A white sand beach stretching for nearly 2 km, a sandbank in the middle of the lagoon, and whale sharks cruising close by: Dhigurah is picture-perfect. Located in the South Ari Atoll, this long, narrow island is attracting more and more travelers, and it's easy to see why.
I spent four nights there. Here's everything you need to know before you go, along with my honest opinion: what I loved, and what I was a little less convinced by 👇
Why choose Dhigurah?
Approximately 3 km long and less than 300 meters wide, Dhigurah is one of the most photogenic local islands in the Maldives.
What I loved:
- The beach Absolutely spectacular, with dazzling white sand and an incredibly blue lagoon. Without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen.
- The sandbank : this sandbar in the middle of the water is worth the trip alone.
- Whale sharks : the island is located very close to one of the best spots in the Maldives to observe them.
- The choice of restaurants : much wider than on the small islands.
What convinced me less:
- More tourists The island is more lively, and inevitably less peaceful.
- Higher prices Accommodation, meals and excursions cost more than on other local islands.
Dhigurah is for you if you're looking for a dream beach and a bit of liveliness. If you prefer absolute peace and quiet, a smaller island like Maalhos You might like it better.
How do I get to Dhigurah?
| Means of transport | Duration | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | approximately 2 hours | from 45 $ per journey and per person |
| Domestic flight to Maamigili + boat | 20-minute flight, then 15-minute boat ride | approximately 175 $ one way |
| Seaplane + boat | approximately 30 minutes flight, then 10 minutes by boat | from 250 $ one way |
My advice: Don't necessarily book your transfer through your hotel. For Dhigurah, mine quoted me 65 $ per trip, but I found a speedboat for 45 $ by booking independently. Also, keep in mind that schedules can change on Fridays, which are prayer days.
To book this speedboat, contact them directly on WhatsApp at +960 779-9222.
Where to stay in Dhigurah: my review of the Beach Hotel
In Dhigurah, I stayed at Beach Hotel, in a bed & breakfast format.
The positive points: The hotel is clean, pleasant, and well-located, with a lovely beach right in front, and the staff is very friendly. The Ocean View and Beach Front rooms also offer a beautiful sea view. And housekeeping is provided daily, at no extra charge.
The negative points: The prices are a bit high for a local island. As for the food, I personally found the dishes inconsistent: some were good, others more basic. But that's a matter of taste, and you might very well have a different opinion than me! Regarding activities, I was also disappointed; I'll tell you all about it below, in "What to do in Dhigurah?".
| Bedroom | Price per night for 2 |
|---|---|
| Comfort | $101 (≈ €88) |
| By the sea | $118 (≈ €103) |
| Ocean view | $141 (≈ €123) |
Don't forget the green tax, to be added to the price: $6 per person per night.
Other accommodations in Dhigurah
Is the Beach Hotel fully booked or not within your budget? Here are five other highly rated options on the island. I haven't stayed at any of them myself, but I chose them based on their reviews, location, and value. Prices are listed for 4 nights for two people in early March, including breakfast, according to Booking.com.
The Wave Dhigurah, the best value for money
Located 150 meters from the beach, this guesthouse has a 9.5/10 rating from its guests. It's the most affordable option in the selection: expect to pay around €390 to €440 for 4 nights, or about €100 per night for two people.
Why I chose it: This is by far the best value for money on the island. For this price, you get a spacious and bright room with a sitting area, and a small private terrace right on the sand, complete with a parasol. Perfect if you want to save your budget for excursions.
Sunwave Dhigurah, the highest-rated on the island
Located 200 meters from the beach, this small guesthouse boasts a 9.9/10 rating based on nearly 100 reviews: the best in Dhigurah. Expect to pay around €660 for 4 nights, or about €165 per night for two people.
Why I chose it: A near-perfect rating is rare, especially with so many reviews. The building is new and modern, the Deluxe rooms have balconies, and the bathrooms are very well-appointed. For a price comparable to other mid-range hotels, it's clearly a safe bet.
Dhiguveli Maldives, feet in the water
A beachfront hotel, rated 9.2/10 based on over 550 reviews. Expect to pay around €610 to €715 for 4 nights, or €150 to €180 per night for two people.
Why I chose it: It's one of the few places truly right on the water, and with over 550 reviews, its rating is very reliable. Its restaurant was also highly recommended to me; I'll tell you more about it below. The rooms are bright, some with balconies.
