Sri Lanka, has its rich and unique marine ecosystem that hosts many numbers of marine fauna and flora, there include many ornamental fish species, corals and mollusks from the shore to the deep end of the sea. These coral reefs act as major recreational sites for travellers around the country and the value chain relating these activities and destinations have grabbed a significant portion of the country’s tourist economy.
Pigeon island
Pigeon island is considered as one of the most visited marine national parks in Sri Lanka, an eye-catching beach filled with soft white sands and glamourous coral gardens. This seabed is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province lying under Trincomalee district. There are around 100 species of corals and 300 species of reef fishes recorded around this area. Blacktip reef sharks, Hawksbill turtle, green turtle and olive Ridley turtle are seen around this national park. Pigeon island national park gives an absolute experience of snorkeling and diving watching pleasant coral reefs and amazing underwater creatures.
Kayankerni reef beds
One of the major marine environmental sites within the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka, the reef bed is located between Vakarei and Kalkudah in the North of Batticaloa. Many local tourists visit this place frequently to snorkel and dive. Early risers gather at this point to take on visual shots of the sunrise and to enjoy the first kiss of the sun that reaches the earth.
