Interested in travelling to Dhigurah Island for your Maldives vacation? The Indulge Maldives Dhigurah Island Guide has all the essential tips and info you need to plan a memorable holiday to Dhigurah Island Maldives, including how to get to Dhigurah Island, the best things to do and the best hotels.
DHIGURAH ISLAND GUIDE
Wondering why you should visit Dhigurah?
Dhigurah Island is often regarded as the most beautiful island in Maldives by both locals and tourists. It is known for its unparalleled natural beauty, both above and below the surface. Dhigurah translates into ‘Long Island‘ in the local Maldivian language of Dhevehi, as the island stretches 3km in length and is only 250m across at its widest point. The population is made up of 600 friendly local residents. The village occupies a small portion of the island in the north. On the south of the island is a beautiful picturesque sandbank – a perfect spot to watch the sunset. A small lagoon separates Dhigurah Island Maldives and neighbouring five-star resort LUX* South Ari. The remainder of the island is covered in dense natural foliage and beautiful palm tree plantations. There is a school, hospital, small local style cafés (apart from hotel restaurants) and a handful of souvenir shops. Dhigurah is slightly more expensive for budget travellers compared to other local islands in Maldives, due to it being located slightly further away from the capital city of Malé and it offering many unique holiday experiences.
BEST ISLAND IN MALDIVES FOR SCUBA DIVING
There is a reason Dhigurah is often regarded as the best island in Maldives for scuba diving. An abundance of rich sea life and 15 Pinnacles (‘Thilas‘) lay between Dhigurah Island Maldives and the neighbouring island. The most famous dive site in the area is ‘Kudarah Thila‘, located just 15 minutes away. Other popular dive sites in the area include Kudhimaa Wreck (sunk in 1998) and Reethi Thila.
DHIGURAH WHALE SHARKS AND MANTA RAYS
Dhigurah Island Maldives is also best known as the only island for swimming with whale sharks in Maldives, year-round. 400 beautiful whale sharks have been sighted and registered in South Ari Atoll, with the majority being juveniles. The Maldivian Whale Shark Research Programme (M.W.S.R.P.) is located on the island, with the researchers being active each day, studying and gather data about the whale sharks in Maldives. The best thing about swimming with whale sharks at Dhigurah is that they are wild animals and are sighted in their natural habitat. Most days, guests can expect to sight 1-2 whale sharks on a 2-3 hour excursion.
Manta rays are also often sighted from January through to May. Manta Point is a cleaning station where the mantas visit regularly to be cleaned by small fish. This phenomenon is a magnificent half-day excursion, situated 50 minutes away. Also found off the island are turtles, dolphins, large corals, moray eels, napoleons and many other tropical fish species.
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HOW TO GET TO DHIGURAH ISLAND:
Wondering how to get to Dhigurah Island?
The island is one of the last in South Ari Atoll, situated 96km south-west of Velana International Airport. If you’re wondering how to get to Dhigurah Island, travellers have a choice of either a speedboat transfer, or a short domestic flight journey.
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Dhigurah Speedboat Transfers:
USD$60 per adult / USD$30 per child one-way. Departs Malé or Airport once daily at 4pm and returns from the island once daily at 6:30am. There are two speedboat companies travellers can use: Fazas Express & Endheri Express. Indulge Maldives can arrange these for you and you can learn more about Maldives Airport Transfers.
Dhigurah Domestic Flight:
The closest domestic airport to Dhigurah is located at the neighbouring island, Maamingili. The cost of a return domestic flight ticket between Malé Domestic Airport and Maamingili Domestic Airport is $280 per adult / $140 per child (under 12 years). It is a 20 minute flight followed by a short 15 minute speedboat journey from Maamingili to Dhigurah. Flights depart regularly throughout the day from 6:30am to 11pm at night. Fly Me is the domestic airline carrier that provides domestic flight transfers to Maamingili Airport. Be sure to book with Indulge Maldives to save big, as we offer better than online flight prices and take care of the booking for you.
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DHIGURAH MAP
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BEST HOTELS AT DHIGURAH ISLAND:
Wondering where to stay at Dhigurah Island?
The Indulge Maldives Dhigurah Island Guide has a handpicked list of the best hotels for you – we’ve slept in the beds, we’ve eaten the food and we’ve even done the excursions. Lucky there is something for every budget at Dhigurah Island Maldives. Indulge Maldives offers exclusive rates, cheaper than you will find online, to the best hotels at Dhigurah:
Email Us today for the very best accommodation rates.
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WHAT TO DO AT DHIGURAH ISLAND
Tick off some of these bucket list items:
→ Swim with whale sharks
→ Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point
→ Relax at the many beautiful bikini beaches
→ Paddleboard crystal clear waters
→ Dive the abundant underwater world with Oceanholic Divers
→ Explore the island via bicycle
→ Walk the island’s entire length to the most southern point – a beautiful desserted sandbar.
→ Island hop to neighbouring Maamingili Island
→ Indulge in a resort day trip to Sun Island Resort
→ Go on a fishing trip
→ Buy some local souvenirs and handicrafts
→ Visit the school on a Friday afternoon for the ‘Cultural Show.’ Learn about Maldivian culture, traditional tools and hand crafts.
→ Eat ‘Hedhikaa’ (afternoon snacks) at a local café.
→ Romantic beach dinner
→ Sandbank picnic lunch
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WHERE TO EAT AT DHIGURAH ISLAND:
Discover a couple of local cafés or the below restaurants:
- Hermits at Bliss offers an excellent range of high quality food & coffee.
. - White Sands has a huge menu selection from salads to seafood to curries.
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DHIGURAH ISLAND MALDIVES TIPS
- No ATM on the island – take cash, which you can withdraw in the local currency at the airport upon your arrival in Maldives
- Make sure you have a booking reservation before you arrive in Maldives. Visa on Arrival is subject to having a reservation for the entire length of stay and return ticket.
- A day trip to the island is not possible due to once daily limited public speedboat / local ferry schedule.
- Dress a little modestly when moving through the village and always swim at the designated bikini beach.
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DHIGURAH ISLAND HOLIDAY PACKAGES:
3 NIGHT WHALE SHARK & MANTA RAY PACKAGE
BOOK YOUR MALDIVES TRIP WITH US…
Indulge Maldives prides ourselves on providing affordable and personalised service for our guests. We take care of everything from the planning right through to your departure from Maldives. We offer you:
- The very best rates – cheaper than your will find anywhere online
- We match your holiday wish list to the perfect island & property – saving you time & money.
- Free Maldives phone / email consultation
- A complimentary Maldives holiday itinerary
- Free FAQ Guide to Travelling the Maldives for the First Time
- Free 18 page Maldive on A Budget e-book
- Arrange all excursions & island transfers in accordance with your flights
- We are also Surf Travel Specialists
- Professional Photography Services (drone, underwater, lifestyle)
- We are available on What’s App throughout your entire stay in Maldives should you require assistance during your stay
CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY
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