The rocky headland and white sand cove of Pigeon Island, with swimmers in the shallows

Pigeon Island

A national park a short boat ride off the Nilaveli coast, with shallow coral reefs, reef fish and clear turquoise coves.

Nilaveli Beach from the air, pale sand running beside turquoise sea

Nilaveli Beach

A long stretch of pale sand and calm blue water on the east coast, within walking distance of the resort.

A snorkeller underwater above a rocky seabed

Snorkelling

The clear, shallow waters off Nilaveli are made for snorkelling, drifting over coral among shoals of reef fish.

A snorkeller diving over a coral reef among striped reef fish

Coral Island

A small island off the Nilaveli coast whose coral gardens lie close to the surface, a quieter place to swim and snorkel.

The painted gateway tower of Koneswaram Kovil beside a large statue of Lord Shiva

Koneswaram Kovil

An ancient Hindu temple in Trincomalee, known for its colourful gateway tower and its great statue of Lord Shiva.

Trincomalee Harbour from above, with ships at anchor between wooded headlands

Trincomalee Harbour

One of the largest natural deep-water harbours in the world, ringed by wooded headlands and best seen from the hills above.

A whale lifting its tail from the sea below the cliffs at Trincomalee

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Boat trips from Trincomalee head out to where whales and dolphins pass close to the coast.