Is there an entry fee for Pigeon Island National Park?

Yes, the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation charges a park entry fee. We include this in the price of the Pigeon Island dive trip, so you don't need to arrange it separately.

Can we snorkel at Pigeon Island instead of diving?

Yes, the shallow lagoon at Pigeon Island is one of the better snorkel spots in Trincomalee. The coral is healthy and the fish are bold. We can arrange snorkel-only trips to Pigeon Island, or combine snorkellers and divers on the same boat.

Are the reef sharks dangerous?

No. Blacktip reef sharks are small (typically 1–1.5 m), shy, and uninterested in divers. They'll swim away if you approach them, which is the right instinct to have. The intimidating name doesn't match the actual behaviour. They're one of the most beginner-friendly shark species.

Beginner

Pigeon Island Diving — Trincomalee

↓ 7–21 m⏱ 20 min by boat📅 May to October

About this dive site

Pigeon Island is a national park. The reef is protected, and you see the difference immediately. The coral is thick, the fish are bold, and the blacktip reef sharks that move along the outer wall are not bothered by divers. One of the best beginner reef dives in Sri Lanka.

What you'll see

Blacktip reef sharks
Clownfish and anemones
Parrotfish
Hawksbill turtles
Grouper
Barracuda
Coral gardens (hard corals)
Sea fans on deeper wall

Site highlights

✓National park — protected reef in great condition
✓Blacktip reef sharks on the outer wall
✓Vibrant coral garden for beginners
✓Snorkelling accessible from the island beach

Currents & Visibility

Generally calm inside the lagoon. Slight current on the outer wall. Visibility 15–25 m.

Recommended courses for this site

Open Water Diver →Advanced Open Water Diver →Discover Scuba Diving →

Book a dive here

Tell us which sites you want and we'll sort the rest.

Depth7–21 m

Boat time20 min

SeasonMay to October

LevelBeginner

Book a Dive Ask a question

Equipment included · Local guides · Small groups

Questions

Questions about Pigeon Island

Guest experiences

“Swami Rock is something else entirely. The statues on the reef, the turtles, the sheer amount of life on the wall. I've dived in Thailand, Indonesia, the Red Sea, and this is right up there. The guides know every inch of these reefs. Highly recommended.”

James T.

United Kingdom · Fun Diving

“Did my Advanced here after getting my Open Water in Koh Tao. The Klathipa deep dive and the wreck dive were both incredible. Small groups, attentive instruction, and the equipment was in excellent condition. I'll be back for the specialty courses.”

Aiko N.

Japan · Advanced Open Water Diver

More dive sites

Beginner

Ready to dive?

Let's get you in the water

WhatsApp us or send a message. We'll sort the dates, answer questions, and get you booked in.

0743 945 010 ← All dive sites