Dhangethi island guide

Somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean lies a tiny island. Dominated by exotic tropical flora, cocooned by turquoise blue waters and a snow-white sandy shoreline, it remains untouched by mass tourism. Dhangethi is this paradise.

Maldives’ popularity has rested mainly on its luxurious resorts that pamper tourists with modern comforts and lavish hospitality. Therefore, a holiday on this island nation has become synonymous with indulgent retreats that sometimes leave very little room to experience the country in its truest sense.

Luckily, for seekers of the offbeat, numerous islands in the Maldives that may appear as only a speck on the map encompass in them a fascinating potpourri of culture and traditions. These are the anomalies that eventually add uniqueness to your vacation!

Head over to Dhangethi for one such remarkable adventure.

About Dhangethi   

Are you searching for a getaway with all the elements of a beach holiday, an immersive cultural experience, and one that is not too heavy on your pockets? Dhangethi is your answer.

While vacationing on this beautiful island, you get to enjoy pristine white sand, almost empty beaches, scrumptious food, welcoming locals, immaculately clean accommodations, and diverse marine activities.

At a distance of 87km from Malé, the island of Dhangethi lies in the southeastern part of the South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaal). Within a small area – 925m long and 250m wide – it holds a moving population of around 1200 locals. Many of the residents from the island have over time shifted to Malé for studies and work.

Furthermore, a heady concoction of Maldivian ethos and nature welcomes you here. The tiny streets lined on either side by traditional-looking colorful houses are a delight to explore. They create an intriguing maze, each road leading to the warm lagoons that surround the island.

In terms of shopping, you’ll find a few mini-marts selling groceries and numerous small boutiques that showcase a vast array of handicrafts made with coconut shells and coarse corals around the island. The local mobile operator also has an office here.

Both USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa is widely accepted in Dhangethi. The island doesn’t have a bank or ATMs, so remember to carry enough cash. Some hotels do offer money exchange facilities but not at very competitive rate.

How to reach Dhangethi

Travel by boat is the most common transport option in the Maldives. Dhangethi has good connections with Malé and other islands of the Southern Atolls via local ferries and speed boats. You can also reach Dhangethi by air.

Budget option

The public ferries are ideal for those on a budget. They run from Viligilli Ferry Terminal in Malé to Dhangethi via Mahibadhoo every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The boat leaves Malé at 0900hrs. The return journey is every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with the ferry leaving Dhangethi at 0900hrs.

It takes six hours to cover the distance between the two destinations, including a stop and a ferry change in Mahibadhoo both ways. Costing around US$5 per trip, the tickets are available to buy at the ferry terminal. Typically, you cannot book advance ferry tickets in the Maldives. However, check with your guesthouse or hotels, as they might be able to pre-book your tickets.

Fast option

Alternatively, scheduled speedboats run between Malé Airport and Dhangethi, covering the distance in about 90mins. They cost US$35 one way and are a popular choice with tourists.

The exact time of the speedboat transfer changes daily. However, the boats generally depart between 1500hrs – 1600hrs from Malé and at 0700hrs from Dhangethi. These need to be pre-booked. For groups, a private speedboat charter is an option with costs starting at US$700 for 12 persons.

Scenic option

If travel by water is not your preference, fly into Maamigili Domestic Airport from Malé, which is only a 20-minute flight. There are five flights every day, costing around US$290 for a return ticket. From the airport, speedboats take you to Dhangethi in 20 minutes.

The most expensive option is a ride on a seaplane. It covers the distance between Malé and Dhangethi in 25 minutes and costs about US$360 per person. You’ll need to take a boat to the island from the landing platform. Seaplanes fly only between 0600hrs – 1600hrs, and tickets need to be pre-booked.  

Transportation around Dhangethi

Given the petite size of Dhangethi, it is easy to cover the entire island on foot. Walking is also a perfect way to acquaint yourself with the surroundings and the people that call this beautiful paradise their home.

While sauntering around, the abundant greenery acts as your refuge from the heat and the sun. Still, do not forget to carry a water bottle and a hat during the day. Some guesthouses also offer complimentary use of bicycles to their guests.

