Just 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province lies Pigeon Island National Park, a marine sanctuary famed for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Named after the rock pigeons that call it home, this small island paradise offers some of the best remaining coral cover in the country, making it a must-visit for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Pigeon Island is a living jewel in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, where coral gardens flourish and sea turtles glide gracefully beneath the surface.
A Coral Haven on the Eastern Coast
Pigeon Island consists of two islands; Large Pigeon Island, fringed by a thriving coral reef, and Small Pigeon Island, surrounded by rocky islets. The reef ecosystem supports an extraordinary diversity of marine life including juvenile and adult blacktip reef sharks patrolling the shallow waters.
Sea turtles, including hawksbill, green, and olive ridley species, visit the reefs regularly, adding to the park’s marine spectacle. The island itself is an important breeding ground for rock pigeons, giving the park its name and unique charm.
What to Expect in Pigeon Island National Park
Visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant underwater gardens, encountering kaleidoscopic coral formations and a multitude of reef fish. Snorkeling and diving here reveal a bustling marine world alive with movement and color, while the chance to glimpse sea turtles and reef sharks adds excitement to every expedition.
Above water, the island’s rocky terrain invites bird watchers and nature lovers to observe the nesting rock pigeons and enjoy panoramic views over the sparkling waters of the Trincomalee coast.
