A small offshore islet near Nilaveli that is popular with snorkelers and divers for its shallow coral gardens and clear turquoise water, offering a quieter and less regulated alternative to nearby Pigeon Island. Boatmen from Nilaveli beach run short excursions here, often combined with a stop at Pigeon Island National Park. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Trincomalee, especially paired with nearby Nilaveli Beach.
What It Is
Visitors wade or snorkel directly off small sandy patches into warm, clear water where coral clusters and reef fish are visible just a few metres from the boat, with the open ocean stretching out beyond the shallows.
Why Visit
A relaxed, lower-key snorkeling spot than the more crowded and regulated Pigeon Island, good for independent exploration of coral and reef fish. It is not the first thing you should see in Trincomalee, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Nilaveli Beach - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.
More on Trincomalee
It is one entry in our list of things to do in Trincomalee. The Trincomalee guide covers transport, costs and when to go.
We plan trips to Trincomalee and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
