A protected coral island off Nilaveli with one of Sri Lanka's best shallow snorkelling reefs and resident blacktip reef sharks.

Overview

Pigeon Island is a tiny national park just offshore from Nilaveli, reached by a short boat ride. Its fringing coral reef teems with colourful reef fish, turtles and harmless blacktip reef sharks, making it a premier spot for snorkelling and diving in clear, shallow water. Named for the rock pigeons that nest here, the island also has a small beach for resting between swims.

History

The reef and island were declared a national park in 2003 to protect their coral and marine life. The 2004 tsunami and heavy visitor pressure have since damaged some coral, prompting tighter controls on numbers and snorkelling areas.