While Pigeon Islands rich history dates back to pre Columbian times, it is most famous for its role in the 1782 Battle of the Saints. The French declare war on the English in 1778 as their part in assisting the cause of America War of Independence. More info. Once isolated from the country in the Caribbean Sea, the islandwas artificially joined to the western coast of mainland in 1972 by a man-made causeway built from dirt excavated to form the Rodney Bay Marina. Explore Pigeon Island holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. The presentation of this island to the visitor revolves around the Battle of the Saints Theme, which is the focus of a display in the Interpretation Centre located in the restored Officers Mess original build in 1803. Dine with family and friends. Pigeon Island National Park is the most significant Landmark in the north of St. Lucia. Our resort was able to get us in and for a mere $10 USD per person, we were able to hike and tour some of the most incredible scenery I have every seen. Uncontrolled tourism has resulted in reef degradation and loss of biodiversity and fish density. [1] Pigeon Island was designated as a sanctuary in 1963. Pigeon Island National Park is situated on Nilaveli Beach Road in Trincomalee. There is also a fee of US$3 for children visitors 5 years to 12 years old. The English, having captured St. Lucia from the French, established a Naval base at Gros-Islet Bay and heavily fortified Pigeon Island. See nearby sights, such as Pigeon Island Beach, … Pigeon Island makes for a great half or full day outing. Book your tickets online for Pigeon Island National Park, Nilaveli: See 1,184 reviews, articles, and 790 photos of Pigeon Island National Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 4 … The islands were declared a sanctuary in 1963 for the purpose of protecting these birds. Composed of two peaks the island is a historic site with numerous forts such as an 18th-century British fort and Fort Rodney both used by the British to spy on French Ships fr… Later, in 1992, it was also designated as a National Landmark. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. The Pigeon Island National Park Ticket Office is on the beach in front of the Anilana hotel. The Pigeon Island National Park is 312 km from Colombo and can be reached by travelling via the Puttlam-Anuradhapura-Trincomalee Highway. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Save. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. In 2003 it was redesignated as a national park. Pigeon Island National Park is located off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and is a popular place to visit when you are in the area of Trincomalee or Nilaveli. Find the perfect Pigeon Island National Park stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. The island's name derives from the Rock Pigeon which has colonized it. $1,127.18 per adult. Pigeon Island National Park Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The Pigeon Island National Park is really two islands that are naturally connected together by corals and have quite contrasting features. The national park is situated within the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The island's name derives from the rock pigeon which has colonized it. - St. Lucia Whiptail (Praslin Island) by C. L. John, - St. Lucia Migrant Birds Study by C. L. John. Pigeon Island National Landmark is ranked #1 out of 10 things to do in St. Lucia. 7 reviews. | This former island was joined to the mainland in the 1970s when a sandy causeway was constructed; it's one of Rodney Bay's best sights. Just minutes away from the capital city of Castries, it is perfect for a half or full day outing tailored to your specific needs - total relaxation or for the more adventurous, an exciting expedition. Whatever your preference, a camera is a must. Pigeon Island National Park Entrance Ticket . Pigeon Island National Park is on a promontory that juts out from the northwestern corner of the island of St. Lucia. Pigeon Island National Landmark has a number of heritage attractions and amenities which include: Pigeon Island was first occupied by the Amerindians, mainly Caribs. By the way, The park is located one kilometer off the East Coast of beautiful Nilaveli beach. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares. with some Montipora spp. Just minutes away from the capital city of Castries, it is perfect for a half or full day outing tailored to your specific needs - total relaxation or for the more adventurous, an exciting expedition. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. The coral reef harbors many vertebrates and invertebrates. Pigeon Island was restored by the National Trust as a landmark encompassing all aspects of the rich heritage, with emphasis on the glorious period of the late eighteenth century, when the spill-over from the American War of Independence reached the Caribbean. Pigeon Island Entrance Ticket . In 1909 a whaling station was established at Pigeon Island. More info. Book your tickets online for Pigeon Island National Park, Nilaveli: See 1,184 reviews, articles, and 790 photos of Pigeon Island National Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 4 attractions in Nilaveli. From North to the Centre in Sri Lanka - 11 Days. Once through the gate of the National Park your adventure begins as you explore the stone fort ruins, which … The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares. National Park which costs 7 US dollars entry , it has some great beaches for swimming and snorkeling (absolutely thousands of fish seen near the jetty ) Climb the Signal Hill and Fort … The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares. Pigeon Island is a 44-acre (180,000 m ) islet located in Gros Islet in the northern region of Saint Lucia. The island's name derives from the rock pigeon which has colonized it. [2] Pigeon Island is one of the several protected areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.