How to plan a Trip to Dhigurah

If you are thinking of travelling to the Maldives on your next vacation, you’ve made the right decision. The country is paradise on earth with white sandy beaches, incredibly blue waters of the ocean, sunsets, and isolated islands. Dhigurah, in particular, is one of the most visited islands in the Maldives. The island is inhabited and frequented by whale sharks all year long. Here’s how you can plan your trip to Dhigurah.

About Dhigurah

An island in southern Ari Atoll, Dhigurah is 96 kilometres from Male, the capital of the Maldives. The island has a width of 300 metres and a length of 4 kilometres. Dhigurah isn’t a very large island and is bordered by a sandbank on the southern end.

Dhivehi is the local language, and the name Dhigurah has the meaning ‘long island’; the reason is that the island is home to the longest beach in the atoll.

The main highlight of the island is the whale shark population. The surrounding waters are a favourite habitat for whale sharks. On the west side of the island is a lagoon which acts as a barrier, and it’s also an excellent place to see manta rays and other marine species – chances of seeing manta rays are better if you visit during the southwest monsoon.

Accommodation

The Maldives is known for its resort culture, which you will get a glimpse of during your vacation in Dhigurah. You will find some of the best beach villas in Maldives here; the likes of The Residence Maldives Dhigurah are an example of the kinds of accommodation you find here.

Watch out for resort specials for the lowest rates; there are honeymoon specials, early bird discounts, and advance purchase offers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Dhigurah is from January to April. This is when you can see the highest number of whale sharks and manta rays. And the weather is pleasant, with low rainfall and low humidity.

Also, you should know that this is not the time to expect low resort rates.

Beach

The beach covers the entire western portion of the island. But part of the beach is covered in dead coral. You can certainly enjoy a walk, but make sure you wear walking shoes.

Both adults and kids can safely swim here, and on the southern edge of the beach is a path that runs through a wooded area, which you can explore.

This is one of the most isolated places in the Maldives, which means that you can have all the privacy you want away from the crowds.

Shark safari

The odds of seeing sharks in Dhigurah are good; however, if you don’t want to take any chances and want to make sure that you see sharks during your holiday, you should join a shark safari. The duration of a shark safari is typically two to three hours.

Night fishing

Fishing is the primary livelihood in the Maldives, and you can get a feel of it on a night fishing tour. There’s a range of tours available. You will set off right before sunset, and the crew will help you to get everything right. The best thing about a fishing tour is that you get to savour your catch. Also, there will be a delicious BBQ dinner waiting for you at the end of the trip.

Snorkelling

To explore the gorgeous marine life surrounding the island, you should join a snorkelling excursion. Snorkelling gear will be provided by the resort, but it’s better to check with the resort before you start packing for your vacation. Manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles are some of the marine species you’ll encounter during your snorkelling tour.

Diving

If you are the adventurous type, diving will be to your liking. The beautiful marine life of the Maldives will bring you an experience that will stick with you forever.

If you are new to diving, there are many dive centres in the Maldives where you can learn and even get a certificate for your efforts.