Pearl Dhigurah, very well positioned
Just 100 meters from the beach, this property has a 9.6/10 rating based on over 100 reviews. Expect to pay around €790 to €920 for 4 nights, or €200 to €230 per night for two people.
Why I chose it: Its location, rated 9.8/10 by travelers, is one of the best on the island: the beach and restaurants are just steps away. I also appreciate the thoughtful touches, like the welcome flowers on the bed, and the outdoor shower, which offers a real change of scenery.
Oasis Dhigurah, for your enjoyment
Located 100 meters from the beach, this is one of Dhigurah's top-rated properties, with a 9.6/10 rating based on over 200 reviews. Expect to pay around €1,100 to €1,230 for 4 nights, or €275 to €305 per night for two people.
Why I chose it: This is the perfect place to treat yourself without going to a resort. The setting is beautifully maintained, with a driveway lined with a tropical garden, rooms decorated in a natural wood style, and lovely bathrooms. And its rating remains excellent based on over 200 reviews.
Make sure to check if the green tax is included in the price shown when booking.
What to do in Dhigurah?
Relaxing on the bikini beach
The beach reserved for tourists stretches for almost 2 km. White sand, turquoise water, shade from the palm trees: it's one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, and I mean it. It's so big that you'll always find a spot all to yourself for a peaceful swim.
My favorite time was the end of the day. I would settle down, go for a swim, and then just stay there watching the sun set over the lagoon. A truly peaceful moment that I highly recommend you don't miss.
Enjoy the sandbank
This sandbar in the middle of the lagoon offers an unreal setting. The view is truly exceptional: turquoise water on either side, stretching as far as the eye can see.
I went there every evening for the sunset, and frankly, I never tired of it. It's magnificent, one of the most beautiful of my entire trip. I also took the opportunity to swim at the beaches on that side of the island: no pebbles, calm and clear water, pure bliss.
The sandbank is at the far end of the island, so it's a bit of a walk, but the hike is lovely. To get there on foot, you have two options: walk along the beach, or take the path that cuts through the jungle. You can also go by bike or scooter if you rent one; it's much faster. Just remember to bring a flashlight (or your phone's flashlight) for the return trip, as it gets dark quickly after sunset, and mosquito repellent, especially if you're going back through the jungle.
Swimming with whale sharks and turtles
Dhigurah is located in the South Ari Atoll, one of the best places in the Maldives to see whale sharks. The combined whale shark and turtle excursion costs 120 $ per person. Good news: whale sharks are present in this atoll all year round, making it one of the few places where you can try your luck in any season.
My experience: The trip was disappointing: no whale sharks all day, and only one turtle. The team did their best, and that's the nature of dealing with wild animals; nothing is ever guaranteed. What I regret most is the lack of transparency. We were never warned that it was possible to see nothing, and no compensation was offered, whereas some companies offer to reschedule the trip for 50% off in this case. With the equipment rental on top of that, the day ended up being expensive for just one turtle. A shame, especially for my parents, who ultimately didn't see a whale shark at all during the entire trip.
In Maalhos, the organization was different: the team only set out once they had spotted animals. In Dhigurah, the boats go out every day in search of them, and the result depends largely on luck.
My advice: Before booking, find out about how the trip will unfold and what's in place if you miss an observation (refund, discount on a second trip, etc.). This way, you'll be fully informed.
The fishing trip
A boat trip to learn about local fishing, at 60 $ per person.
My experience: We were expecting to fish with rods, but the fishing was mostly done with lines, with only three rods for six people. We mostly felt like we were joining a local fishing trip, rather than an activity designed for tourists. The crew seemed more focused on their own fishing than on guiding the group. As a result, the experience was very uneven. My father and I were able to fish thanks to the crew members alongside us, while my mother and brother, without any help, left disappointed.
My honest opinion: As for activities, Dhigurah didn't impress me. The organization seemed less polished than in Maalhos, for higher prices. If you're combining several islands, book your excursions elsewhere and enjoy Dhigurah for what it does best: its beach, its sandbank, and its sunsets.
Where to eat in Dhigurah?
This is one of the island's greatest assets: the choice of restaurants is much wider than on the smaller local islands. Expect to pay between 8 and 15 $ per person per meal, depending on what you order. We also ate several times at the restaurant in our hotel, the Beach Hotel.
