Pigeon island, a small isle located 1km off the Nilaveli beach is a spellbinding creation of mother nature. 

The wild strain of Blue Rock Pigeons (Columba livia) have given the name for this beautiful island. These little birds confined only to this island are critically endangered bird species in Sri Lanka. Not only this bird but also the reef habitat at the island and surrounding sea area are considered as one of the best remaining coral reefs in Sri Lanka.

Best Coral Reef

Due to this highly diverse ecological habitat, pigeon island and surrounding sea within the one-mile radius have been declared as a marine national park. Actually, this island consists of two islets covering nine hectares of landmasses with rocky outcrops.

The reef environment is dominated mainly by The branching Acropora spp. and some foliose Montipora, Echinopora spp. with coral families of Faviidae, Pocilloporidae, Mussidae and Poritidae are highly abundant in the reef habitat of the area. The deeper areas of the north and south ends of the Island has the soft corals of Sinularia, Lobophyton, and Sarcophyton. Shelters and foraging for millions of vertebrates and invertebrates are provided at reefs of the area. More than 100 species of corals and around 300 coral reef fishes can be found in this area two.

Around the shallow coral areas, Juvenile and Black tip reef sharks (Charcharinus melanopterus) are intriguing often. Protected and globally endangered fish species of Bicolor cleaner wrasse (Labroides bicolor), Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) and Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulates) and Black wedged buterflyfish (Chaetodon falcula), Mellon butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus), Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus), Emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) and Blue ringed angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) makes reef environment of the Island colourful underwater paradise.

Sea Turtles

Four out of five sea turtle species named Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) are swimming underwater of this area and comes to the surrounding sandy beach.

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

All together Pigeon island and the surrounding sea area have made heaven for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. From Nilaveli beach it is about 10 minutes boat ride to Pigeon Island. Safety jackets are provided for the boat ride. Snorkelling and scuba diving equipment and diving guides could be available for hire. Since it is a national park has to buy a ticket. The ticket counter opens from 8.30 am at Nilaveli beach.

By taking into consideration minimising the degradation of the ecosystem within the Pigeon Island marine national park walking on the highly sensitive reef area has been banned. Therefore, make sure not to enter the cordoned-off area.

Best Season

The best season lies from March to September. However, the low season is not that much busy and not chaotic either. But be careful on a tide that changes quickly and the currents that can become strong.

If you are willing to travel to Sri Lanka, ensure that the activity of exploring Pigeon Island marine national park should be included in your tour itinerary. The beautifully coloured corals, luminescent fishes and laid-back turtles glistening through the googles take you to the true life of underwater at the Pigeon Island marine national park. 

 Read more on Pigeon Island:

https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/125

https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/127

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