Nilaveli / Trincomalee dive-center page with boat-led diving and Pigeon Island park coverage.
Shallow Nilaveli reef by Pigeon Island
Boat access and park rules make a local Nilaveli guide the practical way to visit.
Mortar Rock is a shallow boat dive off Nilaveli that wraps a small rock outcrop in fringing coral and easy reef life. It is a relaxed park-edge site for long, unhurried dives with plenty of structure to explore.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 8m
Depth Note
Plentiful encrusting corals sit around 5-8m and the site is marketed as a shallow reef; confirm the exact working line with the boat crew.
Best Season
May to September, with January to March also workable; avoid the roughest monsoon months.
Typical Conditions
Warm water, shallow coral, boat access, and long peaceful dives on calm mornings.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Use the morning window, follow park rules, and stay off the coral. A guide is the right choice if you are not already comfortable with shallow boat dives.
Access Restrictions
Boat access is normal, and park rules apply because the reef sits on the edge of Pigeon Island National Park.
Legal Notes
Pigeon Island is a protected marine national park off Nilaveli, so access is regulated and coral protection rules matter.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
It suits beginners and experienced divers alike, and it also works well for Discover Scuba and relaxed fun dives.
Freediving
Freediving is secondary here; the shallow water makes it possible, but the site is better known for scuba and snorkeling.
Snorkeling
This is one of the better snorkel-friendly reef sites in the area because the water is shallow and the coral sits close to the surface.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Nilaveli / Trincomalee dive-center page with boat-led diving and Pigeon Island park coverage.
Independent dive guide with strong-visibility and park-diving context for the Nilaveli / Pigeon Island reef zone.
Official marine-park booklet describing Pigeon Island as a protected coral reef area off Nilaveli.
Tourism guide with short-boat access, dry-season timing, and crowd/visibility advice for the Pigeon Island area.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.

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Pigeon Rocks shallow coral reef

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Trincomalee deep pinnacle reef for experienced divers.

Trincomalee rock dive with an underwater statue

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