Dhigurah
About the Island
Welcome to Dhigurah
Dhigurah is remarkable for two things: it is one of the longest inhabited islands in the Maldives at nearly three kilometres from tip to tip, and it sits in one of the most reliable whale shark aggregation zones on the planet.
Located in South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaal), this slender island is a magnet for marine wildlife enthusiasts. The channel running along the island's western flank is a permanent whale shark feeding zone where these gentle giants are spotted on over 90% of all excursion days throughout the year. This is not a seasonal phenomenon — whale sharks are present in Dhigurah's waters every single month.
The island itself is one of the most naturally beautiful in the country. The main beach stretches for almost three kilometres, making it one of the longest uninterrupted beach walks on any local island. The dense coconut palm interior creates cooling shade, and the shallow turquoise lagoon on the east side is perfect for wading and child-friendly swimming.
Island Highlights
What makes Dhigurah special
Year-Round Whale Sharks
The South Ari Atoll channel is one of the world's most reliable whale shark sites, with over 90% encounter success rate every month of the year.
3km Beach Walk
Dhigurah's main beach runs for nearly three uninterrupted kilometres — one of the longest beach walks on any local island in the Maldives.
Turtle Nesting Site
The island's protected eastern beach is an active green turtle nesting site. Early mornings in season reveal tracks and, if lucky, hatchlings.
Pristine Lagoon
The sheltered eastern lagoon has mirror-flat water perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and wading in knee-deep crystal clarity.
Tourism
Best for
Tourist Attractions
Top things to see & do
Whale Shark Snorkelling Excursion
The signature experience — daily excursions by dhoni to the channel where whale sharks feed, with a success rate above 90% year-round.
South Ari Atoll Diving
The atoll surrounding Dhigurah is considered one of the top five dive destinations in the world, with thila dives, manta cleaning stations, and hammerhead sharks.
Dhigurah Long Beach
Walk the full length of this extraordinary 2.7km beach, watching dhoni boats pass and pelicans dive in the surf.
Lagoon Kayaking
Rent kayaks from local operators to explore the shallow eastern lagoon, crossing crystal-clear sandbanks in the early morning light.
Manta Ray Dive Sites
Manta rays are seasonally present in high numbers at several cleaning stations within 30 minutes by speedboat from Dhigurah.
Gallery
Dhigurah in pictures
Location