Snorkeling at Pigeon Island from Nilaveli: 178 fish species

Shallow reefs where 178 fish species live alongside sharks and sea turtles

Snorkel the shallow waters around Pigeon Island, a national marine park two kilometres off Nilaveli beach, with snorkeling equipment, boat transport and entrance tickets included. The two-hour activity puts you in the water above 100 coral reef types where Black Tip Reef Sharks, Hawksbill turtles, Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles live alongside juvenile and adult fish. Hotel pickup is included; a live English-speaking guide leads the outing. Minimum age is 12.

The Experience

Pigeon Island sits two kilometres offshore from Nilaveli in the Indian Ocean and holds the second marine sanctuary in Sri Lanka. The park consists of two islands and is the only national park in the country with a colony of blue rock pigeons. What draws snorkelers is the reef itself: around 100 types of coral and 178 fish species live in the shallow water just off the islands, making it one of the most important marine sites along the eastern coast. You'll see Black Tip Reef Sharks in both juvenile and adult forms, Hawksbill turtles, Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles moving through the same water.

The activity runs two and a half hours from hotel pickup through the boat ride out and the time in the water. Snorkeling equipment comes with you; the boat carries you to the island and back to Nilaveli. Entrance tickets to the national marine park are included, so the only thing left to arrange is showing up ready to get in the water. A live guide who speaks English leads the outing, so you know what you're looking at as fish and coral pass below you.

You can book this two ways: with the boat ride alone, or with the boat ride and park entrance tickets bundled together. Either way, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package. Gratuities for the guide are optional.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• boat transport to Pigeon Island.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance tickets to the national marine park (available as an add-on at checkout).
• live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lakpura LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel shallow reefs without renting a boat or arranging your own way out to the island—the two-hour window and included transport from your hotel fit a half-day plan. The activity requires a minimum age of 12 and a high level of physical fitness; it's not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

Top questions

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

Pigeon Island's shallow reefs hold 178 fish species and around 100 types of coral. You'll see Black Tip Reef Sharks in both juvenile and adult forms, Hawksbill turtles, Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles in the same waters.

How far is Pigeon Island from Nilaveli beach?

Pigeon Island lies approximately two kilometres offshore from Nilaveli beach in the Indian Ocean, a short boat ride from the shore.

What's included in the snorkeling trip from Nilaveli?

Snorkeling equipment, boat transport to and from Pigeon Island, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You can add entrance tickets to the national marine park at checkout, or book the boat ride alone.

How long does the snorkeling activity take?

The full outing runs two and a half hours from hotel pickup through the boat ride and time in the water around the island.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak?

A live guide who speaks English leads the snorkeling activity and explains what you're seeing in the water.

What's the minimum age to snorkel at Pigeon Island?

Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the snorkeling activity.