Is Pigeon Island in Trincomalee, Worth Visiting? Full guide

If you’re anything like me, you probably spotted Pigeon Island on a Trincomalee travel list and thought, “Is it really worth going?”. I had the same thought. So when I found myself in Nilaveli in June, I decided to see for myself and spoiler alert: I’m really glad I did.

Here’s my no-fluff, totally personal guide to visiting Pigeon Island in Trincomalee: how I got there, what it was like, whether I’d do it again, and a few tips I wish I’d known before.

👉 Need help planning your own Sri Lanka itinerary and transfers around the island click here

Where I Stayed: A Little Slice of Quiet at C Beyond Hotel Nilaveli

I based myself in Nilaveli for three nights, staying at a gorgeous little place called C Beyond Hotel. And I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

From the moment I arrived, the hosts made me feel completely at home. The rooms were stylish and spotless. The food was delicious (seriously, try the curry), and the whole vibe was just… peaceful. The beach right outside the hotel was practically deserted and absolutely stunning, especially in the early morning light. Perfect for a bit of barefoot wandering and beach photography.

I didn’t see anyone swimming in the sea. Probably because it’s quite rocky, but that didn’t bother me. The hotel has a lovely pool, and I spent many happy hours lounging with a book and an iced drink in hand.

One thing to note: you’ll need a car (or be happy getting tuk-tuks) as the hotel is a little out of the way. But if you’re looking for somewhere quiet with no distractions, it might just be your dream spot.

👉For more hotels in Trincolamee with pools – check out my blog post here

Click below for more accommodation options near Pigeon Island.

Getting to Pigeon Island Trincomalee

From C Beyond, I took a short 15 minute drive to Nilaveli Beach, where the boats to Pigeon Island depart. It’s all pretty informal, there’s no flashy ticket booth, just a group of local boat operators ready to take you across.

My driver did all the negotiating and I ended up paying around 6,500 LKR for a return transfer to the island and 8,500 LKR for the national park entry fee. Prices vary depending on group size and tour operator, so it’s worth asking around or getting your hotel to help.

The boat ride to the island took about 15 minutes and was… lively. But when we got close and that crystal-clear water came into view, I forgot all about the spray in my face.

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What to Expect on Pigeon Island Trincomalee

Pigeon Island is raw and rugged and that’s part of its charm. Don’t expect cafes, beach chairs, or even toilets. It’s a protected marine national park, which means it’s beautiful but completely undeveloped.

Bring your own water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and ideally a dry bag (I didn’t, and regretted it). The island is small, with a mix of rocky patches and coral sand. And while there are a few trees offering shade, you won’t find much shelter.

That said, most people don’t go to hang out on the beach, they come for the snorkeling.

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Pigeon Island Snorkeling in Trincomalee: For Me It Was Totally Worth It

I’ve snorkeled in a few places before, but Pigeon Island genuinely surprised me.

I was given snorkel equipment on the island (mask, snorkel, and fins). Definitely ask for fins if they don’t offer them, they make all the difference. Once in the water, it didn’t take long to spot colourful reef fish, sea cucumbers, and even baby reef sharks just casually cruising past. I’ll be honest, I had a tiny “should I be worried?” moment. But they were completely harmless and totally unbothered by us.

There are two distinct sides to the island: one calm and clear, the other choppier and more dramatic. We started on the calm side, where the water was like glass. It was here that I had one of the most magical snorkeling experiences of my life.

I can’t swim, so I was a bit nervous at first. But the lovely guide who came with us offered to snorkel with me and even brought a floating ring I could hold onto. I wasn’t expecting that kind of support, and honestly, it made all the difference. I quickly got comfortable, and to be honest, there were moments I was so mesmerised by what I was seeing that I let go of the ring… and still floated! Maybe it’s the salty water, maybe it was pure excitement, but either way, mission success on the calm side.

A Lovely Destination for Snorkeling and Wildlife Photography

We saw reef-tip sharks up close, schools of little silver fish shimmering around us. I even thought I’d spotted a clownfish nestled in an anemone (my guide later told me it wasn’t, totally ruining my Finding Nemo moment 😂).

