Pigeon Island National Park
புறா தீவு தேசிய பூங்கா
One of only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. Shallow coral reefs offer snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles.
Pigeon Island consists of two islands, one large and one small, named after the rock pigeons that nest here. The shallow coral reefs around them are home to blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and plenty of tropical fish, all visible while snorkeling just a few meters offshore. Entry is charged at the foreign-visitor rate, which is tens of US dollars including taxes and subject to change, so confirm on-site. A round-trip boat fare is charged separately. The boat from Nilaveli Beach takes about 15 minutes. Go in the morning to avoid the crowds. Touching coral and taking shells away are prohibited, and the island has almost no shade.
Opening hours
Approx. 7:00 am–5:00 pm (may close during monsoon season)
Nearby sights
- Nilaveli Beach
- Velgam Vehera
- Trincomalee War Cemetery
- Kanniya Hot Wells
- Uppuveli Beach
- Koneswaram Temple
- Trincomalee Fish Market
- Fort Frederick