Dhigurah, South Ari
Islands / South Ari
Local inhabited island

Dhigurah

Whale sharks and a 3 km sandbank tail

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Alif Dhaal (ADh) 95 km from Malé Pop. 761 (2022)
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈1 hr 30 min by speedboat
Population761
Bikini beachYes
ATMNo
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

Long, thin Dhigurah sits right on the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the best place in the country to swim with whale sharks year-round. Its sandbank tail stretches out into the lagoon.

About 3.2 km long and less than 300 m wide, Dhigurah is the home base of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It had 761 residents in 2022.

Dhigurah is the long island in the background, not the barrier in the foreground.
Syced · CC BY-SA 3.0
2025-10-06 Mohamed Muizzu meets ADh. Dhigurah residents
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-10-06 ADh. Dhigurah Police Post groundbreaking ceremony
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-10-06 Mohamed Muizzu meets ADh. Dhigurah residents
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-10-06 Mohamed Muizzu arrives in ADh. Dhigurah
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-10-06 ADh. Dhigurah Police Post groundbreaking ceremony
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0

Known for

  • Year-round whale shark sightings in the South Ari MPA
  • The long sandbank tail at the island's tip
  • Palm-lined jungle paths

What to expect

  • A quiet village pace — most places are within a few minutes' walk.
  • Cash (USD or MVR) is widely used; larger guest houses and shops accept cards.
  • Friday is the weekly day of rest: shops close around midday prayers and ferries run less.
  • Guest houses usually arrange excursions and transfers for you.

Stays

0 listed
All Guest houseCity / island hotelResortPrivate villa / home stay
No listings of this type listed on Dhigurah yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Dhigurah
Manta ray snorkelingSandbank picnicScuba divingSnorkelingTurtle snorkelingWhale shark excursion
No operators listed yet. Most guest houses arrange trips for their guests. Run excursions here? List your service.

Getting there

2 routesHow to get to Dhigurah

Shared speedboat from the airport (≈1 hr 30 min) or domestic flight to Maamigili plus a short boat.

Shared speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

1 HR 30 MIN
Several departures daily; times vary by operator
Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

Domestic flight from Velana International Airport (MLE)

SHORT DOMESTIC FLIGHT
Daily flights; times vary by season

Schedules are indicative and change with the season. Confirm with the operator or your host.

Food

0 listed
No restaurants listed yet. Most guest houses serve meals. Run a café here? List it free.

Island guide

Facilities · rules · access

Facilities

ATMNO
Clinic / health centreYES
PharmacyYES
Police stationNO
ShopsYES
4G mobile dataYES
Bikini beachYES

Local regulations

  • Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees (men and women).
  • Bikinis and swimwear only on the designated bikini beach, on excursions and on resort day trips.
  • Alcohol and pork are not permitted on local islands — don't bring them in your luggage.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
  • Flying drones requires a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and never take shells, sand or coral off the island.

Accessibility

  • Roads are mostly flat, compacted sand; there are few paved paths or kerbs.
  • Wheelchair access is limited — ask your host about step-free rooms before booking.
  • Boarding speedboats and ferries involves steps from the jetty; crews will help.
  • No taxis on most small islands: buggies or bicycles may be available on request.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhigurah_(Alif_Dhaalu_Atoll) · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf