Explore Pigeon Island underwater beauty Nilaveli, Sri Lanka

Pigeon Island is around 1 kilometer distant from Nilaveli Beach. This consists of two islands, one tiny and one greater in size. This is one of the greatest spots in the world to observe corals.

This island gets its name from the Rock Pigeons that reside there. Pigeon Island was classified as a national park in Sri Lanka in 2003. It used to be a refuge. During World War I, the British troops utilized this island for shooting practice.

The beach is covered in corals, which you won't find on any other beach in Sri Lanka. Because of the corals, it's impossible to walk here without slippers. Dead corals can generate sharp cuts that might lead to infection. You may take a sea bath on Pigeon Island, however Nilaveli beach is more suitable. With the broken corals, sand was created.

The national park is home to diverse marine life, magnificent rock formations, and endangered rock pigeons, which inspired the park's name. Pigeon Island is also noted for having some of the nicest coral reefs in the country. The Large Pigeon Island boasts an unrivaled living coral reef with a high ecology and considerable reef habitat, with a 200 m long and 100 m broad coral reef with approximately a hundred kinds of magnificent corals. Small Pigeon Island, surrounded by rocky islands, is a potential breeding and feeding area for approximately 300 different types of coral reef fish.

Pigeon Island is a snorkeling paradise for anyone seeking for a decent place. Snorkeling is easy and safe in the clear water, which ranges from 1 to 6-7 feet. Underwater life includes Trumper fish, angelfish, parrotfish, eels, coral gardens, blacktip sharks, Hawksbill sea turtles, Leatherback sea turtles, Green sea turtles, Olive Ridley and Loggerhead sea turtles, and other unusual vertebrates and invertebrates. Pigeon Island also offers swimming, fishing, diving, and windsurfing.

This boat cruise will take you to Pigeon Island, which has one of Sri Lanka's most unusual and gorgeous white sand beaches. You will cruise the Indian Ocean aboard a comfortable, safe, and brand new boat, guided by a skilled boatman. At 7:00 a.m., our boats depart from Nilaveli Beach. When you arrive at Pigeon Island, you may snorkel with our experienced instructor. You can spend up to three hours there.

Our boat is an 21.5m Fibreglass boat with a canopy and a 40 hp outboard motor. The number of passengers onboard will be strictly limited to the seating capacity.It can carry a maximum of 7 persons. Each customer will be given a lifejacket, which must be worn throughout the tour. Clients must follow all safety instructions given by the crew.