Dhigurah Travel Guide: Whale Sharks and Snorkeling on a Budget

Dhigurah is one of the Maldives’ most beloved local islands — a rare place where you can experience the archipelago’s postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons, and incredible marine life without the resort price tag. Located in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah offers long stretches of powder-white sand, affordable guesthouses, and world-class snorkelling and diving with whale sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral reefs right on your doorstep.

Why Visit Dhigurah

Dhigurah (meaning “long island” in Dhivehi) lives up to its name — stretching over 3 km of tropical paradise. It’s one of the best islands in the Maldives for independent travellers who want a balance of local culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Unlike resort islands, Dhigurah has a genuine Maldivian community, small cafés serving local food, and budget-friendly accommodations where you can still enjoy ocean-view rooms and island hospitality.

Most travellers visit for:

Whale shark encounters year-round (it’s one of the best places in the world for this)
Manta ray snorkelling in nearby reefs (seasonal but spectacular)
Endless sandbank walks and swimming in crystal-clear lagoons
Local life and culture — with a handful of restaurants and dive centres making it easy to connect with islanders

Getting to Dhigurah

Dhigurah is accessible by public ferry or speedboat from Malé.

Speedboat: Takes about 2 hours from Malé and costs around $65 USD each way. Boats typically depart from the airport or the capital jetty — it’s best to book your ticket a day in advance via your guesthouse.
Public ferry: A slower but more scenic option (about 6 hours), ideal for travellers wanting to save money and enjoy the ocean views. This goes via Mahibadhoo and you need to change boats here to a local public ferry heading South. The total cost is about $3!

You can also reach Dhigurah via domestic flight to Maamigili, followed by a 10-minute speedboat transfer.

Tip: You can track all Maldivian boats in real-time using Follow Me Maldives. Just enter the name of your boat to see its exact location — an incredibly useful tool for timing your transfers.

Where to Stay in Dhigurah

Dhigurah has a great selection of guesthouses and boutique hotels, many offering excellent amenities at a fraction of resort prices. Expect comfortable rooms, friendly hosts, and even rooftop terraces with sunset views. Some top-rated mid-range options include:

Bliss Guesthouse – Bliss is one of the largest guesthouses on the island and has several strong perks. It runs a vegan café (which is rare on Dhigurah) and is also one of the establishments organising whale shark trips. If marine life and meal variety are high on your wishlist, this is a solid pick.

Nikabliss Guesthouse – A great choice if you prefer value for money, no-nonsense, and friendly hosts. Located very close to the jetty (ideal when arriving with bags), this guesthouse offers modern rooms and excellent service. Although it’s a considerable walk to Bikini Beach (about 2.5 km through jungle paths), most of the island’s hotels are similarly located, so this is standard. If you don’t want to walk that far, taxis are available.

Tip: Don’t stress about location here — all guesthouses offer free or cheap transfers to Bikini Beach and the famous sandbank at the southern tip.

Exploring the Island

Dhigurah’s northern end houses the main village, while the southern tip hides Bikini Beach and its postcard-perfect sandbar. The path between is a shaded jungle track flanked by occasional side trails to quiet beaches — ideal for a peaceful swim or picnic.

Wildlife & Snorkelling

South Ari Atoll is the best region in the Maldives for big-marine-life encounters.

Whale sharks can often be seen year-round on the outer reef, just 10–15 minutes by boat.
Manta rays are common from May to December, particularly at nearby cleaning stations.
Snorkelling from the island’s house reef offers colourful fish, turtles, and reef sharks — you can easily join guided trips from any guesthouse.

Tip: Bring your own snorkel and mask if you have one; rental gear can be hit-or-miss on the island.

Food & Dining

Dhigurah has several small restaurants and cafés offering both local Maldivian dishes and Western favourites.
Try:

Hermit’s for curries and smoothies,
Absolute Thai for flavourful vegan-friendly options,
Long Beach Café for simple meals and coffee by the water.

Expect meals to cost $8–15 USD on average. Many guesthouses include breakfast or half-board deals that make eating affordable and convenient.

Dhigurah’s Sandbank & Sunsets

The Beaches surrounding Dhigurah are some of the best in the Maldives, and although it is more rocky on the South-East side, expect to see dolphins playing in the waters at dawn and dusk.

On the North-West side of the island, the water is much calmer and there are several rest stops along the inland jungle path with seating and hammocks, just make sure to get there early to bag the best spot along the beach. Most of the spots are nestled in the trees and completely secluded. This side also gives you the BEST sunsets.

However, the main attraction on Dhigurah is the long sandbar at the Southern-most tip of the island. Here are several amenities, such as a toilet, and plastic permanent (secured to ground) seating and shade. At the sandbar you will see baby black tip reef sharks and sting rays!

Whale Shark Excursion

Dhigurah is one of the best places in the Maldives to see whale sharks year-round. These gentle giants are often spotted along the reef edge between Dhigurah and the neighbouring island of Maamigili — part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).