Things to do in Dhangethi

While Dhangethi offers the fundamentals of any Maldivian holiday – sun, sand, and the sea – it also provides insight into local culture and lifestyle.

Do dress appropriately while you enjoy the beautiful island and its beaches, keeping in mind the cultural sensibilities of its inhabitants. Moreover, try and be an eco-friendly traveler when vacationing anywhere in the Maldives. Pick up any plastic you find on the beach and avoid leaving a carbon footprint.

Bikini Beach

The beach is never too far from any point on the island. In fact, only a two-minute walk from the main village is the gorgeous, fenced, and clean Bikini Beach, reserved for tourists. The sunsets here are truly breathtaking. The beach also has a toilet, shower facilities, and a few free sunbeds.

While you amble to or from the beach, try and mingle with the local fishermen. They can show you around their traditional boats and explain how these floating wonders are made and used in day-to-day lives.

Reef snorkeling and scuba diving

As with most islands in the Maldives, aquatic life is abundant around Dhangethi. Snorkeling is the simplest way to explore it. The Bikini Beach gives easy access to the house reef teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures such as sharks, manta rays, and turtles.

The current is usually strong during high tide. Therefore, mornings are the best time to enjoy this activity without worry. You can bring in your snorkel gear or ask your hotel to arrange it for you.

There is one dive center in Dhangethi. It is the first-ever PADI 5 certified dive center in the South Ari Atoll. They can help arrange a diving safari and an array of water sport activities for you.

Several dive sites surround Dhangethi. Both, within the atoll and in the nearby channels, suitable for beginners and experienced divers. The excellent thilas and at least four wrecks make diving one of the top things to do in Dhangethi.

The most frequented diving sites in Dhangethi are;

Broken Rock – Lying to the eastern edge is the most popular thila within the diving community here. 80m long, its most distinguishing factor is the 10m deep canyon which splits the channel into two. You’ll come across a plethora of sea life here, including soft corals, schools of barracuda, turtles, and colorful sea fans.

Kudhimaa wreck – A cargo ship sunk over 20 years ago is now a playground for various marine life. Lying at about 30m depth, this 50m longship offers an exciting experience for diving aficionados. Divers can spot nurse sharks, batfish, and moray eels, among other underwater creatures around the wreck.

Kudarah Thila – Considered the most beautiful dive spot near Dhangethi, Kudarah Thila’s reef top is around 14m and goes down to about 25m. Apart from rocky outcrops and a small canyon, there is also a long cave on the eastern side. It offers excellent diving conditions and is also a Marine Protected Area.

Vilamendhoo Thila – Located about 10 minutes from Dhangethi, this thila rises from 6m at the center to about 25m towards either end. You can expect plenty of fish, large sea fans, soft corals, and a few small caves. It has a complex reef structure that makes it an intriguing diving choice.

Shark View Point

Being close to the famous Whale Shark Point has only made Dhangethi more popular. Close to Maamigili Island, this spot is a 30-minute ride in a dhoni. A vast number and variety of sharks come to this point all year-round.

You can enjoy this sight from the comfort of your dhoni, capturing it on the camera, or jump right into the waters and swim alongside these gentle giants.  

Resort day trip

Dhangethi’s location also affords the chance to indulge in the luxuries of a resort for a day. There are as many as 14 resorts within easy reach of the island! Some of the closest ones are Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Amaya Resort Kudah Rah Vakarufalhi Maldives, and Lily Beach Resort & Spa.

Places to eat in Dhangethi

Though there are a limited number of restaurants on the island, the range and quality of food offered more than covers for it. As with all inhabited islands in the archipelago, restaurants in Dhangethi do not serve alcohol.

Moreover, guesthouses and hotels offer in-house dining. Still, below are a few options if you wish to dine out.

The Blue Moon Café

Serving right from breakfast until a late dinner, the café sits cozily by the beach. Granting breathtaking sunset views, it offers a menu that spans the complete café repertoire.

