Pigeon Island near Trincomalee is the finest snorkelling site on the island – blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and vibrant coral in crystal-clear east coast water a short boat ride from shore. Hikkaduwa’s reef and Mirissa’s waters offer different marine character on the southwest coast. For certified divers, the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary near Kalpitiya and the HMS Hermes wreck off Batticaloa provide dives of genuine international standing.