Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll · Central Maldives

Dhigurah

The long island — whale sharks all year round

Whale shark enthusiastsDiversBeach loversSnorkellers
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Getting there

30-minute domestic flight to Ari Atoll (Maamigili Airport) then 15-minute speedboat, or 2.5-hour speedboat direct from Malé.

Best time to visit

Year-round for whale sharks. Manta rays peak November–April. Best diving visibility December–April.

Accommodation

20+ options · $55 – $160 / night

About Dhigurah

Dhigurah means 'long island' in Dhivehi, and at 3 km end to end it's one of the longest inhabited islands in the Maldives. It sits at the southern tip of Ari Atoll, directly adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area — the best place in the world for year-round whale shark encounters. The island has a beautiful natural beach, a relaxed pace of life, and a growing number of excellent guesthouses.

Why visit Dhigurah?

  • Year-round whale shark snorkelling in South Ari MPA
  • 3 km of natural beach — longest on any guesthouse island
  • South Ari Marine Protected Area on the doorstep
  • Hammerhead shark dives at Rasdhoo Atoll nearby
  • Manta ray cleaning stations
  • Relaxed, uncrowded island atmosphere

Top activities

Prices are indicative — contact operators directly for current rates.

Snorkelling

Whale Shark Snorkelling

From $65 / person
Scuba Diving

Whale Shark Dive

From $75 / person
Scuba Diving

Hammerhead Shark Dive

From $85 / person
Scuba Diving

Manta Ray Dive

From $80 / person
Snorkelling

Coral Garden Snorkel

From $45 / person

See the full activities guide for all operators and dive sites across the Maldives.

Dive sites near Dhigurah

South Ari MPA
Maaya Thila
Rasdhoo Hammerhead Point
Fish Head

Ready to visit Dhigurah?

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