The east coast city of Trincomalee has plenty to offer adventurous visitors looking for something different in the capital, Colombo. A natural harbor, ancient temples and colonial forts are just some of the fascinating sites the town has to explore. Of course, anyone coming to this beautiful location will want to spend some time near the crystal blue waters that Trincomalee is famous for; and one of the best ways to do this is snorkeling at Pigeon Island.
The Pigeon Island National Park is one of two marine parks in Sri Lanka and is made up of two small islands, located 1km off the Nilaveli coast. The island is home to countless numbers of endangered rock pigeons who nest among the rocks, hence the apt name of Pigeon Island. The island was declared a sanctuary to protect the birds and then eventually the coral reefs around them.
The islands themselves with their powder white sands, shallow pools and walking paths that crisscross the island are a charming sight on their own, but the real beauty lies beneath the water. The coral reef here is shallow, making snorkelling as pleasurable as diving; there are dozens of colourful corals formations here that are home to hundreds of reef fish including blacktip reef sharks and varieties of turtles such as the Hawksbill and the Green Turtle.
There are many snorkeling centres and tour guides around the city but the best way to go is through a trusted and experienced guide with gear that you know is in good condition. Many of the superior Trincomalee hotels like the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, for example, offers special excursions out to Pigeon Island which generally include the boat ride and snorkeling gear in excellent condition. Pigeon Islands has some of the best remaining coral reefs in the country due to the high live coral cover, making it a must-see on your next trip to the island.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