The menu offers a wide variety of options: local cuisine, fish, Asian dishes, and international fare. I played it safe with tried-and-true favorites: pizza, burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, fried rice, and pad thai, and I wasn't disappointed. To accompany everything, mocktails reign supreme (alcohol is prohibited on the island), along with juices and non-alcoholic mojitos like passion fruit or lime, perfect with a sea view. And be sure to save room for the chocolate brownie!
Places to try in Dhigurah:
- Lime Restaurant A relaxed and friendly spot with a terrace, specializing in Thai cuisine (pad thai, red curries), but also offering burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches. You can eat in, take away, or get it delivered. And the service is great: the staff is really very friendly.
- Malaveli Restaurant (At the Dhiguveli Maldives hotel): I didn't eat there myself, but a friend highly recommended it, and apparently it's fantastic! It even has a 4.7/5 rating on Google. The menu blends local cuisine with international dishes, from burgers to shrimp pasta, with a breakfast buffet, all in a bright and colorful setting. Definitely worth trying!
My tips for enjoying Dhigurah
- Compare transfer fees Booking your speedboat yourself can save you up to 20 $ per trip.
- Choose your room carefully : the Comfort room is €60 cheaper than the seaside room for 4 nights, and the beach is never far away.
- Enjoy the beach early in the morning : this is the quietest time to enjoy it before the arrival of other travelers.
- Rent a bike or scooter : the island stretches for almost 3 km, and it's much more convenient to get from one end to the other, reach the sandbank or go to dinner in the island's restaurants.
- No need to panic about the liquid There is an ATM on the island. However, it's still advisable to bring some dollars, as they are more practical for paying for hotels and excursions.
- Bring your mask and fins : you will avoid rental costs.
- Combine Dhigurah with a quieter island I followed it up with Maalhos, a more peaceful island where excursions are better organized.
To prepare for your trip, also check out my detailed budget for 10 days on the local islands and my guide Maldives local islands: everything you need to know before you go.
FAQ: Staying in Dhigurah
How to get to Dhigurah from Malé airport?
You have three options: the speedboat (approximately 2 hours, from 45 $ per person each way), the domestic flight to Maamigili followed by a 15-minute boat ride (approximately 175 $ one way), or the seaplane (from 250 $). The speedboat remains the best value. Book it yourself: my hotel was offering it for 65 $, but I found it for 45 $ directly.
Do we necessarily see whale sharks at Dhigurah?
No, and no one can guarantee it. The island is very well located in the South Ari Atoll, but boats go out looking for them every day, and it all depends on luck. Personally, I didn't see any. Before booking, ask what the plan is if you don't see anything: some companies offer to repeat the trip at -50 %.
How much does a whale shark excursion in Dhigurah cost?
Expect to pay around 120 $ per person for the combined whale shark and turtle excursion, not including mask and fin rental. Bring your own equipment if you can to avoid this extra cost.
How many days should I stay in Dhigurah?
I spent four nights there, which is a good amount of time to enjoy the beach, the sandbank, and take one or two excursions without rushing. If you're combining several islands, three nights might be enough.
Is it safe to swim in a bikini in Dhigurah?
Yes, on the tourist-only bikini beach, which stretches for almost 2 km: that's where you'll spend most of your time. In the village and on the rest of the island, clothing covering the shoulders and knees is expected, as on all the local islands.
How much does a night in Dhigurah cost?
At the Beach Hotel, expect to pay between 101 and 141 $ per night for two people, depending on the room, plus a green tax of 6 $ per person per night. Meals cost between 8 and 15 $ per person on average. Dhigurah remains slightly more expensive than the smaller local islands.
Dhigurah or Maalhos: which one to choose?
Choose Dhigurah for its spectacular beach, sandbank, and choice of restaurants. Choose Maalhos if you're looking for peace and quiet and better-organized excursions. Ideally, combine the two, as I did.
Dhigurah offered me one of the most beautiful beaches of my trip. Have a question about Dhigurah? Leave it in the comments, and I'll answer.
Transparency: there were four of us, and my stay at the Beach Hotel, as well as some activities, were offered to me for two people as part of a collaboration. We paid for the other two. My opinion remains 100% sincere: I'm sharing both the positive and negative points with you.
As a photographer and content creator based near Paris, I share my Muslim-friendly travels, detailed budgets, and tried-and-tested addresses here to help you plan your own trips with peace of mind.
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