Discover the stunning local island in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll famous for whale shark encounters and pristine beaches
Located in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Dhigurah Island is one of the most beautiful local islands in the Maldives, known for its long sandbank, excellent diving opportunities, and frequent whale shark sightings. This 3km long island offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, marine life encounters, and authentic Maldivian culture.
What makes Dhigurah special is its unique geography and marine biodiversity. The island features a spectacular 2km long sandbank that emerges during low tide, creating a breathtaking natural phenomenon. The surrounding waters are part of the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, home to a resident population of whale sharks that can be seen year-round.
Beyond its natural wonders, Dhigurah maintains a charming local community with traditional Maldivian culture. The island has developed sustainable tourism infrastructure while preserving its authentic character, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the "real Maldives" beyond resort islands.
Dhigurah Island is located in the southern part of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll (South Ari Atoll), approximately 96 kilometers southwest of Male. The island's elongated shape and position make it particularly unique among Maldivian islands.
The island's location provides excellent access to the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, one of the best places in the world to encounter whale sharks. Its position also makes it a great base for exploring other dive sites and nearby islands like Maamigili and Dhangethi.
Dhigurah is world-renowned for its whale shark encounters, being located near the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area which hosts a resident population of these gentle giants. The area has one of the highest probabilities of whale shark sightings in the world.
The waters around Dhigurah are home to a resident population of whale sharks that can be seen year-round, unlike many other locations where sightings are seasonal. These plankton-feeding filter sharks are completely harmless to humans and often curious about swimmers.
Most whale sharks in the area are juveniles between 4-8 meters long. The marine protected area was established specifically to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat. Researchers have identified and catalogued over 200 individual whale sharks in this region.
Several guesthouses and dive centers on Dhigurah offer specialized whale shark excursions:
These excursions typically cost $60-80 per person including equipment and guide.
When swimming with whale sharks, it's important to follow these responsible tourism practices:
These guidelines help ensure the whale sharks' wellbeing and the sustainability of this incredible experience.
Dhigurah boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the Maldives, highlighted by its famous 2km long sandbank that emerges during low tide. The island's unique geography creates breathtaking natural scenery perfect for photography and relaxation.
The island's most famous natural feature is its enormous sandbank that stretches nearly 2 kilometers during low tide. This pristine white sand formation creates a surreal landscape of shallow turquoise waters and endless sand. Visitors can walk nearly a kilometer into the ocean during low tide, with water often only ankle-deep.
The sandbank is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset when the light creates stunning colors across the water. Many guesthouses offer sandbank picnics or private dinners on this natural wonder.
Dhigurah has a designated "bikini beach" on the eastern side of the island where tourists can wear Western-style swimwear. This beautiful stretch features powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and shade provided by local guesthouses.
Dhigurah offers a range of guesthouses and small hotels that cater to different budgets while maintaining authentic Maldivian hospitality. The island's accommodation focuses on sustainable tourism that benefits the local community.
Several family-run guesthouses offer clean, comfortable rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and basic amenities. These are perfect for travelers looking for authentic experiences at affordable prices.
Price Range: $40-70 per night
Popular Options: Dhigurah Inn, Ocean View Guesthouse, Whale Shark Lodge
A few upscale guesthouses offer enhanced amenities like private balconies with sea views, quality linens, and personalized service. Many include breakfast and can arrange tours and activities.
Price Range: $80-150 per night
Features: Sea views, quality furnishings, tour services, on-site dining
For those wanting direct beach access, several properties are located right on the bikini beach with private sun loungers and easy access to the water. These often feature beachfront restaurants and bars.
Price Range: $100-200 per night
Features: Beachfront location, private beach areas, sunset views
Dhigurah offers an exciting range of activities that highlight its natural beauty and marine biodiversity. From underwater adventures to cultural experiences, there's something for every type of traveler.
Dhigurah offers a variety of dining options that showcase Maldivian cuisine while catering to international tastes. The island's remote location means most ingredients are locally sourced, with fresh seafood playing a starring role.
