Snorkeling Sri Lanka – Discover the Beauty of Pigeon Island Marine National Park
Snorkeling Sri Lanka – Pigeon Island Marine National Park is a hidden gem. It is located off the coast of Nilaveli, Trincomalee, in Sri Lanka. The national park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and thriving marine biodiversity. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers alike.
Snorkeling Sri Lanka
PIGEON ISLAND VVIP PRIVATE Snorkeling Trip
Instant Confirmation
- All-Inclusive – Entry Tickets, Personal Snorkeling Gear, Guide, Lunch, Hotel Pickup and Drop-off, Cool Box with Water, Soft Drinks, Fruits, and VVIP Private Boat
- Age 0-5 Toddlers , Age 6-11 Child, Age 12 and above adult
PIGEON ISLAND PRIVATE Snorkeling Trip
Instant Confirmation
- Entry Tickets, Personal Snorkeling Gear, Private Boat (3 to 6 Hours Duration)
- Age 0-5 Toddlers , Age 6-11 Child, Age 12 and above adult
PIGEON ISLAND SHARED Snorkeling Trip
Instant Confirmation
- Entry Tickets, Personal Snorkeling Gear, Shared Boat (3 Hours Duration)
- Age 0-99
Diving Trip to Pigeon Island for Certified and Non-Certified Divers
Instant Confirmation
- Personal diving gear (4-hour duration). National Park entry tickets not included.
Pigeon Island and Whale Watching Combined Private Trip
Instant Confirmation
- Entry Tickets, Personal Snorkeling Gear, Private Boat Pigeon Island & Whale Watching 6 Hours Duration
Pigeon Island & Whale Watching Combined Shared Trip
Instant Confirmation
- Entry Tickets, Personal Snorkeling Gear, Private Boat (3 to 6 Hours Duration)
Snorkeling & Diving with Pigeon Island Tours — Clear Water, Colorful Reefs
Discover the coral gardens of Pigeon Island and the rich underwater life of Trincomalee. Our local guides combine safety, expert knowledge, and friendly service to deliver unforgettable half-day and full-day snorkeling and diving experiences for beginners to certified divers.
Why choose Pigeon Island Tours?
Local team • Small groups • Safety-focused • Eco-aware
Local Experts
We are based in Trincomalee and run daily snorkeling and diving trips to nearby reefs, including Pigeon Island National Park. Our guides grew up with the ocean and have years of experience guiding visitors — from first-time snorkelers to certified technical divers.
Small Groups
To protect the reefs and keep the experience personal, we limit group sizes. Small groups mean more attention from guides and a quieter, more relaxed time on the water.
Comfort & Safety
All our equipment is maintained and regularly serviced. We provide a full safety briefing, life jackets, and flotation aids for snorkelers. Dive trips include certified dive guides and dive tanks from reputable suppliers.
Eco-Conscious
We follow marine-park guidelines and practise reef-friendly behaviour. Part of your tour fee supports local reef conservation and community projects.
Our Trips — Snorkel & Dive Options
Trips suitable for families, couples, solo travellers and dive students. Guided snorkeling trips and PADI-style dives available.
Half-Day Snorkel — Pigeon Island
A relaxed 3–4 hour trip perfect for families. We take you by boat to Pigeon Island where the shallow reefs and calm waters make for easy snorkeling. Expect colorful corals, reef fish, and maybe a turtle.
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Includes: Boat, life jackets, guide, snorkel set
- Skill level: Beginner — no experience required
Full-Day Snorkel + Beach Picnic
Combine snorkeling with beach time. Visit two different snorkeling sites, enjoy a beach picnic prepared by our crew, and get the full coastal day-out experience.
- Duration: 7–8 hours
- Includes: Multiple sites, lunch, snorkeling gear, guide
- Great for families and groups
Discover Scuba Dive (Introductory)
Never dived before? This guided experience lets you try scuba in shallow, controlled conditions with an instructor. Includes short theory, confined water training, and a supervised open-water dive.
- Duration: 3–5 hours
- Min age: 10 (with parental consent)
- Includes: Instructor, equipment, training, one guided dive (max 12m)
Certified Open Water Dives
For certified divers we offer guided dives to local reefs and deeper walls around Trincomalee. Night dives, drift dives, and specialty dives can be arranged on request.
