A small national park just off Nilaveli near Trincomalee, Pigeon Island protects one of Sri Lanka's best-preserved coral reefs, with over 100 coral species and nearly 300 reef fish species recorded in its shallow, clear water. Blacktip reef sharks are a regular, low-risk sighting for snorkellers.
260 kmDistance from Colombo
~5.5 hrsTypical drive time
A short boat ride from Nilaveli beach puts visitors directly over the reef, making it one of the most accessible serious snorkelling spots anywhere on the island.