Dhigurah Island beach
Dhigurah Island is a small resort island located on the southern outskirts of Ari Atolls, about 110 km south of Male. This is a true paradise for underwater adventures, which impresses with a variety of marine life and allows you to experience unforgettable diving with real ocean giants - whale sharks (you can watch them here all year round). In addition, rare black reef sharks, huge turtles and stingrays are found here, which guarantees a lot of unforgettable emotions from diving near the beaches of Dhigurah.
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Beach description
The name of the resort is translated as "Long Island", and it really is one of the longest islands in the Maldives. Its length is about 3.6 km, and the maximum width is 300 m, although over most of its territory it does not exceed 100 m. Unlike many exclusive Maldivian resorts, it is inhabited. On its northern outskirts is a fishing village with a population of about 600 people.
Dhigurah Island is one of the most picturesque places in the Maldives, which is simply ideal for families. People come here who want to enjoy the atmosphere of solitude and plunge into the Maldivian culture, as well as experience the most unforgettable diving in their life. To the popularity of this resort contributes a number of factors:
- Two-thirds of the island's territory is covered with evergreen Maldivian forest and the finest snow-white sand along the coast. The sand here is so soft that it seems as if you are stepping on a silk surface.
- The noise of ocean waters and flying fish jumping out of them complete the atmosphere of relaxation.
- Dhigurah’s beaches are not crowded with vacationers, so here you can find your personal oasis of solitude.
- On a sandy spit you can relax even with small children - it is shallow and there are no strong waves.
- Incredibly clear azure waters allow when you are diving to admire the colorful underwater inhabitants. Here you can explore the deep-sea reef surrounding the island and swim alongside whale sharks.
Near the island there are about 30 dive sites where there are not only whale sharks, but also mantas, clown fish and napoleon fish, parrot fish and many other marine exotics. The resort has its own dive center, which offers training, organization of underwater tours and diving safaris. Sea trips with dives are often combined with picnics on sandbanks.
When is the best time to go?
Maldives – is an equatorial country with a tropical climate, where the weather is always warm at + 27-30ºС. But the islands have some seasonal features. From mid-April to the end of October it often rains here. The dry season lasts from November till April. At this time, the initially clear sea becomes completely transparent, and the sun illuminates in the sky 12 hours a day.
Important: A large amount of plankton is collected in October and November off the coast, which is why the ocean takes on a slightly unclear hue. On the other side – plankton illuminates the sea at night, creating an indescribable picture. At this time, coastal waters are filled with stingrays – fabulously fascinating creatures that are in no way inferior to the dolphins.
Video: Beach Dhigurah Island
Infrastructure
There are several hotels on the island, of which the most popular among vacationers is TME Retreats Dhigurah, because it is located a couple of minutes walk from the white beach.
- There are restaurants at the hotels. In the center of the village you can find one cafe. The food here is a mixture of Maldivian and Western culinary traditions.
- There are several grocery stores and souvenir shops in the village. You can walk around the village in 15 minutes.
- On the beaches near the hotels there are sun loungers. You can sunbathe anywhere on the island, but swimming in swimsuits is allowed only on the Bikini Beach - a sandy area on the southern outskirts.
In addition to diving, a wide range of water activities is available. There are opportunities for renting everything you need for wakeboarding, sailing, jet skiing. Banana and kayak rent is also available.
Weather in Dhigurah Island
Best hotels of Dhigurah Island
All hotels of Dhigurah IslandUseful information
- The island can be reached by boat, after ordering a transfer to it, which will take about 1.5 hours from the airport. Another option is a seaplane flight, which will allow you to get much to this paradise - in just 20 minutes.
- On the southern edge of the island is the narrowest strip of land (about 20 m), which ends with a picturesque sandbank. A narrow strip of shallows seems to be ideal for walking to a neighboring island, but this impression is misleading. In fact, the width of the canal connecting the islands reaches 50 m, it is quite deep and has a strong flow. Therefore, such a gamble can have sad consequences. It is better to rent a dhoni boat, catamaran or jet ski for a walk along the neighboring sandbanks and semi-desert beaches.
- The best time for snorkeling on Dhigurah is in April or May and from August to October. During these periods, ocean waters are most calm. Such months as November or December are also suitable, but prices are already much higher. This time is also good for fishing for marlin.
- On Fridays, local residents come to Bikini Beach (it should be remembered that they practice Islam) for picnics, and guests of the island are not allowed to appear in bathing suits. Otherwise, they will have to pay a big fine. Far from the village you can swim how you want.