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.
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 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.
What age can children start snorkeling?
Children are welcome from age 5, and infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride.
Snorkeling at Pigeon Island: coral reefs and reef sharks
3h · EN · TA · at your hotel
from US$ 41 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8947 reviews
