Dhigurah Island Travel Guide (Updated 2026)

Dhigurah is located 96 km southeast of Male in southern Ari Atoll. The length of the island is almost 4 km, the width (in the widest part) is 300 m. The island narrows in a southward direction and ends with a sandbank. You can go to the neighboring resort LUX * Maldives. In the local language, Dhivehi, the name of the island can be directly translated into ‘Long Island’ and has consequently the longest beach of the atoll (and in one of the longest in Maldives). Its surrounding waters are known to be a famous whale shark area. A huge lagoon can be found protecting the west side of the island, which is one of the more reliable places to see manta rays in this area, particularly in the southwest monsoon. Unfortunately, you can't go snorkeling by your self as it's a protected area this day.

Things to do in Dhigurah

Beach and house reef

The entire western part of the island is occupied by the beach (it's around 4 km!). Nowadays, not many dead corrals can be found here. The beach is lined with palm trees, which provide natural shade from the sun and create a tropical ambiance. The bottom of the beach is sandy and comfortable for swimming. Great for children. On the southern edge of the beach is a road that runs through the jungle. The whole way is about 3 km. If you wish, you can go along the beach, but at high tide, it will be not so easy. The island ends with a long sandbank that leads to the neighboring island of LUX South Ari. There you will find a sign warning you to ban visits to this resort.

The places there are very picturesque and very few people go there. The highest level of privacy will be provided! House reef is located on the opposite side of the island. You should swim on the edge because there is a chance to see whale sharks and manta rays. However, due to safety reasons, it's better to do this in fins and not alone.

Whale Shark Safari near Dhigurah

If, however, you still could not see whale sharks on the house reef, then it is better to go on a safari near Sun Island - the place where the chance to see these fish is much higher. Whale sharks in the Maldives, if we compare to Cebu in the Philippines, are not artificially fed to attract. Therefore, no one will give you a 100% guarantee that today you will see them. Usually, you can see 1-2 sharks during the safari, which usually lasts 2-3 hours. Since the place is very popular and, in fact, the only available, it attracts a lot of tourists (sometimes up to 100) from both neighboring resorts and other atolls. Once somebody sees a shark, a boat on the radio station with each other and within 5-10 minutes everyone already knows where it was found. Therefore, you need to be ready and, if possible, immediately jump into the water because they swim quickly and can go to the bottom, where they will not be caught up.

Night fishing

For centuries, the Maldives was primarily a nation of fishermen. It is so entwined in the lives of Maldivians that there are celebrations when a good catch is caught and complaints when fish is scarce at your dinner tables. To experience the satisfaction of catching and cooking your fish, a night fishing trip (offered by the hotel) is the way to go. You leave before sunset to find a good spot near a reef. The boat crew will show you how to use the lines, hooks, and sinkers. Later, you will be provided with a BBQ dinner. The trip lasts 1,5-2 hrs.

Manta ray snorkeling

The best time to see manta rays near Dhigurah is from December to April, when the water is clear and the visibility is excellent. During this time, the manta rays congregate in large numbers in the area, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. One of the best places to see manta rays near Dhigurah is a dive site called Manta Point. This site is located just a short boat ride from the island, and it's known for its large population of manta rays. Here, you can snorkel or dive with the manta rays as they glide gracefully through the water, feeding on plankton.

Picnic on the Dhigurah sandbank

Escape the island and enjoy the serenity and solitude of a sandbank for a half or full day. Day trips are arranged by the hotel with BBQ to the sandbank which has pleasant walking tracks and is well-vegetated. The white sandy beaches are perfect, with a beautiful lagoon for a swim in the crystal clear water. You can even walk to LUX South Ari Resort!

Scuba diving near Dhigurah

Dhigurah is one of the destinations that offer good diving conditions and opportunities for all levels. The dive boat (or “Dhoni”), with a rooftop tanning deck, is fully equipped for a full day of diving. It is possible to hop on board to join for one, two or even three dives and the boat goes out every day! There are over 30 dive sites that offer a great variety of corals, schools of fish, rays, turtles, coral formations, and the largest fish on the planet - the whale shark! Kuda Rah Thila, Broken Rock, Manta Point, and Maamigili Beru are among the most popular dive sites located close to Dhigurah.

Kuda Rah Thila

Current: Can be strong Life:

Rich diversity

Visibility: up to 30 m

Best dive period: December to April

It's a marine-protected reef since 1995 and is one of the most famous reefs in the Maldives. Only 10 mins from Dhigurah and a very exciting dive with thousands of blue stripe snappers often being hunted by sharks, tunas, giant trevallies, and jacks. Some very beautiful soft corals with a large swim thru at one end. Kudarah Thila is made of the main reef that has shallower tops on each side, and a tunnel crossing the deeper coral ridge on its western side. As the site is very famous, there might already be divers here when you arrive.

