Dhigurah Island - Where the lush vegetation meets the turquoise lagoon of Dhigurah.
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Dhigurah Island

4.6
·180 reviews·, Maldives

A long, slender local island in the Maldives, famed for its year-round whale shark encounters and pristine white-sand beaches.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Year-round

Whale sharks are present

CrowdMedium
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Dhigurah Island - Where the lush vegetation meets the turquoise lagoon of Dhigurah.

Dhigurah Island

Best Time

Year-round

Whale sharks are present

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A long, slender local island in the Maldives, famed for its year-round whale shark encounters and pristine white-sand beaches.

4.6
(180 reviews)

"The most beautiful island I have visited in the Maldives, with breathtaking natural beauty and exceptionally friendly locals."

Vertical photo
TIP

Budget Maldives Travel

Dhigurah is a local island, offering a more affordable Maldives experience than resorts. :moneybag:

Whale Shark Tours

Book tours for whale shark and manta ray sightings. They are a major draw! :whale2:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whale Shark Encounters

Whale Shark Encounters

South Ari Atoll

Swim alongside gentle giants in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

Stunning Sandbank

Stunning Sandbank

Eastern tip of the island

An endless stretch of pristine white sand meeting turquoise waters. Perfect for photos and serene walks.

Long Beach Walks

Long Beach Walks

Island perimeter

Nearly 4 km of uninterrupted white sand, ideal for leisurely strolls and soaking in the island's beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Budget-Friendly Maldives Escape

Dhigurah offers a taste of the Maldives without the resort price tag. Stay in guesthouses and enjoy local island life. Speedboat transfers from Malé are available, but factor in the cost and travel time.

Respect Local Culture & Environment

As a local island, Dhigurah has dress codes outside designated bikini beaches. Be mindful of environmental concerns like litter and construction; responsible tourism is key.

Best Times

When
Year-round
Why
Whale sharks are present
Crowd
Medium
When
Low Season (e.g., May-Aug)
Why
Quieter, more serene
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Dhigurah! 🇲🇻🥥 Dhigurah is one of the most beautiful local island in the Maldives!🌴 On a local island you have the opportunity to travel the Maldives on a budget The best hotel choice on Dhigurah is: @Akiri Dhigurah 🏨 You can reach Dhigurah from male within 2 hours by speedboat 🚤 it costs 60 $ per way and per person 💰 🐠 Akiri will take care of the organization of the speedboat, if you bo...
@juliantravelstheworld
24.8K likes • 163K views

Budget Maldives Travel

Dhigurah is a local island, offering a more affordable Maldives experience than resorts. :moneybag:

Whale Shark Tours

Book tours for whale shark and manta ray sightings. They are a major draw! :whale2:

Maldives without the price tag! 📍 Dhigurah #maldives #maldivesvacation #traveltiktok #maldivesislands #travel #adventures #maldivesdiaries #dhigurah
@aimeebelll
2.5K likes • 46.5K views
Welcome to Dhigurah! 🇲🇻🥥 Dhigurah is one of the most beautiful local island in the Maldives!🌴 On a local island you have the opportunity to travel the Maldives on a budget The best hotel choice on Dhigurah is: @akiridhigurah 🏨 You can reach Dhigurah from male within 2 hours by speedboat 🚤 it costs 60 $ per way and per person 💰 🐠 @akiridhigurah will take care of the organization of the speedboa...
juliantravelstheworld
253.4K likes • 1.7M views

Respect Dress Code

Dress modestly when walking through the village. Bikini beaches are designated. :womanintunic:

Pack Light

Most guesthouses provide essentials. Focus on swimwear and light clothing. :t-shirt:

Discover Dhigurah Island! Proof that you don’t need $5K to experience luxury in the Maldives 🌴✨ Click the Link in Bio for great Hotel deals to Dhigurah Island! Contact centravel.maldives@gmail.com 📩 for amazing travel offers, deals and promotions to the Maldives! 🎥 @centravel.mv 📼 Gert Mewes, Mário Birra #maldives #centravelmaldives #visitmaldives #maldivesisland #budgettravel #islands #maldiv...
centravel.mv
63 likes • 71.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Budget Maldives Travel

Dhigurah is a local island, offering a more affordable Maldives experience than resorts. :moneybag:

Whale Shark Tours

Book tours for whale shark and manta ray sightings. They are a major draw! :whale2:

Respect Dress Code

Dress modestly when walking through the village. Bikini beaches are designated. :womanintunic:

Pack Light

Most guesthouses provide essentials. Focus on swimwear and light clothing. :t-shirt:

Stay Connected

Wi-Fi can be spotty. Consider a local SIM for better connectivity. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(180 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dhigurah is praised for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its long beaches and incredible marine life like whale sharks. However, concerns are rising about rapid development, construction, and environmental issues like litter, which some feel detract from the island's charm. While locals are generally friendly, some visitors note high prices and a less relaxing atmosphere compared to private resorts.

