Home · Places · Pigeon Island National Park — Trincomalee Travel Guide
dive · 17 October 2026
Pigeon Island National Park — Trincomalee Travel Guide
Cover photo: Oleksandr Sushko (Unsplash)
Why go
Marine national park a short boat ride from Nilaveli beach with two islands and shallow coral gardens. Boats leave Nilaveli mornings in season (May-September); park entry is the priciest in the country at around 12,000 LKR per foreign adult plus a shared boat fee, so join a group. Do not touch coral; bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Best for
Snorkellers and divers; coral reef, turtles and reef sharks
Good to know
Trincomalee District, Eastern Province. Pair this stop with nearby places in the directory or find it pinned on the map.
Watch outs
Prices, hours and access rules change — confirm locally and treat anything undated as a lead, not a promise. Common island-wide traps (overcharging, steering, ticket games) are listed on its destination page.
Been here lately? Comment below with fresh prices or corrections — photos welcome.
Marine national park a short boat ride from Nilaveli beach with two islands and shallow coral gardens. Boats leave Nilaveli mornings in season (May-September); foreign park entry has been revised several times and recent guides report roughly USD 15-40 per foreign adult plus a shared boat fee, so confirm at the wildlife counter and join a group. Do not touch coral; bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Things to do
- Dive the season-correct coast (south/west Nov–Apr, east May–Sep)
- Check operator credentials and kit condition first
- Snorkel with a guide at reef sites — currents surprise
- Log dives and keep depths conservative after travel days
Cost breakdown
Two-tank fun dives roughly USD 60–90 with gear; snorkel trips LKR 3,000–6,000 (Oct 2026 typicals — confirm locally).
Culture to know before you go
Never touch coral or turtles — fines and fury both apply. Keep distance from fishing nets and boats.
Costs are island-typical ranges (October 2026), not promises — confirm locally. Etiquette notes follow the place type (Dive & Snorkel).
Places: trincomalee, eastern
Keep exploring
New guides twice a week: beaches, costs, routes and honest local truth.
Comments & tips