Pigeon Island — Attraction in Eastern Province

Recent reviews of the place tells me that most of our guests from other countries are missing this one of a kind experience in Sri Lanka. Many visitors have complained about the high prices. But so sorry to hear that our guests are missing the experience. This was one of the most exciting experiences in Trinco I ever had.

Pigeon Island consists of two islands. Small pigeon island and the other main pigeon island. Named after the "Rock Pigeons", a variety of pigeons which happened to be inhabitant on the island. ( However I didn't see a single one, maybe I didn't look careful enough. ) It is situated about 1KM away from Nilaweli beach. It is one of the marine national parks in Sri Lanka and has one of the best remaining coral reefs in Sri Lanka.

There are few noteworthy things. First the Pigeon island's main attraction is not the island itself but the 200m long coral reef around the island. The major and the most exciting activity here is snorkeling. You visit the island and do no snorkeling, you are missing 80% of the experience. Main expenses here are,

-Boat service -Compulsory ticket from Department of Wildlife Conservation. -The guide's fee -Snorkeling equipment and safety jackets rental

(in general terms you are not allowed to snorkel the outside reef alone, well..... you can actually. If you are a professional person who has experience in snorkeling and if you can prove that to the wildlife representatives there, yes you can go snorkeling by yourself. Otherwise there are guides from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and also professional local guides ). This guidance is only required for the front side of the reef, however there is a bay like area on the other side of the island where anyone can snorkel by their own. But still front side of the reef also very worth the price of the guide. If you are lucky... you can see the sharks, size of a fully grown man roaming right next to you, and turtles freely having their breakfast and many other varieties of fish. Isn't that worth a small price?

You need to hire a boat service to go to the island. You can hire one from the Nilaweli beach. (Instead of going to the Nilaweli beach, you can also use the road near the Anilana Nilaweli resort to enter the beach and hire a boat from that location also, this location has the shortest distance to the island as far as I know ). Normally most of the boat service providers will provide the guide and all other services or they will contact you to someone who can provide all the needed services like guiding and equipment renting etc. So finding a good boat service is the initial step for new visitors. Most visitors arrange a boat service before even coming to the beach. (Finding and arranging all these services prior to the visit will make things a lot easier for you.) And then you need to buy a ticket from the Department of Wildlife Conservation counter which is situated on the Nilaveli beach. Morning is the best time to snorkel. As the morning sun gives you enough light to see the bottom of the ocean clearly, it is the ideal recommended time of the day. ( my personal : at about 8am to 10am )

Another important thing is that coral cuts are a very common injury here. There are dead coral everywhere on the beach to the extent that we hardly can see the sand. And these coral pieces has very sharp edges. So don't forget to bring good slippers or shoes. It is a must have here. And the island doesn't have drinking water. You must bring water with you. And the sunglasses are also recommended. From 11 am to 3pm, the sun is burning and it is very hard even to open and see far with bare eyes. You can discuss the time that you want to return to Nilaveli with the boat service. Pigeon Island is a very unique experience and in my point of view and a must have in trinco. So if you ever visit Trincomalee, don't forget this...

If I could give this place less than 1 star I would. It was heartwrenching to see how they treat the marine life in Sri Lanka. This is a national park and nothing is done to conserve the corals or fish. They had one small plot where you were not aloud to swim because they were preserving corals there. The whole trip was extremely badly organised. Noone spoke any English. Noone told people not to touch or step on the corals. The locals were standing on coral, shouting and screaming the whole time. I'm not sure if this is because of lack of knowledge and education? If it is this is really something the government should consider teaching if they don't want the whole sea to be ruined. I realize that this is a business opportunity for people who do not have much else, but this is not an honorable way to earn a buck.

We got there at 8.30 and were one of the first boats. 30 minutes later you could hardly move around it was that crowded. The boats kept coming and going all trough the time we were there, crashing into each other at the beach. No safety whatsoever. The boat drivers didn't speak English and we were just given a broken snorkel and they told us they would come back for us three hours later. After five minutes in the water fending for your space we gave up and went to the beach. We saw a few fish, clearly distressed from all the commotion and people. This place is dying under water and it is all because of people. It was so sad to see... Most of the other western tourists we meet had the same feeling.

There were a bunch of jelly fish in the water that sting. Badly. They did not give us any information about this and one girl had an allergic reaction after being stung on the neck. There are also some extremely dangerous jelly fish abit further out... Which we found out after being in the water.

Turtles had laid eggs on the island the previous night and the locals kept running over the eggs, sitting on them and really not giving a f*

It was terrible to see the condition the corals were in and how the locals treated the place. Most of the locals can't swim and walked from coral to coral. The water was extremely murky due to the amount of people.

This trip made me wonder what the conservation area are doing with all the money they get from arranging the snorkling trips. They had one trash can and it was filthy. No place to leave your things. No food or water. It was a mess.

Do not go, for the sake of the corals and marine life please consider not going.

We left two hours early because we were all so saddened by...

An Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience at Pigeon Island, Trincomalee

If you're looking for a top-tier destination to witness the vibrant corals and reefs of Sri Lanka, look no further than Pigeon Island in Trincomalee. 🌊🐠 I had the pleasure of visiting this breathtaking spot in May 2024, and it was an experience to remember.

Pristine Waters and Stunning Corals

The crystal-clear waters of Pigeon Island are home to some of the most beautiful coral formations that have been developing over many years. The underwater world here is simply mesmerizing. Snorkeling enthusiasts will be thrilled by the diverse marine life, including colorful fish and vibrant corals. It’s like swimming in a giant aquarium! 🐟🌺

Perfect Snorkeling Spot

Pigeon Island is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for snorkeling. The visibility underwater is exceptional, making it easy to see the stunning marine life up close. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this place offers an unforgettable experience. Make sure to bring your snorkeling gear or rent some from the local operators. 🏊‍♂️

Location and Accessibility

Located in Nilaveli, Gopalapuram, Trincomalee, Pigeon Island is accessible by boat. The boat ride, operated by friendly locals, costs around 8000 LKR for a single boat, accommodating up to 7 people. The ticket price per person is approximately 200 LKR for locals. To make the most of your visit, I recommend heading out in the morning before 9 AM. This allows you to enjoy the island and its underwater treasures without the crowds. 🚤🌅

Tips for a Great Visit

Bring Snacks and Water: There are no facilities on the island, so pack enough snacks and water to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

Morning Visits: Arriving early in the morning ensures you get the best experience with fewer people around. Respect Nature: Be mindful of the fragile coral reefs and marine life. Avoid touching or stepping on the corals to preserve this natural wonder for future visitors. 🍏💧

Pigeon Island in Trincomalee is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature, marine life, and adventure. The combination of clear waters, beautiful corals, and vibrant marine life creates a magical experience that you’ll cherish forever. Highly...