- Duration: 1 dive (approx 45–60 mins) per trip — multiple dives available
- Requirements: Present dive certification card, logbook recommended
- Equipment: Full sets are available for hire
Learn to Dive — Full Course (PADI / SSI style)
Complete certification courses available with classroom sessions, confined water practice and open-water dives. We partner with certified instructors to offer entry-level courses up to advanced specialties.
- Course length: 3–4 days (Open Water)
- Includes: All instruction, materials, and pool/confined sessions
What to Expect on a Snorkeling or Diving Day
We design our trips so that first-timers feel safe and experienced guests still find new things to love.
Arrival & Welcome
We pick up from Trincomalee, Nilaveli, or nearby hotels/guesthouses when requested. Arrive 15–30 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in and receive the safety briefing.
Briefing
Every trip begins with a short briefing covering the day’s plan, safety procedures, signals, reef-friendly practices, and what wildlife you might see. For dive trips the instructor will also cover equipment, weights, and basic dive skills.
On the Boat
Our boats are stable and well-maintained with shaded areas, fresh drinking water, and basic first-aid gear. Expect a gentle ride to the site — usually 15–45 minutes depending on tides and chosen sites.
In the Water
For snorkeling, guides swim with the group and highlight points of interest. For dives, we follow a dive plan suited to the group’s certification level and local conditions. Surface intervals and rest breaks are built in between dives.
Sample Itineraries
Half-Day Morning (Recommended)
- 06:45 — Hotel pickup (approx times based on location)
- 07:30 — Arrive at harbour, check-in and briefing
- 08:00 — Boat departs to Pigeon Island
- 08:20 — Guided snorkeling session 1
- 09:30 — Short rest and second snorkel / return
- 10:30 — Back to harbour, drop off
Full-Day Adventure
- 07:30 — Pickup and check-in
- 08:30 — First snorkel site
- 11:00 — Second site + beach picnic
- 14:00 — Optional third site or relaxed beach time
- 16:30 — Back to harbour
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), hat, sunglasses
- Swimwear / rash guard, short or light clothing for after the water
- Water bottle (we provide drinking water too)
- Motion-sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness
- Camera or underwater camera (optional) — we can also arrange photos on request
Safety & Equipment
Your safety is our priority. We operate to international safety standards and regularly train our guides.
Snorkeling Safety
We provide life jackets for all non-swimmers and flotation aids for beginners. Guides stay in the water with groups and monitor conditions closely. We will not take groups out in unsafe weather.
Dive Safety
Certified dive leaders run dives. Divers must present valid certification cards, logbooks, and sign a medical statement. Dive insurance is strongly recommended.
Equipment
We maintain a modern fleet of snorkel sets, masks, fins, and a range of diving gear. If you prefer to use your own equipment, you are welcome to bring it — just let us know in advance so we can make space on the boat.
Conservation & Responsible Tourism
We care for the reefs and the local communities that rely on them.
When you travel with Pigeon Island Tours you are supporting small-scale tourism that prioritizes marine conservation. A portion of our profits funds reef cleanup and education programs for local schools. On every trip we brief guests on reef-friendly behaviour — never touch coral, avoid standing on the reef, and please use reef-safe sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
Call or WhatsApp +94 71 322 7050, email info@pigeonislandtours.com or use the booking form below. Provide preferred date, number of people, and any special requests.
What is the best time of year?
The best months for snorkeling and diving in Trincomalee are generally from April to October when seas are calmer and visibility is higher. We run trips year-round when conditions allow.
Do you offer transport?
Pickup and drop-off is available from most Trincomalee and Nilaveli hotels. Let us know your location when booking.
Can children join?
Yes — snorkeling is great for children. For scuba experiences, age limits may apply (usually minimum 10 for an introductory dive and 12–14 for certification courses depending on the agency).
What if the weather is bad?
We prioritise safety. If conditions are unsafe we will reschedule or offer a full refund. Weather-related decisions are made before departure and communicated promptly.
Guest Reviews
“Amazing guides — our family had a safe and fun day. The reef is stunning and the boat crew took great care of us.” — Anna, Germany
“Did my first dive here and the instructor was patient and professional. Highly recommend for beginners.” — Mark, Australia
“Beautiful coral and lots of fish. Great picnic lunch on the beach. The team made everything easy for us.” — Priya, India
Gallery
(Add your photos here — we can provide high-resolution images on request.)