"Really beautiful but honestly not worth it coming here. Other islands are 90% as beautiful and way less expensive and friendlier."

Dave Manuel

"Nice beach.
Interior is really dirty :(
Internet in the hotel was really bad.
Prices really high too.
Transport with the speedy boat is not 25 dollar but 60 dollar each way.
They are building a lot of high new constructions. Not good.
Nice people.
Nice thai restaurant"

A H

"This is the most beautiful island I have visited in the Maldives. The shape of the island, and the colour of the sea, and the way whilst in the middle of the path, can see the sea from two separate ways. However mans greed is rapidly changing this island into another Maafushi. Construction on every corner. Constant felling, and lopping of the virgin jungle, will make animals homeless and displaced. This will cause death, and if animals survive, they will be forced to move to another destroyed island. Sewage being pumped into the sea via pipes running into the sea directly, from all the buildings/hotels/restaurants/residents, etc. Many locals on all local islands I have visited, (including this island), keep animals in cages/perches, mainly birds. Fish are kept in miniscule tanks. No room for the fish/birds/animals.
Westerners are not following the dress codes that are written all over the island, depicted with pictures. They are wandering the streets and beaches almost naked, some with a tiny bikini. Visiting restaurants in a bikini covered only in a sheer transparent cloth, or hardly any clothes. Local islands are not the place to do this. These types of tourists must go to the original types of Maldivian islands. A private resort. Tourists cannot expect to be treated nicely if they behave like on a resort. Local islands are just that, Local islands.
It's not at all relaxing to be on a local island as one is constantly being watched. Better to be on a private island where there is total freedom to wear whatever.
Maldives should never of changed the way tourism was initially. This was only one resort on one island, per island. Since Maafushi started the guesthouse scene, many other islands have followed suit. This has led to mass Construction, mass litter, Constant burning of rubbish (even more than previously), and an increase in hostile locals on local islands. Walking throughout the island along the beach and (what's left of) the jungle, I saw too much garbage everywhere. I mean everywhere. In the bushes, on the beach, tangled in the foliage. Household waste, bottles, tins, lots of family sized fridge/freezers, old vehicles and broken furniture. Locals on all
local islands just toss things anywhere. Even if they are eating or smoking, and there is a bin, they still toss it on the ground. Quite disgusting. I have been visiting the Maldives over several decades, but don't think I will be back. This government is allowing the whole country to be destroyed by cheap over tourism. Destroying nature just to build over everything. All the land reclamation happening is destroying things rapidly. Lots of islands have lost a vast portion of jungle. Its happening here the same as what I saw in Borneo and the Amazon so many decades ago.
The Maldives will be extinct even faster than anticipated, due to erosion from all the flora being eradicated. Then the extreme flooding from all the concrete, and lack of drainage.
Such a shame. This island would of been stunning if it were unihabited.
The real photos of Dhigurah now. See what the sandbank really looks like. Nothing like the Maldives tourist board shows.
Locals litter every single island they are on, then they blame the mess on the sea washing the litter in. The mess on each island is caused by locals and gets shifted back and forth across the islands, but it is still their litter. Why don't they just take responsibility? I watch them eat drink and smoke daily. They just toss all finished items on the ground. But, the worst thing is the burning. They are burning rubbish next to healthy plants/trees. These trees/plants are getting burned and killed. One day they will do this. It won't be rainy season. It will be dry season. They will cause a massive wildfire. And, with no one to help, they will raze the whole jungle and island to a cinder. The five star review is for how the island would be if it were unihabited and undamaged by man's greed. It was a naturally beautiful island, but day by day I see it being destroyed by raw sewage pumping into the sea, over construction, tourism"

Pied Piper

What People Like

Abundant whale shark sightings
Beautiful long beaches
Friendly locals

What People Dislike

Over-development and construction
Litter and environmental concerns
High prices for services

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Dhigurah from Malé by public ferry (cheapest but slowest) or speedboat. Speedboats take about 2 hours and cost around $60 USD per person one way.TikTokInstagram Some guesthouses can arrange transfers for you.

No, Dhigurah does not have its own airport. The nearest international airport is Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, you'll need to take a ferry or speedboat.

For local islands like Dhigurah, speedboats are the most common and efficient way to travel between them, though they can be pricier than ferries. Ferries are a budget-friendly option but take significantly longer.

No, direct flights to Dhigurah are not possible. All international flights arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, from where you'll arrange onward travel to Dhigurah.

The speedboat journey from Malé to Dhigurah typically takes around 2 hours.TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no specific entry tickets for Dhigurah Island itself, as it's a local inhabited island. However, you will need to pay for your transportation (ferry or speedboat) to get there.

The main beaches on Dhigurah are generally free to access. However, some areas might be designated as 'bikini beaches' for tourists, which are typically well-maintained.

Dhigurah Island is a local inhabited island, so it's accessible 24/7. However, shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours.

Yes, it's highly recommended to book whale shark and manta ray tours in advance, especially during peak season, through your guesthouse or local tour operators.

