Niraveli is just north of Trincomolee and where we’re staying for 2 nights to conclude our trek across Sri Lanka. Niraveli is popular for whale and dolphin watching as well as snorkelling and diving. Pigeon Island National Park is just 1 Km from the coast and has some of the best coral reefs off Sri Lanka. There’s a diving school at our beach hotel but we decided to stick with swimming in the super-warm Indian Ocean, snorkelling and a fast boat ride. Neither of us are sit on the beach types but we gave it our best shot!

Snorkelling

I’ve only snorkelled a couple of times before and remember taking in a load of sea water so the memory initially made me feel a bit reluctant, however this time was very different. The boat driver snorkelled with me and pointed out some incredible marine plants and creatures. The coral reefs were incredible with bright colours and sparkling from the sun shining through the water. The fish were fluorescent pinks, yellows, greens and blues and were darting between the reefs right in front of us. We could almost reach out and touch them. The most exhilarating thing was following and swimming with a huge turtle which was very gently flapping its wings. I didn’t have a Go-Pro but it looked something like the one below. I was amazed by the little paths on the sea bed which looked like our well-trodden walking tracks at home with plants growing on either side.

Beach vibes

Next up: Driving back to Kandy and stopping at a gorgeous spice garden in Matale.

If you missed the last blog about our trek from Habarana to Trincomolee itself then scroll below.

Further sponsorship – if you’d like to help me to reach my target (just 4% to go) to help those in need in Sri Lanka at this difficult time, whilst being assured every penny will go to those who need it, then please donate by clicking on this link. Don’t forget that if you’re a tax payer to declare gift aid when doing so which will increase your donation by 25% at no cost to you. Alternatively, if you know of anyone or any organisation who may have an interest in this cause please share this blog link with them.