Located a short boat ride off the coast of Nilaveli, Pigeon Island is a spectacular marine national park offering shallow, crystal-clear snorkeling where visitors can safely swim alongside sea turtles and Blacktip Reef Sharks.

Why visit Pigeon Island

• One of Sri Lanka's Marine National Parks: It stands as one of only three marine national parks in Sri Lanka, offering a distinct underwater experience compared to land-based parks.
• Exceptional Coral Reef Ecosystem: The park boasts some of Sri Lanka's best remaining coral reefs, including over 100 species of corals and 300 species of reef fish, making it a vibrant hub of marine biodiversity.
• Namesake Rock Pigeons: The island derives its name from the colonies of Rock Pigeons (Rock Doves) that have historically used its rocky outcrops as a prominent breeding ground.
• Swim with Sharks and Turtles: The shallow reef offers world-class snorkeling where even beginners can safely swim alongside harmless Blacktip Reef Sharks, large Green Sea Turtles, and Hawksbill Turtles in crystal-clear water.
• Historical Significance as a Colonial Shooting Range: Uniquely, the island was once utilized as a shooting range during the colonial era, adding an intriguing historical layer to its natural beauty.