Pigeon Island National Park

A Marine Paradise Off Trincomalee

Pigeon Island National Park comprises two small rocky islands — Large Pigeon Island and Small Pigeon Island — situated about one kilometre from Nilaveli Beach on Sri Lanka's northeast coast. Designated a national park in 2003, it protects some of the healthiest coral reef systems remaining in Sri Lankan waters.

What You'll See

The park's shallow reefs are home to blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles, and hundreds of colourful reef fish including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish. Over 100 coral species have been documented here, with both hard and soft corals creating an underwater landscape that rivals many Southeast Asian dive sites. The islands themselves host breeding colonies of rock pigeons, earning the park its name.

Snorkelling and Diving

Most visitors come for snorkelling, which requires no experience — the reefs begin in water just waist-deep and extend into deeper areas suitable for scuba diving. Equipment can be rented from operators along Nilaveli Beach. Visibility is typically excellent between May and October when the northeast monsoon hasn't yet churned the waters.

Practical Visitor Information

Boats depart from Nilaveli Beach and the journey takes about 10 minutes. The park limits daily visitors to protect the reef, so arrive early during peak season (June to September). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as chemical sunscreens damage corals. There are no facilities on the island — bring water and snacks. The park is closed during the northeast monsoon season (November to March) when seas are rough.

Getting There

Nilaveli Beach is approximately 15 kilometres north of Trincomalee town. Buses run regularly from Trincomalee, or you can hire a tuk-tuk. From Colombo, Trincomalee is reachable by train (approximately 8 hours) or bus (6-7 hours).