Staying on a local island and visiting a resort for the day is one of the smartest ways to do the Maldives. South Ari has many resort islands within speedboat range of Dhangethi, and some of them sell day passes that usually include the transfer, lunch, a set of drinks and use of the beach and pool.
Because local islands are alcohol-free, a resort day is also where you can have a cocktail or a glass of wine. Passes are not cheap — often comparable to several nights in a guesthouse — and resorts limit numbers, so book ahead and check exactly what is included.
What to see and do: Resort Day Visits
Centara Machchafushi day trip
The day pass listed on GetYourGuide includes buffet lunch, drinks and beach and pool time at the five-star Centara Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, with pickup from Dhigurah.
Ask your guesthouse
Guesthouses on Dhangethi often know which resorts currently accept day visitors and can book transfers. Offers change by season and occupancy.
Combine with a sunset
Some packages include an evening return, so you can watch the sunset from the resort bar before heading back.
How to get to Resort Day Visits
- By speedboat from Dhangethi or Dhigurah. The transfer is usually included in the day-pass price.
Insider tips
- Bring your passport or a copy — some resorts ask for ID.
- Check the dress code for restaurants and bars.
- Day passes may not include water sports or spa treatments.
Best tours & tickets for Resort Day Visits
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Resort Day Visits:
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
Private full-day cruise (up to 12 people) from €4493 per group Maldives: Private Yacht Cruise in Marine Protected Area
A whole day on a private yacht in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, with the freedom to stay out longer, try more than one site and move away from the crowd of other boats. The price is for the whole boat, so it only makes sense for families or a group of friends sharing the cost.
- Your own boat for the day in the South Ari MPA
- Snorkel reefs and search for whale sharks and mantas
- Priced per group of up to 12
Half-day speedboat snorkelling trip from €112 Dhangethi: Coral Garden & Turtle Snorkeling Trip
A gentle half-day by speedboat from Dhangethi: a stop at a coral garden, a turtle snorkel and a swim off a small picnic island with white sand and clear water. It suits families and less confident swimmers better than the open-water whale shark trip, and it is a good way to spend an afternoon after a morning search for the big animals.
- Snorkel a coral garden near Dhangethi
- Swim with sea turtles
- Time on an uninhabited picnic island
