Dhigurah, at the southeastern tip of Ari Atoll, is an island over 3km/2miles long and 300m/1000ft wide, hence its name Dhigu (long) rah (island), bordered by a huge lagoon on its west side where manta rays are an usual sight, particularly from May/June to November during the south west monsoon.
The population of around 530 people lives at the northern end where the harbour and the village lay. The other 2/3 of the island is unsettled, covered by bushes and trees, ending in a narrow white sand bar at the southeast.
Where is Dhigurah located?
Dhigurah is located in southern Ari Atoll, 96 km southeast of Malé.
How to get to Dhigurah from Malé?
Domestic flight
Fly.Me / local airline
Price: $ 295 round trip per person.
Fly 5-6 times a day.
Flight time: 20 minutes.
Fast boat
Malé – Dhigurah
Departure is at 16:00
Price $ 35 per person one way.
Time per journey 2 hours.
Once a day.
Dhigura – Malé
Departure is at 6:40
Price $ 35 per person one way.
Time per journey 2 hours.
Once a day.
Public Ferry
Malé – Dhigurah
Departure at 8:30
Price $ 8 per person one way.
Time per journey 7 hours.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays.
Dhigura – Malé
Departure at 8:30
Price $ 8 per person one way.
Time per journey 7 hours.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays.
Is there a bikini beach in Dhigurah?
Yes. On the northwestern side of the island, near Dhigurah Beach Inn.
Things to do in Dhigurah.
Trek on the beach
You can take a beautiful walk along its famous stretch of sand where you can see the ocean on both sides.
Picnic on a sandbar
Enjoy the unforgettable experience of being totally alone and in peace on a wonderful sandbar.
The Hotels organize day trips to the sandbanks with BBQ included.
Swim / Snorkel with Whale Shark
Right in front of the bikini beach is the most famous point to see Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, so if you dare and are lucky you can share an unforgettable time with these fantastic and gentle creatures.
Whale Shark Safari
If you were unlucky and did not see the Whale Sharks from the bikini beach, an alternative option is to go on a Whale Shark Safari. Everyone on the Island offers Safaris to see the Whale Sharks, where the possibility of seeing this fish is much greater. You can ask the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, a Dhigurah based conservationist charity, for guidance on choosing ethical boat operators. Whale sharks should not be touched, fed, much less harassed. Keep a distance of 4m/12ft at all times. Keep in mind that there is no 100% guarantee that you will see them, but if you do, it will be in their natural habitat. However, it is common to see 1 to 2 sharks during the safari, which usually lasts 2 to 3 hours.
Scuba Diving
The Republic of Maldives is a top scuba diving destination and Ari Atoll figure high on the list. There are more than 30 dive sites where you can see a great variety of corals, schools of fish, Manta Rays, Turtles and the famous Whale Shark.
Where to Stay in Dhigurah Island?
Despite being a small island, Dhigurah has a great variety of accommodations with very varied prices.
We mention 2 below for their value and the quality of the tours they offer.
