Dhigurah island guide

Every one of the 1192 islands in the Maldives is stunning.

Full of fascinating features, these islands and islets give the country a distinct character. It is therefore no wonder that the Maldives continues to be a magical vacation option not just for honeymooners but also for families and offbeat travelers.

Among all the islands in the archipelago, some are particularly unique. It can be because of the shape, the people who live there, or the marine life that frequents the island’s waters.

Dhigurah is one such island!

About Dhigurah

Situated at a distance of 96.8km from Malé, Dhigurah is an inhabited island in the southern part of the Alif Dhaal Atoll. Having a population of around 600, all the island residents live in a village to the north.

The exceptional feature of Dhigurah is that it is 3.6km long and has a maximum width of 300m. Most of the island, though, is about 100m wide. Moreover, Dhigurah narrows down towards its south, ending in a breathtakingly gorgeous sandbank.

When translated from Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, Dhigurah means “long island.” Home to perhaps the longest and most stunning beach in the Maldives, the island has a beautifully natural disposition. Palm trees and green plants cover 80% of its area.

The top reason to visit Dhigurah is to observe whale sharks that populate its surrounding waters throughout the year. Additionally, one can easily come across manta rays on most days while snorkeling or diving nearby.

Unlike some of the other inhabited islands that attract budget travelers in the Maldives, Dhigurah is slightly more expensive. Nevertheless, a vacation here will cost you far less than on a resort island.

There are no ATMs on Dhigurah, so bring cash. Almost all establishments accept USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa. Some of the hotels take credit cards.

How to reach Dhigurah

Tourists can reach Dhigurah using three different modes of transportation. The most convenient is the shared speedboat, which you must book in advance. It takes under two hours to travel from Malé to Dhigurah. A return ticket for the speedboat that sails every day costs $120. Typically, the boat leaves at 4:00 PM from Malé and starts back from Dhigurah at 6:30 AM.

FlyMe is, at present, the only domestic airline that can drop you close to the island. It will fly you to Maamigili Airport, from where one can take a 20-minute speedboat. The 20-minute flight from Malé to Maamigili costs $140. It is sometimes possible to take a seaplane to a nearby resort island and then a speedboat to Dhigurah.

The cheapest and slowest way to reach Dhigurah is by the local MTCC ferry. The seven-hour laidback voyage will cost you under $5 one way. Malé to Dhigurah ferry leaves on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday at 8:30 AM. The return ferry is on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, sailing from Dhigurah at 8:30 AM. However, check the latest ferry schedules closer to your travel date.

When booking your guesthouse or hotel in Dhigurah, ask the staff about the Sun Dhoni Public Ferry. This ferry, while slightly expensive, operates twice a week and has air-conditioned areas. Best of all, the ferry leaves in the night, so you get to enjoy an entire day upon reaching Dhigurah. 

Transportation around Dhigurah

Due to the small size of Dhigurah, the best way to explore it is on foot. There is just one single road on the island, going from the village to its southern tip. Walking from your hotel to the sandbank will take approximately 30 minutes on a clear path that cuts through the forest.

Alternatively, tourists can rent a bicycle for their stay in Dhigurah. Bike rentals are as cheap as $5 per day.

Things to do in Dhigurah

The island might be small, but you can still do plenty in Dhigurah. Water sports highlight a stay here. However, the island is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, romantic holiday.

Beach time

The west of the island is a thin yet expansive beach with vegetation lining along the shore. The sandy seabed, gorgeous transparent water, and shade nearby make it the perfect place to spend a sunny day.

As is the case with all inhabited islands, if you want to lounge in a bikini, head to the section marked as the “Bikini Beach.” Many travelers wear a bikini at the sandbank, known as the “Long Beach.” However, on Fridays, local families come here for a picnic. It is thus forbidden to wear skimpy clothes on the beach on a Friday. 

Plastic bottles and trash on the sand are an issue at Dhigurah. If you come across anything unwanted, please pick it up and throw it in a nearby dustbin.

On most days, Long Beach has a few loungers and an umbrella or two available for you. A small hut nearby is used by local guesthouses to arrange barbeques and picnics for their guests.

Connecting via Long Beach on the other side is the popular LUX* South Ari Atoll resort. The current in-between the two islands can sometimes be intense. Also, there are signs stating that non-resort guests are not allowed to go past a certain point.  

Diving and snorkeling

Dhigurah is among the most desired places in the Maldives for diving and snorkeling. There are two dive centers on the island taking tourists on regular diving trips.

The instructors are aware of where whale sharks typically roam. Moreover, the boats stay in touch to share information about possible sightings. Whale sharks swim just at the edge of the Dhigurah house reef. You can dive or snorkel with them while keeping in mind environmentally-friendly diving practices.

A few of the major diving spots near Dhigurah are;

Kudarah Thila – A popular dive site, 10 minutes away from the island, Kudarah Thila falls within a protected area. The visibility is up to 30 meters, with strong currents helping professional divers swim with ease. Expect to come across colorful corals, sharks, and a variety of fish here.

Manta Point – As the name suggests, this is the place to swim with manta rays. The elegant sea creatures usually float here from December to April. Turtles, parrotfish, and sharks are some of the other marine lives observed in this region.