Broken Rock

Current: Can be strong

Life: Fan corals, napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpionfish, moray eels, and soft coral

Visibility: up to 30 m

Best dive period: December to April

Broken Rock is one of the most well-known dive sites in South Ari Atoll. It is a canyon in an oval-shaped coral reef 50m long and 2m wide. The reef was cracked in two areas by water streams and has a large crevice in the very center that formed a tunnel. The bottom of the reef is covered with predominantly soft corals, while two beautiful coral blocks are at 25-30m depth on the north side of the reef.

5 rocks

Current: Can be strong

Life: Fan corals, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpionfish, moray eels, and soft coral

Visibility: up to 30 m

Best dive period: December to April

It's also known as Reethi Thila is a great dive with five large blocks with canyons in between them. It is known for large barracudas, grey reef sharks, anemones, as well as eagle rays, and surgeonfish following you to the surface. Beautiful fan corals and soft corals form fields around the base of the thila can be found in the cracks and overhangs.

Maamigili Beru

Current: Can be strong

Life: Moray eels, lionfish and nudibranchs, eagle rays,

Mobula mantas and whale sharks

Visibility: up to 25 m

Best dive period: December to April

Maamigili Beru is an outer reef of the local island Maamigili. The top reef starts at 7 m and is dominated by hard coral formations. You will see a great variety of moray eels, lionfish and nudibranchs. Eagle rays and mobula mantas are also common here. During some time of the year, whale sharks can also be seen cruising along the reef.

Other activities in Dhigurah

Resort day visit. The hotel on Dhigurah can arrange a day trip to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, Conrad Maldives, or Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa. Transfer, entrance fee, lunch, and resort facilities (pool, SPA, etc.) are in the package. Dolphin watching. There are both Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins in Ari Atoll. They typically travel in small pods ranging from five to fifteen. Water sports. You can go for a trip by jet ski, take classes of wakeboard or water skiing, or get around by kayak or SUP.

Dhigurah infrastructure

Nowadays, there are several dining places in Dhigurah. The restaurants serve Western, local and Asian food. The prices are affordable. More and more hotels are opening (not guest houses) that keep prices high. But still, the island is much less crowdy, compared to Thoddoo or Ukulhas. The island also has a small health center and a pharmacy, which can provide basic medical services. However, for serious medical emergencies, tourists will need to be transported to the nearest hospital on a nearby island. In general, the island is more suitable for divers, beach lovers, couples, and families. With respect to the local religion, there is no alcohol available in Dhigurah, however, guests who would like a drink can visit a nearby resort only 10 minutes away. Additionally, there are several small shops on the island where tourists can buy essentials, souvenirs, and snacks. There is ATM on the island as well.

Where to eat in Dhigurah

Shell restaurant and cafe. This cafe is located on the main street of the island and serves a variety of dishes, including pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.

Cafe' Dune. There aren't many places to dine on Dhigurah outside hotels, so you'll probably end up here. The atmosphere is pleasant, the service is kind, and the rates are low (about one-third to one-half of those at hotel restaurants). Although the order processing time might be too long and the quality of the food can vary, this is still a wonderful value.

Absolute Thai.Thom Yam is really good. It's wow the service the location and the food itself enjoyed every day small tip portion for 2 is much bigger per person than a portion per 4. Dhigurah Beach Cafe: This is a cozy little restaurant located on the beach, where you can enjoy a variety of international and Maldivian dishes. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and serves fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. 

Where to stay in Dhigurah

There are 15 hotels and guest houses opened in Dhigurah. Based on my personal experience, one of the best ones is White Sand Dhigurah, and that's why - They have sea view rooms, rooms with balconies and spa baths; - Super friendly staff with experience working in resorts. So high-quality service is guaranteed; - Amazing in-house restaurant with a great variety of local and continental cuisine; - Rooftop dining area with sea view; - In-house dive center; - Private dinner on a beach; - Affordable prices; - Low price for a trip to whale shark point, sandbank visiting and snorkeling at manta point - Free Airport meet and greet service;

Transfer to Dhigurah

Domestic flight

Flight to domestic is carried out by the local airline Fly.Me. Cost - $ 295 in both directions per person (including transfer to Maamigili). Flies 5-6 times a day. Flight time - 20 minutes

Speedboat

Male - Dhigurah Every day at 10:00 and 16:00 (on Friday at 10:30am and 16:30), costs $ 60 per person one way. It takes about 2 hours. Dhigura - Male Every day at 7:00 am and 1:00 pm (on Friday at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm).

Ferry

Male - Dhigurah Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. Departure at 8:30, cost $ 8 per person one way. On the way for about 7 hours. Dhigura - Male Resurrection, Tuesday, Thursday. Departure at 8:30, cost $ 8 per person one way. On the way about 7 hours.