While there isn't a specific 'conservation fee' for the island, it's important to be a responsible tourist and avoid littering to help preserve its natural beauty.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Beyond whale shark encounters, you can enjoy long beach walks, snorkeling around coral reefs, visiting the stunning sandbank, and exploring the island's interior. Some visitors enjoy freediving.Reddit

Yes, Dhigurah is excellent for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays year-round.Instagram

As a local island, modest dress is expected when walking through the village. Swimwear is acceptable on designated 'bikini beaches'.Instagram

While Dhigurah is gaining popularity, it's generally less crowded than some other local islands like Maafushi, offering a more serene experience, especially during the low season.Instagram

Dhigurah is famous for its whale shark population. You can also spot dolphins, manta rays, nurse sharks, and a variety of reef fish.Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a mix of local Maldivian cuisine, fresh seafood, and some international options, including a well-regarded Thai restaurant.Reddit

Dhigurah has a growing number of restaurants and cafes catering to tourists, often attached to guesthouses or as standalone establishments.

Yes, tourists are welcome at local cafes and restaurants. It's a great way to experience authentic Maldivian flavors.

Prices can be higher than expected for a local island, with meals ranging from $10-$25 USD. Some reviews mention prices being high.Reddit

While seafood is prevalent, many places offer vegetarian and vegan options, often featuring curries, rice dishes, and fresh fruits.

📸 📸 Photography

The sandbank, the long white-sand beaches, and underwater shots with marine life (especially whale sharks) are prime photography locations.Instagram+1

Yes, with a good underwater camera or waterproof phone case, you can capture amazing shots. Tour operators often have guides who can help position you for the best photos.

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for beach photography. Midday provides bright, clear turquoise water shots.

Generally, photography is allowed. However, be respectful when taking photos of locals and their homes. Always ask for permission if unsure.

A waterproof camera or action camera (like a GoPro) is ideal for underwater activities. A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for landscapes and village life.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dhigurah can be a fantastic destination for families looking for an affordable Maldivian adventure. The calm, shallow waters on one side of the island are perfect for children to play and swim safely.Instagram The chance to see whale sharks and dolphins is incredibly exciting for kids and offers a memorable educational experience.Instagram Many guesthouses are family-friendly and can help arrange activities suitable for younger travelers.

When visiting with children, be mindful of the local dress code outside of designated bikini beaches. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. While the island offers a more rustic experience than a resort, the natural beauty and unique wildlife encounters make it a rewarding trip for families seeking an authentic island getaway.

💰 Budget Travelers

Dhigurah is a prime choice for travelers seeking the Maldives experience without the hefty resort price tag.TikTokInstagram As a local island, it offers guesthouse accommodations that are significantly more affordable than overwater bungalows. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, delicious local food, and incredible marine life encounters at a fraction of the cost.TikTok

To maximize savings, consider traveling during the low season for potentially lower accommodation rates. Utilize the public ferry for transport if time is not a constraint, though speedboats are a popular and faster option. Be aware that while more affordable, some services like Wi-Fi might not be as robust as in resorts, and prices for food and activities can still add up, so budgeting is key.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Marine Life Encounters

Dhigurah is renowned as one of the best places in the Maldives for whale shark sightings, with these gentle giants present year-round in the South Ari Atoll.TikTokInstagram Boat tours are readily available, offering opportunities to swim or snorkel alongside them. Beyond whale sharks, the waters surrounding Dhigurah are teeming with life. Manta rays, dolphins, and nurse sharks are also frequently spotted, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike.Instagram The island's location within a protected marine area ensures a rich and diverse underwater ecosystem.

When planning your marine encounters, it's advisable to book tours through your guesthouse or reputable local operators. These tours often include snorkeling gear and guidance from experienced spotters. Remember to choose operators who prioritize ethical wildlife viewing, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding any actions that could disturb the animals. The vibrant coral reefs also offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities right off the shore or a short boat ride away, showcasing a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.Instagram

Local Island Charm vs. Development Concerns

Dhigurah offers a unique glimpse into Maldivian local island life, a stark contrast to the private resort experience. Visitors can enjoy the authentic atmosphere, interact with friendly locals, and experience the culture firsthand.Reddit The island boasts a long, picturesque stretch of white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it visually stunning.Instagram+1 However, recent reviews highlight growing concerns about over-development and its impact on the island's natural beauty and environment. There are reports of extensive construction, potential sewage issues, and an increase in litter, which detract from the pristine image often associated with the Maldives.Reddit

This development trend is a common issue on many popular local islands as tourism grows. While it brings economic benefits, it also poses a threat to the very natural attractions that draw visitors. Some travelers feel that the island is rapidly changing, losing its untouched charm. It's important for visitors to be aware of these issues and to practice responsible tourism, minimizing their environmental footprint and respecting local customs. Despite these concerns, many still find Dhigurah to be a beautiful and worthwhile destination, especially for those seeking marine life encounters and a more budget-friendly Maldivian experience.TikTok

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