From subs and sandwiches to juices and hot drinks, they have it all. For something substantial, the Blue Moon Café also has curries, noodles, and pizzas. A must-try is their local breakfast consisting of traditional Maldivian dishes like mashuni served with roshi bread and omelet.

The Compass Beach Bistro

The Compass Beach Bistro is an excellent spot to relax and take in the island vibe with a beachside location and excellent wi-fi. They serve everything from sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta to shakes and juices at a reasonable price. The staff is always welcoming and can make special arrangements for a romantic candlelit dinner with your partner.

Hawaee Foods

Though basic in ambiance, Hawaee is one of the most popular restaurants in Dhangethi. Not surprisingly, it remains crowded during the tourist season. So, come prepared to wait. The food, however, more than compensates for any delays. 

Delicately flavored and reasonably priced delicacies like kottu roshi are their most popular dishes. They offer equally delightful curries, sandwiches, and coffee.

A S Youth Cafe

Situated near the harbor, A S Youth Café is a cute eatery from where you can grab a quick snack. The setup is modest, but the views are extraordinary, especially during sundown. One reason to visit the café is that they serve hookah.

Monalaz Cafe

A charming beachside café, Monalaz has both outdoor and indoor seating. The menu is pretty straightforward, so the panoramic vistas are the main draw of this restaurant in Dhangethi.

Besides pasta and a few side dishes, you can grab a refreshing drink, ranging from smoothies and mocktails to milkshakes and mojitos. The café is towards the center of the island, alongside its western coastline.  

 

Best hotels and guesthouses in Dhangethi

A cozy corner for two or the perfect residence for a large family, Dhangethi offers accommodation for every kind of traveler. Furthermore, all hotels and guesthouses can book a variety of activities in-house for their guests. So ask the staff for the best prices whenever you want to do something fun!

Mala Boutique Inn

Mala is a boutique guesthouse with seven beautifully decorated rooms set in a romantic setting amidst the greenery that Dhangethi is famous for. The rooms here have modern amenities like air conditioning, a mini-bar, cable television, and free wi-fi.

The guesthouse also has an on-site dining facility where you can savor traditional meals, a children’s play area, and a sun terrace to relax and sunbathe in a private setting.

Banyan Villa

A small guesthouse in the island’s center, Banyan Villa, is a popular budget stay option for tourists visiting Dhangethi. With only five comfortably furnished rooms, it offers a personalized stay with plenty of open communal spaces where guests can mingle.

The air-conditioned rooms have conveniences like television and attached bathrooms. The backyard serves as a quiet hideout to introspect, read or catch up on work. The in-house bistro further helps keep those hunger pangs in check. 

Ariston Dhangethi Inn

A budget three-star hotel, Ariston Dhangethi Inn is ideal for guests who prefer standard hotel services yet wish for direct beach access. It has a 24-hrs front desk, luggage storage facilities, and laundry services. This hotel in Dhangethi is only a two-minute walk from an almost private beach.

The rooms are minimalistic yet impeccably clean and come with attached bathrooms and modern comforts. The only dive center in Dhangethi is part of this hotel, making marine activities even more accessible.

PERLA Dhangethi

A relatively new entrant in the accommodation business, PERLA Dhangethi offers resort-like facilities at an affordable cost. A restaurant serving world cuisine, a 24-hour help desk, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and free wi-fi throughout the hotel are some of the highlights of your stay here.

The attractively furnished rooms come with air conditioning, television, a sitting area, and a kitchenette. The hotel has a fun recreation area within its premises as well as a lovely terrace with views of the vast ocean.

Endheri Sunset Dhangethi

Endheri Sunset is a three-star beachfront property in the southwestern part of the island. The hotel has a 24-hour reception, garden area, playground for children, a terrace, and access to a private beach.

The rooms are simple yet elegant with hardwood flooring, air conditioning, wi-fi, and en-suite bathrooms. You can choose between garden or sea-view rooms, the latter being the better option. The staff at Endheri is extra helpful and can also arrange for your transfer to and from the airport.

N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.