Contact & Booking
Ready to book or have a question? Fill the form below or contact us directly.
Pigeon Island Tours
Phone: +94 71 322 7050 | Email: info@pigeonislandtours.com
Welcome to Sri Lanka’s Best Snorkeling & Diving Spots
Sri Lanka, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. With Pigeon Island Tours, you can explore the underwater wonders of Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, and Pasikuda, experiencing unforgettable adventures with our expert guides.
Why Choose Pigeon Island Tours?
- Experienced and professional guides.
- Safety-first approach with modern equipment.
- Customizable snorkeling and diving packages.
- Easy booking and friendly customer service.
- Access to the best coral reefs and hidden spots.
Mirissa Snorkeling & Diving
Overview
Mirissa, located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is famous for its turquoise waters and abundant marine life. Snorkeling here allows you to see colorful tropical fish, coral gardens, and sometimes even sea turtles.
Top Snorkeling Spots in Mirissa
- Secret Beach: Ideal for calm water snorkeling.
- Whale Watching Bay: Explore small coral formations during low tide.
- Pigeon Island Excursion: Full-day dive with expert guides.
Diving in Mirissa
Mirissa offers scuba diving for beginners and advanced divers alike. Dive into coral reefs, encounter reef sharks, rays, and a multitude of tropical fish. Our certified instructors ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
Unawatuna Snorkeling & Diving
Overview
Unawatuna is a vibrant beach destination with calm waters perfect for snorkeling. Its reefs are teeming with marine biodiversity.
Best Snorkeling Experiences
- Japanese Bay: Excellent for spotting colorful reef fish.
- Jungle Beach: Secluded location with stunning corals.
- Sea Turtle Watching: Snorkel with these gentle giants.
Diving Adventures in Unawatuna
From beginner-friendly shallow dives to deepwater excursions, Unawatuna offers stunning underwater landscapes. Pigeon Island Tours ensures professional guidance, providing a safe and fun diving experience.
Hikkaduwa Snorkeling & Diving
Overview
Hikkaduwa, a world-famous beach town, is known for its coral sanctuary and vibrant marine ecosystem. Snorkel or dive among colorful reefs and tropical fish species.
Snorkeling Highlights
- Coral Sanctuary: Protected area with abundant marine life.
- Shipwreck Point: Explore historic wrecks teeming with fish.
- Sea Turtle Bay: Ideal for observing turtles in their natural habitat.
Diving in Hikkaduwa
Experience thrilling dives to explore reefs, caves, and sunken ships. Our trained guides ensure a safe and memorable underwater adventure.
Pasikuda Snorkeling & Diving
Overview
Pasikuda, on Sri Lanka’s east coast, is famous for shallow, calm lagoons perfect for snorkeling. The clear waters and diverse marine life make it a top destination for underwater exploration.
Snorkeling Spots
- Shallow Lagoon: Ideal for beginners and families.
- Kalladi Reef: Spot colorful corals and schools of fish.
- Coral Gardens: Explore vibrant reefs and marine ecosystems.
Diving Adventures in Pasikuda
Dive into calm waters with excellent visibility. Encounter tropical fish, rays, and stunning coral formations guided by our professional diving instructors.
Marine Life You Will Encounter
During your snorkeling and diving tours, you will experience:
- Colorful tropical fish (Clownfish, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish)
- Sea turtles and rays
- Coral reefs teeming with biodiversity
- Occasional reef sharks and dolphins in deeper waters
Safety Measures and Guidelines
- All snorkeling and diving tours are guided by certified instructors.
- High-quality equipment is provided, regularly sanitized.
- Life jackets and safety gear are mandatory for beginners.
- Briefing sessions before every tour ensure safety and confidence.
- Environmental guidelines are followed to protect coral reefs.
Booking Your Tour with Pigeon Island Tours
Booking is simple and hassle-free. Contact us to reserve your snorkeling and diving adventure in Sri Lanka’s top coastal destinations:
Our team will guide you through the best spots, tour durations, and packages, ensuring a memorable underwater adventure.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka offers some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the world. From the southern beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna to Hikkaduwa’s coral sanctuary and Pasikuda’s calm lagoons, there is something for everyone. Pigeon Island Tours provides safe, guided tours with professional equipment, ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures. Book your tour today and dive into the vibrant marine world of Sri Lanka!
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