You can observe over 100 species of coral and 300 coral reef fish in the area

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the three marine national parks of Sri Lanka situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Trincomalee. The island's name derives from the Rock Pigeon which has colonized it. The island is important breeding ground for the rock pigeon. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. The island was used as a shooting range during the colonial era.

Pigeon Island consists of two islands; large pigeon island and small pigeon island. You can observe over 100 species of coral and 300 coral reef fish in the area. Adult and Juvenile Blacktip reef shark are commonly seen around the shallow coral areas. Olive Ridley turtle, Hawksbill turtle, and Green turtle are the visiting turtles of the coral reef.

The water is very clear and ideal for snorkeling, swimming, just sunbathing and relaxing. Make sure you take your sun block creams to prevent sun burn.

With your goggles and flippers go on a gentle “skin diving” tour round the corals to see the most colorful reef fishes, Blacktip reef sharks and turtles which Pigeon Island is famous for. Word of caution, do not attempt to feed any sharks.