policy.
Liability & Disclaimer
Your Participation
All activities are undertaken at your own risk. Pigeon Island Tours and its team take every measure to ensure your safety, but visitors must act responsibly.
Children & Non-Swimmers
Children must be supervised by parents or guardians at all times. Non-swimmers must stay close to guides and always wear life jackets.
Quick Safety Checklist
| ✅ Wear a life jacket at all times ✅ Stay with your guide or partner ✅ Do not touch coral or marine animals ✅ Use reef-safe sunscreen ✅ Follow the time schedule ✅ Dispose of waste properly |
Final Message from Pigeon Island Tours
We care deeply about your safety and the protection of this marine paradise.
Follow these simple guidelines to make your visit both safe and unforgettable.
Thank you for helping us preserve the beauty of Pigeon Island Marine National Park for future generations
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