Traditional Maldivian food features fresh tuna, coconut, rice, and chili. Must-try dishes include:
Most guesthouses offer meal plans (breakfast, half-board, or full-board) featuring both local and international dishes. A few standalone restaurants serve authentic Maldivian cuisine at reasonable prices. For special occasions, some guesthouses arrange private beach or sandbank dinners.
Dhigurah is a long, narrow island that's easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Most guesthouses provide free bicycle rentals for guests. The main village area is compact with sandy paths connecting guesthouses, shops, and the harbor.
The island has a few small shops selling essentials, souvenirs, and snacks. There's no ATM on Dhigurah, so bring sufficient cash (US dollars or Maldivian rufiyaa). Credit cards are accepted at some guesthouses but not widely.
Mobile coverage is good with both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo networks. Most guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds may be slower than in Male. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you need reliable internet access.
Dhigurah has a small health center for basic medical needs. For serious issues, patients are transferred to Mahibadhoo or Male. The island is very safe with low crime, though standard travel precautions apply.
As a Muslim island, visitors should dress modestly outside the bikini beach (shoulders and knees covered). Public displays of affection are discouraged. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours should be avoided.
The best weather is from December to April (dry season with calm seas). Whale sharks can be seen year-round. May-November offers fewer crowds and lower prices, with occasional rain showers.
Hear what previous visitors have to say about their stay on Dhigurah Island:
Dhigurah exceeded all our expectations! Swimming with whale sharks was the highlight of our Maldives trip - we saw them on three separate excursions. The island itself is stunning with that incredible sandbank that seems to go on forever. Our guesthouse was simple but comfortable, and the staff went out of their way to make our stay special. The local community was welcoming, and we loved learning about authentic Maldivian culture. The snorkeling right off the beach was fantastic too - we saw turtles, rays, and countless colorful fish every time we went in the water. Dhigurah offers an amazing combination of natural beauty, marine life, and cultural experiences at a fraction of resort prices.
As a budget traveler, Dhigurah was perfect for experiencing the Maldives without breaking the bank. The whale shark trip was worth every penny - we saw four different sharks up close! The island has a relaxed, authentic vibe that's completely different from the resort experience. The sandbank is like something from a dream, especially at sunset. Our guesthouse arranged everything from transfers to activities, making everything stress-free. The food was delicious, especially the fresh seafood dishes. If you're looking for a genuine Maldivian experience with incredible nature and friendly locals, Dhigurah is hard to beat. We're already planning our return trip!
Discover whale sharks, pristine beaches, and authentic Maldivian culture on Dhigurah Island. Book your adventure today for an unforgettable experience.
Plan Your TripUnlike many other locations where whale shark sightings are seasonal, Dhigurah offers year-round opportunities to see these magnificent creatures. The South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area hosts a resident population of whale sharks, meaning you have a good chance of encounters regardless of when you visit. That said, sea conditions are generally calmer from December to April during the northeast monsoon, making this period ideal for water activities. During the southwest monsoon (May-November), sightings remain frequent though sea conditions can occasionally be rougher.
There are three main ways to reach Dhigurah from Male:
Most guesthouses can help arrange transfers when you book accommodation.
Dhigurah can be a great destination for families, with some considerations:
Many guesthouses welcome families, though facilities like pools and kids' clubs are uncommon. Whale shark snorkeling is generally suitable for confident child swimmers (with life jackets available). The island's relaxed pace and natural wonders can make for a memorable family adventure.
Essential items to pack for Dhigurah include:
Most guesthouses provide basic toiletries, towels, and drinking water.
Dhigurah offers a very different experience from resort islands:
| Feature | Dhigurah | Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Premium prices |
| Atmosphere | Authentic local culture | Luxury vacation |
| Alcohol | Not available | Available |
| Marine Life | Abundant, natural encounters | Varies by resort |
| Dress Code | Modest outside bikini beach | No restrictions |
| Activities | Local experiences | Resort amenities |
Many visitors combine both experiences - staying at a local island like Dhigurah for part of their trip and a resort for the remainder.