Broken Rock – For a spectacular diving opportunity where you can swim in a canyon between the broken reef, visit Broken Rock. Bursting with myriad flora and fauna, expect to come across turtles, moray eels, fan corals, triggerfish, and Napolean wrasses.

Dhidhdhoo Beyru – You are almost guaranteed a whale shark and manta sighting at Dhidhdhoo Beyru, especially between May and September.  The 10km long stretch is extremely popular and does get busy. Try and plan an early boat, so you are among the first there.

Resort day

Are you on a budget holiday but still want to enjoy the luxuries of a resort stay? How about planning a resort day from Dhigurah! Prices differ based on amenities that include transfers to and back from the retreat, food, drinks, and use of the pool and spa. From Dhigurah, travelers can plan for a lavish day trip at Centara Grand Island, Sun Island Resort, or the Conrad Maldives.  

Night fishing

A fun activity that even beginners can take part in is night fishing. The boats leave late in the evening, not sailing too far away from the island. Once at the fishing spot, the operator teaches the guests how to line fish. The best part of the trip is eating whatever you catch at a barbeque upon returning.

Island hopping

Dhigurah is near a couple of lively inhabited islands. Ask your guesthouse to arrange for a return trip to Maamigili or Dhangethi for a change in scenery.

Dolphin watching tours

Tourists are often surprised to see dolphins in the ocean without leaving the beach. You might even come across dolphins while kayaking or paddleboarding. However, for a more up-close-and-personal encounter, take a Maldives dolphin-watching trip from Dhigurah.

Cultural show

A wonderful part of staying on an inhabited island is the chance to mingle with the residents. On Fridays, the local school often has cultural programs where they allow guests. Ask the hotel staff, and they will be able to arrange a visit.

Places to eat in Dhigurah

Restaurants in Dhigurah, while limited in number, offer a good variety of eating options. A few of the places are standalone, while others are part of the hotels.

Hermit’s

The best place to eat in Dhigurah is Hermit’s, situated inside Bliss Hotel. The restaurant has a casual beachside appeal and serves drool-worthy dishes. From grilled burgers and biryani to Maldivian lobster and steak, there is always something different to try during repeat visits. Not to miss out is their pizza, homemade ice-cream, and artisanal coffee.

Absolute Thai

Thai flavors dominate at this lovely beachside restaurant that takes pride in its fine dining tropical setting. Located inside Atoll Key Beach House, the restaurant staff is amicable and the service smooth. Dishes include burgers, grilled fish, and classics like tom yum soup and Thai green curry.

Café Xenzibar

Café Xenzibar is an excellent place to eat in Dhigurah for budget eaters. The tiny café is a favorite with locals and serves fresh juice, grilled fish, and other Maldivian specialties. The café only accepts cash. 

Long Beach Restaurant

The quintessential island restaurant in Dhigurah, Long Beach, offers seafood dishes at competitive prices. Situated close to Hermit’s, the juices are always fresh, and the pizza is surprisingly delicious here. The owner is usually on hand to help with suggestions.

Malaveli Restaurant

Resort islands of Maldives have their treetop restaurants. In Dhigurah, there is the rooftop Malaveli Restaurant situated on the 3rd floor of Dhiguveli hotel. The restaurant offers a buffet dinner and prepares a variety of cuisines to please all tastes. 

Best guesthouses and hotels in Dhigurah

In terms of guesthouses and hotels in Dhigurah, travelers have more choices than some of the other inhabited islands. Moreover, the hotels are not too close to each other, keeping the island less-commercial in appearance.

Bliss

Bliss is a three-star accommodation and one of the best places to stay in Dhigurah. The water-facing property has access to a beach, one of the best restaurants in Dhigurah, a sun terrace, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Included in the room rate is free WiFi. The bedrooms are clean, colorful, and well-appointed, with hotel service being excellent throughout.  

White Sands

A simple yet gorgeous building with a big lobby, White Sands has its own restaurant, free WiFi, and complimentary use of bicycles for its guests. The rooms at this hotel in Dhigurah are air-conditioned and come with modern facilities like en-suite bathrooms, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs. As one of the furthermost hotels on the island, it very close to Long Beach. To make your hotel stay special, request the staff to arrange for a “breakfast on the beach.”    

TME Retreats Dhigurah

A short hop away from the beach, TME is about luxury at a budget price. The hotel’s rooms have amenities such as air-conditioning, TVs, desk and chair, free WiFi in common areas, terrace, and bathrooms with shower cabins. They offer both standard and deluxe rooms. Go with the latter, which is only slightly more expensive, for a comfortable stay. You can also book the Nalaveshi deluxe room that has a fabulous outdoor shower.   

Ithaa Dhigurah

Located on Ocean Road, Ithaa is a lovely property with a terrace, garden, and lots of open common spaces. A cozy retreat with only six rooms, personal attention is guaranteed when you stay here. Ithaa’s rooms are contemporary in style, delicately furnished with island-inspired furnishings and colors. An actual value for money hotel in Dhigurah, Ithaa scores high in cleanliness, service, and location.

Athiri Beach

Athiri’s fame has grown tremendously over the past few years, making it a must-stay hotel in Dhigurah. It has a large living area with big windows and a sandy floor located next to the beach. The hotel also has a PADI dive center that can arrange all your boat trips quickly. The sun terrace and on-site restaurant help make your stay convenient. The rooms are large, have balconies and all modern-day necessities.

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