What to Expect

Most guesthouses and dive centres offer daily half-day or full-day whale shark tours, usually costing between $60–$100 USD per person, depending on group size and duration. Excursions typically include snorkelling equipment, soft drinks, and a guide.

However, sightings are never guaranteed. Whale sharks are wild animals, and while this area is famous for frequent encounters, patience (and a bit of luck) still play a part.

Ethical Considerations

Whale shark tourism in the Maldives has become increasingly popular, and with that popularity come concerns about the ethics of encounters. At busy times, dozens of boats may converge on a single shark, with hundreds of snorkellers jumping in at once. This can cause stress and disturbance to the animals.

To ensure your experience is as responsible as possible, look for operators who:

Limit the number of swimmers in the water at once
Maintain a respectful distance (at least 3–4 metres) and never touch or chase the sharks
Turn off boat engines near the animals
Are registered within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) guidelines

Many local operators are trying to improve standards, but practices can vary widely — so it’s worth asking questions before booking.

Our Experience

We booked our trip through NikaBliss Guesthouse, which ended up being the main one run by Bliss guesthouse. The team was well organised and prioritised a respectful approach, giving clear instructions before entering the water and allowing plenty of space for the whale shark. While encounters depend heavily on luck, Dhigurah remains one of the most reliable and accessible places in the world to see these magnificent creatures ethically.

🎥 Watch our whale shark encounter on YouTube:
Travel Alchemist – Whale Shark Snorkelling in Dhigurah

Best Time to Visit

The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.

High Season (Dec–Apr): Dry, sunny, and calm seas — ideal for beach days and snorkelling.
Low Season (May–Nov): Occasional rain but lush scenery and fewer tourists; whale shark sightings remain excellent.

Practical Tips

Dress modestly in the village area — swimwear is only allowed on the designated bikini beach.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral life.
Cash (USD or Maldivian Rufiyaa) is widely accepted, but not all cafés take cards.
No alcohol is sold on local islands, but excursions to nearby resort bars can be arranged.
ATMs can be unreliable — bring cash from Malé.

Budget Tips for Dhigurah

Public Ferry: The 304 ferry runs from Dhigurah to Mahibadhoo for just 22 MVR (about £1) — one of the best-value rides in the Maldives.
Meals: Local cafés and guesthouses serve hearty Maldivian curries and roshi (flatbread) for under £5.
Taxis: Expect to pay around £2–3 per trip between town and Bikini Beach if you don’t fancy the walk.

Dhigurah: Our Verdict

We loved Dhigurah for its friendly vibe, local authenticity, and proximity to the world’s gentlest giant — the whale shark. However, compared to Dharavandhoo or Fulhadhoo, the house reef isn’t quite as vibrant, and the island’s long layout plus humidity can make walking tough.

Still, Dhigurah remains one of the best options for travellers seeking a mix of adventure, comfort, and affordability in the Maldives.

FAQs: Visiting Dhigurah

Where is Dhigurah?
Dhigurah is in South Ari Atoll, about 100km southwest of Malé. It’s part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), renowned for whale sharks and manta rays.

How do I get to Dhigurah?
The easiest route is a speedboat from Malé (around 2 hours, $65 one-way). Public ferries also operate a few times per week for those on a tighter budget ($3).

When is the best time to visit Dhigurah?
Whale sharks can be seen year-round, but the best visibility and calm seas are from December to April. For whale shark feeding activity, May–October (the southwest monsoon) offers higher chances. Or if you prefer to visit when there are fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of May-June and Sept-Oct are best.

Is Dhigurah good for budget travellers?
Yes! With guesthouses, affordable cafés, and public ferries, Dhigurah is one of the best Maldivian islands for independent travellers wanting real experiences on a reasonable budget.

Can I swim or snorkel directly from the beach?
Yes — but for the best coral and marine life, join organised snorkel trips. House reefs near Bikini Beach are shallow and calm, perfect for beginners.

Do I need to cover up on Dhigurah?
Dhigurah is a local island, so modest dress is expected outside Bikini Beach. Bring a cover-up for walking around town or using local beaches.

How long should I stay in Dhigurah?
A minimum of 3–5 nights is ideal to explore the reefs, relax on the beach, and have a good chance of spotting whale sharks. We saw whale sharks on our first attempt, but for some on the boat, they had done the tour every day for 4 days and not seen one… so be aware.

Is Dhigurah good for snorkelling?
Yes! It’s one of the best snorkelling spots in the Maldives, especially for whale sharks and manta rays.

Is Dhigurah safe for solo travellers?
Absolutely. The island is small, peaceful, and locals are friendly and respectful.

Can you drink alcohol in Dhigurah?
Not on the island itself, but your guesthouse can arrange day trips to nearby resort bars if you’d like a drink.

Watch this on my Youtube channel – Travel Alchemist – here:

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