Snorkeling at Pigeon Island: Coral reefs and reef sharks

Parrot fish, turtles and blacktip reef sharks in shallow water around hard coral

Snorkel the coral reefs around Pigeon Island in Nilaveli for 2–3 hours, floating on the surface with mask and snorkel to watch fish, rays and occasionally turtles and blacktip reef sharks in the shallow water. The boat leaves from the Divinguru Nilaveli diving centre, a 10-minute ride from shore. Snorkelling gear, bottled water and snacks are provided. The entrance ticket to Pigeon Island Marine Park is paid in cash on arrival at the centre.

The experience

A 10-minute boat ride takes you from the Divinguru Nilaveli diving centre to Pigeon Island, where you'll spend 2–3 hours floating on the surface with a mask, snorkel and fins. You don't need certification or diving experience: the snorkel sits at water level while you watch the coral reefs, rocks and fish below. Around the island, hard corals host different species of Indian Ocean fish: parrot fish, damselfish, lined sweetlips, butterfly fish and banner fish. The water is shallow enough that turtles, various ray species and blacktip reef sharks sometimes pass through.

All snorkelling gear is provided, along with bottled water and snacks during the outing. The boat operates daily from the diving centre. You'll need to bring cash to pay the entrance ticket to Pigeon Island Marine Park when you arrive: around 40 euros per adult, or the equivalent in US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins).
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• boat transport from the Nilaveli diving centre to Pigeon Island and back.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 13:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and Tamil

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 47 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 45

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Divinguru Sri Lanka

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Tamil, so you'll follow the commentary in whichever language works for you. The 2–3 hour float on the surface suits anyone who wants to see coral reefs and reef fish without the time, cost or training of scuba diving.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Tamil.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish and marine life will I see snorkeling at Pigeon Island?

Pigeon Island's coral reefs host parrot fish, damselfish, sweetlips, butterfly fish and banner fish year-round. Turtles, rays and blacktip reef sharks appear in the shallow water with some frequency, though sightings are not guaranteed.

How long is the boat ride from Nilaveli to Pigeon Island?

The boat ride from the Divinguru Nilaveli diving centre to Pigeon Island takes around 10 minutes, and you'll spend 2–3 hours snorkeling in the water around the island.

Do I need diving certification or experience to snorkel here?

No certification is required. You float on the surface with a mask and snorkel, watching the reefs below without going underwater. Snorkelling gear is provided, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

What's included and what do I pay separately?

The snorkeling trip includes all snorkelling equipment, bottled water and snacks. The entrance ticket to Pigeon Island Marine Park is not included and is paid in cash at the diving centre on arrival: approximately 40 euros per adult, or equivalent in USD or Sri Lankan rupees.