Can you snorkel right off Pigeon Island?

Yes, you can snorkel right off the beaches at Pigeon Island National Park. It’s encircled by one of Sri Lanka’s most well-preserved shallow coral reefs, so it feels very close up.

The island is only a brief boat trip from Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee, so snorkelers can basically go from sand to water without much hassle. The reef is well known for clear visibility and lots of sea life, including blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and vivid tropical fish. Since it is a protected marine park, visitors have to pay an entry fee and also follow firm ecological rules that help stop coral damage.