Jagath Makumbura

1.0

Pigeon island is one of the worlds true paradise. We were so excited and traveled long way to have a relaxing time enjoying the beauty of the nature. But people working this place especially divers at the island with police tshirts ruined our expectations, giving stress and fear for the safety of my family. We reached the ticket counter in our swim wear and got to know that each adult need to produce NIC. So most of us walked back to our vehicles and get those. We got tickets for 20 and asked for 20 snorkeling equipments although some of us not want to snorkeling but might change mind later. We had 10 adults and 10 kids. We were asked to take 3 boats at 8000. When we reached the island we were not welcome well and everything seems confusing. Without giving a time to see around we were given snorkeling equipments in a hurry. When a person in police tshirts checked our tickets he said we only have booked 13 equipments and someone have to go back and get the remaining tickets. Then we asked to give the equipment for tickets we have but after long argument most of us decided not to snorkeling with these people in fear. I reached a person without police tshirt and asked to take me and my two kids for snorkeling. He said he is private diver and need 1500 per person. I agreed and went on snorkeling and it was one of the best memories of my life. After spending around an hour came ashore and gave the person double the amount agreed. Some haven't bring their money to the island and had difficult time at the island. Later when counting for equipments we found that we have given only 11 sets. All that fuss is created by them purposely get some more money which will definitely can earn as tips by providing a good service. They purposely don't charge boat and ticket money initially with the intention of getting more money at the end. I think need to replace these people with professionals where visitors can enjoy this paradise peacefully. I recommend to provide wristbands or waterproof individual tickets at the ticketing office and pay for all boats, equipment rentals, divers fees and any other charges before leaving to the island. Then at the island provide a good service and if only visitors willing to give, get a tip. Things to consider: They ask for ID cards of all adults take them with you. Wear swim shoes which save your feet from hot sand and sharp stones at the beach. Long sleeve swim wear instead of sun cream. Waterproof action camera. Waterproof hip bag to carry your sunglasses, IDs and beloingings while you snorkeling. Of cause lot of money...

Nurani Rajapaksha

5.0

Very clean beach. If you go, please keep this clean. Please don't pollute🙏. Kindly tell, Take back everything what you took away. You have to get ticket from wildlife department office. Then you have to buy boat ride to the island. They are coming to take you away after your calling. You can snorkeling, diving, swimming, bathing at there. If you can't swim, you can get a private guid to snorkeling. You must get that amazing experience. Again i say, you must do. Withing your enjoying don't harm corals.

Adrian Corera

5.0

The visit to the picture perfect Pigeon Island Marine National Park, a canvas of light blue sky, crystal clear waters of different shades of blue, the greenery of the vegetation set amongst the varying hues of rock and boulders and the shores of golden sands, is a unique and one of a kind experience for all. The island, which is nearly 500 ha in extent, is thus named as it the habitat for rock pigeons. A 15-minute boat ride from Nilaweli Beach in Trincomalee will get you there. Once you get yourself geared up with your life jacket and a pair of special goggles for snorkelling, you can experience firsthand some of the most awe-inspiring secrets of the marine ecosystem. There are many different varieties of fish, including baby sharks, swimming amongst what is perhaps the best preserved corals in the country. You can also encounter a few different breeds of turtle. The beauty was something that could only be experienced and treasured as we were not equipped with underwater cameras and were definitely reluctant to risk our phones even though wrapped in plastic. We did manage to get a few pictures, though, as the water is crystal clear. However experienced you may be as a swimmer it's always advisable to get the services of a lifeguard who are well trained and experienced, when you are venturing out to the sea. The entire island is spotlessly maintained thanks to the efforts of the personnel on duty. It is also worthwhile to go around the island by boat on your return trip to Nilaweli. You can negotiate with the boatman for between රු 2 to 3,000. The memories will be etched in our minds for a very long time.

Chamil Suresh

5.0

This is one of the three marine sanctuaries in Sri Lanka and is considered the most attractive spot for snorkeling and diving. It is located near Nilaveli Beach in the Trincomalee District on the east coast of the island. To visit, you need to purchase entry tickets from the Wildlife Department’s ticket counter at Nilaveli Beach, which opens around 8:30 AM. The ticket price for foreigners is approximately USD 40, while locals are charged a much lower fee. Boats are available for hire, with a return trip costing around LKR 8,000. Each boat can accommodate up to 8 passengers, and the island is about 1 km away from the shore. Police and Navy lifeguards are stationed on the island for safety. Snorkeling equipment is available on each boat, but an extra charge applies. The island is peaceful and scenic, with no shops or toilet facilities, so it’s advisable to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to spend time there. You can see a variety of marine life while snorkeling, and the island offers a truly picturesque experience.

Fiona Hanks

5.0

There is some excellent snorkelling here, we have dived and snorkelled all over the world and weren't expecting much. However we saw 15+ black tip reef sharks from babies to large adults. Also lots of turtles and many tropical fish. All of the sea life comes very close to you. The coral suffered during the Asian tsunami but is recovering slowly and there are some areas of good coral. We went around Easter holiday time so it was super busy with domestic tourists. However there were roped areas, snorkel guides and police lifeguards were shouting at anyone who stood on the corals. It was reasonably well managed and all of the informal, local snorkel guides were quite on the ball with ensuring the correct behaviour (with regards the coral reef). The cheapest way to do it is to tuk tuk to the beach, buy your own park ticket and negotiate with a boat man for drop off and pick up - they have snorkel gear too. We booked it all through Pigeon Island Tours, they were pretty efficient, but if you're on a budget I'm sure it's cheaper to organise each component individually.