Pigeon Island National Park

Home to a colony of rock pigeons that gives the island its name, the Pigeon Island National Park is one of the only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. With hundreds of these wild birds inhabiting the island, it was once used as a shooting range during the colonial era. Today, however Pigeon Island has become increasingly popular for its beautiful coral reefs and underwater adventures, and is separated into two as the large and small Pigeon Island.

Located just about 1km off coast of the lovely coastal town of Nilaveli, a short boat ride through the deep blue waters brings you to Pigeon Island National Park. Having some of the best remaining coral reefs in Sri Lanka that stretches to a breathtaking length of 200m, the marine national park has become the ideal location for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island presents diving lovers with over 100 species of exquisite corals, beautiful turtles and an array of colorful fishes and is without doubt an underwater haven.


Shark Point Reef

Snorkeling at anywhere in the Pigeon Island National Park is a lifetime experience in itself. But the Shark Point Reef next to the largest of these islands is definitely the key attraction, as the area is famous for its 5 feet long Blacktip reef sharks. These nonaggressive species are largely accepting of humans in the water, and as a result Shark Point Reef is one of the few places where inexperienced snorkelers can spot a shark.




Written By: Kavisha Perera