Dhigurah lies just south of Dhangethi on the same reef rim, and its name — roughly “long island” in Dhivehi — describes it well: it is a narrow island a few kilometres long, with a long beach on its lagoon side and a sandbank trailing from its southern tip. Like Dhangethi, it is an inhabited local island with a growing number of guesthouses.
The two islands share the whale shark reef, and many excursions collect guests from both. Dhigurah tends to be a little busier with whale shark trips; Dhangethi is a little larger as a village. Either makes a good base, and they are an easy speedboat hop apart, so you can split a longer stay between them.
What to see and do: Dhigurah
Walk the length of the island
A long beach walk from the village to the southern tip is the classic Dhigurah afternoon. Check the tide and go early or late to avoid the strongest sun.
Join a whale shark trip
Several of the best-reviewed whale shark trips in South Ari are run from Dhigurah. If you stay on Dhangethi, ask whether they can collect you.
Resort day from Dhigurah
The Centara Machchafushi day trip leaves from Dhigurah — see resort day visits.
How to get to Dhigurah
- Dhigurah is a short speedboat ride from Dhangethi. The shared speedboats from Malé to South Ari usually call at both islands.
Insider tips
- The same local-island rules apply: modest dress in the village, no alcohol, swimwear on the bikini beach.
- If you want to stay on Dhigurah instead, see the Dhigurah section of our where-to-stay guide.
Best tours & tickets for Dhigurah
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Dhigurah:
Small-group snorkelling trip from €270 Dhigurah: Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour
Run from neighbouring Dhigurah, a little further south along the same whale shark reef, this four-hour trip is one of the few in South Ari that already carries reviews on GetYourGuide. Ask whether they can collect from Dhangethi; if not, it is a natural choice if you split your stay between the two islands.
- Whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Protected Area
- Hotel pickup and a short boat ride
- Photos of your experience
Short stay-and-snorkel package from €899 Dhigurah 2N Package: Whale Sharks, Mantas & More
If your time is short, this two-night package on Dhangethi’s neighbour Dhigurah includes the speedboat, meals and a whale shark trip in one price — the same reef and the same animals as from Dhangethi.
- Two nights on Dhigurah
- Whale shark excursion
- Meals and speedboat transfers included
Resort day visit from €449 Dhigurah: Centara 5* Resort Day Trip with Lunch & Drinks
Local islands such as Dhangethi are alcohol-free, so a resort day is how many guesthouse guests get a cocktail by the pool. This package takes you to the five-star Centara Machchafushi resort for lunch, drinks and an afternoon on the beach. It leaves from Dhigurah; ask whether a Dhangethi pickup can be arranged.
- A day at Centara Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa
- Buffet lunch and drinks
- Beach and pool time
Small-boat snorkelling trip from €148 Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour from Dhigurah or Dhangethi
The essential Dhangethi excursion. A speedboat takes you out along the outer reef of the South Ari Marine Protected Area, where the crew search the surface for whale sharks and put you in the water with a guide when one is found. Sightings are frequent here but never guaranteed — wild animals keep their own schedule — so it pays to book early in your stay and leave room to try again.
- Search the South Ari Marine Protected Area for whale sharks
- Snorkel with a professional guide
- Leaves from your own island