Then, the guide suggested we try the choppy side. I was hesitant, waves and no swimming skills don’t exactly mix, but he promised it would be worth it.

So, cautiously, I followed him in… and wow. Just a few minutes in, I saw three huge turtles gliding gracefully through the water. They were so calm and majestic, just floating along like they owned the ocean. It was honestly one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. I couldn’t believe I was seeing them up close, in the wild.

And just to add. My guide never asked for any money to help me. However, I gave him a tip afterwards because he truly made the whole experience magical. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have even got in the water.

The coral reef here is really close to the shore and fairly shallow. So even if you’re not confident in the water, you can still enjoy it. Just float along and take it all in. It’s peaceful, hypnotic, and way more vibrant than I expected for such a popular spot.

I stayed in the water for ages. It was honestly the highlight of my time in Trincomalee.

You can book an organized tour to the island, if you don’t want to negotiate prices yourself. That way you know what to expect. Just check what the ticket includes e.g transfer from hotel to beach, boat transfer and park entry ticket.

Discovering the Underwater World Around Pigeon Island National Park

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the best places to experience the underwater world on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Located just off the coast of Nilaveli. It makes up one of only a few marine national parks of Sri Lanka.

In the surrounding waters, I saw blacktip reef sharks, parrot fish, trumpet fish, angel fish, butterfly fish. The shallow waters are ideal for beginner snorkelers, while the deeper waters are great if you’re feeling confident or experienced. The soft corals, species of reef fish, and several species of corals found here make it great for nature lovers.

The coral gardens and shallow reefs near the white sand beaches are breathtaking, although I did notice some areas of dead corals. That said, many sections of reef are still teeming with life, and the status of a national park has helped protect the entire island and its marine species.

If you’re visiting the Trincomalee area, a trip to Pigeon Island is one of the most popular things to do. Whether you’re fascinated by tropical fish, sea turtles, or simply want to explore shallow areas near the rocky islets, this tiny archipelago has something for everyone.

Is It Worth the Trip?

In my opinion—yes. Especially if you’re already staying in or near Nilaveli. It’s not polished, it’s not luxurious, and you’ll probably come back a bit salty, sandy, and starving. But you’ll also come back with some amazing memories and probably a few great underwater photos if you’ve got a waterproof camera.

If you’re someone who needs creature comforts, you might find it a bit too “off-grid.” But if you’re into nature, snorkeling, and don’t mind getting a little windswept for the experience then go for it.

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Best Time to Visit Pigeon Island Trincomalee

I visited in June, and honestly—it couldn’t have been better. The sea was calm, the sky was a perfect, uninterrupted blue, and the visibility for snorkeling was crystal-clear. The colours of the water were unreal, those kind of dreamy turquoise tones that look like they’ve been Photoshopped… except they hadn’t.

The best time to visit Pigeon Island is generally May to September, which is the dry season on Sri Lanka’s east coast. During these months, you’re more likely to get calm seas, clear skies, and ideal conditions for snorkeling and boat rides.

I went midweek, which I’d highly recommend if you want to avoid crowds. It was so peaceful. Only one other small group of four joined us on the island the entire time I was there. It felt like we had the place to ourselves, which added to the magic of the experience.

Definitely aim to go in the morning. The sea tends to be calmer, it’s cooler (before that midday sun kicks in), and you’ll get the best visibility underwater. Plus, there’s something special about being out on the water early, with hardly anyone else around.

Final Thoughts

Pigeon Island is one of those places where the experience really depends on your expectations. It’s not your typical tropical island with cocktails and cabanas. But it is a little patch of wild beauty just off the coast, teeming with sea life and perfect for a couple of hours of underwater exploring.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I’ll pack snacks, bring a dry bag, and my own underwater camera.

If you’re staying in Nilaveli like I did. Especially at a peaceful spot like C Beyond Hotel, then Pigeon Island makes for an easy and memorable half-day trip.

Got questions? Planning your own trip? Drop a comment—I’d love to help or just hear about your experience!

Frequently Asked Questions – Pigeon Island Trincomalee, Sri Lanka