🏝️ Dhigurah Island Guide: Whale Sharks & Local Culture - Maldives

MOG Team
Sep 3, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Introduction

Dhigurah, meaning “long island” in Dhivehi, is one of the most enchanting local islands in the Maldives. Stretching over 3 km in South Ari Atoll, this narrow paradise is famed for its whale shark encounters, authentic island culture, and welcoming guesthouses. Unlike resort-only islands, Dhigurah offers travelers a chance to dive deep into the real Maldives lifestyle, while still enjoying some of the best marine adventures in the world.

🌊 Whale Shark Capital of the Maldives

South Ari Atoll is globally recognized as one of the few places where whale sharks can be spotted year-round. Dhigurah sits right at the heart of this hotspot.

Whale Shark Safaris: Daily excursions take travelers out to nearby reefs where these gentle giants cruise in warm, plankton-rich waters.
Best Time to Spot Them: Whale sharks can be seen throughout the year, though sightings peak between August and October when plankton blooms attract them closer to the surface.
Snorkeling & Diving: Both beginners and advanced divers can join, with many local dive centers offering trips tailored for every level.

👉 Insider Tip: Go early in the morning for fewer boats and better chances of calm encounters.

🌴 Dhigurah Island Life & Culture

Beyond its underwater treasures, Dhigurah offers a window into local Maldivian culture:

Fishing Traditions: Locals often head out for tuna fishing in the evenings; you can join night fishing trips to experience it firsthand.
Local Cuisine: Taste freshly made mas huni (tuna, coconut, and onion breakfast dish) or enjoy reef fish grilled by guesthouse hosts.
Friendly Community: With just around 600 residents, Dhigurah is warm, welcoming, and easy to explore by foot or bicycle.
Cultural Etiquette: As a local island, modest dress is required in public areas. Bikinis are only permitted on the designated tourist beach.

🏖️Beaches & Island Vibes

Dhigurah’s main beach stretches for over 3 kilometers, making it one of the longest in the Maldives. Unlike many resort islands, you’ll find wide open spaces, natural shade from palm trees, and quiet corners to relax.

Bikini Beach: Located at the island’s southern tip, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Sandbanks: Dhigurah connects to nearby uninhabited islands during low tide, creating spectacular sandbank walks.

🏠 Where to Stay in Dhigurah

strolling around the island (photo courtesy: dailypackers.com

Dhigurah is home to charming guesthouses and boutique hotels that offer an authentic experience at affordable rates compared to luxury resorts.

Price Range: $60 – $200 per night depending on comfort level.
Unique Feature: Many stays organize whale shark tours directly for their guests.

🚤 Getting to Dhigurah

By Speedboat: Daily scheduled transfers from Malé (approx. 2 hours).
By Domestic Flight + Speedboat: Fly from Malé to Maamigili (20 min) and transfer by boat (20 min).
By Public Ferry: Budget-friendly but slower (approx. 6–7 hours, only on select days).