[3]. Pigeon Island National Landmark does more than just excitingly presented history. 7 reviews. This national … Pigeon Island National Park features white sands, coral reefs, and plenty of rocky outcroppings. Located off the northwest coast of Saint Lucia near Gros Islet, the 44-acre national landmark has a colorful history, and it draws you in with panoramic views of the ocean and Rodney Bay; plus, there is a wide range of activities that will appeal to outdoorsy and adventurous travelers. Whales & Dolphin Watching Ticket . Pigeon island national park is a marine national park situated in the east coast of Sri Lanka. in Pigeon Island. It is said that the oldest tree is more than 3,000 years old, and it is definitely a precious treasure of mankind. Where is Pigeon Island? For a great location with delectable meals, check out the Barnacles restaurant located within the Pigeon Island National Park. The large pigeon island is fringed by a coral reef, and is about 200 m long and 100 m wide. Located off the northwest coast of Saint Lucia near Gros Islet, the 44-acre national landmark has a colorful history, and it draws you in with panoramic views of the ocean and Rodney Bay; plus, there is a wide range of activities that will appeal to outdoorsy and adventurous travelers. The tropical rainforest here is very pristine. Join Saint Lucia National Trust Members Area Get involved. … As with all national parks in Sri Lanka, the various fees and charges are myriad and can add up. Drive up Morne Fortune hill for spectacular views and on to Pigeon Island for your snorkel and beach experience. Quick View. See all tours & tickets. Pigeon island national park is the most famous tropical rainforest reserve in the Caribbean. The island is important breeding ground for the rock pigeon. The British then built a Naval Base at Gros-Islet Bay, heavily fortifying Pigeon Island. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province. Book your tickets online for Pigeon Island National Park, St. Lucia: See 1,995 reviews, articles, and 1,911 photos of Pigeon Island National Park, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor … This national park is the 17th in Sri Lanka. … Share on Twitter Share on Facebook. You can visit Pigeon Island National Landmark every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where is Pigeon Island? US$6.16 per adult. $6.16 per adult. [6], The Green Movement of Sri Lanka Inc, Pigeon Island Marine National Park signage, Nilaveli Beach, "Major plan under way to restore Lanka's natural ecosystems", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pigeon_Island_National_Park&oldid=953180595, Protected areas in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 April 2020, at 02:50. More info. The English then attack St. Lucia in one of the most successful Naval and Military engagements in December 1778, at the Battle of Cul-de Sac. Pigeon Island was therefore a key factor in the Battles between the British and the French. Recognizing the need to secure this site where the balance of late eighteenth century naval power was decided, the Government of Saint Lucia designated Pigeon Island as a National Park in 1979 and as a National Landmark in 1992. Enjoy! Juvenile and adult blacktip reef shark are seen around the shallow coral areas. Scientific research was hindered due to the civil war in the past two decades. Pigeon Island National Park: get in early - See 1,184 traveller reviews, 790 candid photos, and great deals for Nilaveli, Sri Lanka, at Tripadvisor. He had a wooden leg and was known to the French as Jambe de Bois. Fishing and ornamental fish collection are the main economic usages of the coral reef. Pigeon island national park is a marine national park situated in the east coast of Sri Lanka. Pigeon Island was designated as a sanctuary in 1963 and is the 17th national park in Sri Lanka. Pigeon Island is one of my favorite tourist attractions in St Lucia. The picturesque, 44 acre island reserve, off the North West, was originally surrounded by water but was joined to the mainland by a man-made causeway in 1972. Pigeon Island is eight hundred and fifty meters long and about four hundred meters wide, with an area just over forty acres. For it was from Pigeon Island that Admiral Rodney monitored Fort Royal in Martinique and set sail to intercept the French troops; fortuitously preventing their rendezvous with the Spanish and saving Jamaica for the British Empire. In 1947 she returned to establish a thriving yachting industry, entertaining many guests and giving the island the reputation of a paradise island. Pigeon Island was leased to Josset Agnes Hutchinson, an actress with the D’Oyle Carte Theatre of England in 1937. Well, it is in the Eastern Province and encompasses a total area of 471,429 hectares. Dine with family and friends. This park is considered as the best place to watch coral reefs in Sri Lanka. [4] The small pigeon island is surrounded by rocky islets. More info. It is in the western outskirts of Gros Islet and can be reached via a short taxi journey. Book your tickets online for Pigeon Island National Park, Nilaveli: See 1,184 reviews, articles, and 790 photos of Pigeon Island National Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 4 attractions in Nilaveli. Quick View. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, the island later became occupied by, as early as the mid-sixteenth century, French Pirates who were led by Francois Leclerc, better known as “Jambe de Bois” for his wooden leg. The island's name derives from the rock pigeon … Pigeon Island National Park, St. Lucia: Address, Phone Number, Pigeon Island National Park Reviews: 4.5/5 The island was later occupied by pirates whose leader was a Norman Captain called Francois Le Clerc. We do hope that you visit us again in the future, hopefully by then Covid-19 will be over and you can stay much longer. When you want to settle in and find a place to stay, check out some of the hotels and other accommodations that Expedia offers in the area. 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