from $85 / night
South Ari Atoll
Dhigurah Retreat Beach
Dhigurah
Right next to the whale shark house reef. Simple, clean, runs daily tours straight from the jetty.
- Whale shark trips
- Beachfront
- Dive centre nearby
A long, skinny island in South Ari Atoll where whale sharks cruise the house reef all year. Snorkellers swim with them; divers chase manta rays at nearby cleaning stations.
Whale sharksManta raysDivingLong beach
Where to sleep
Stays on Dhigurah
2 curated stays across our tier rankings.
from $240 / night
South Ari Atoll
Boutique Beach
Dhigurah
All-inclusive dive boutique on Dhigurah. Unlimited whale shark snorkel trips, PADI courses and serious food.
- All-inclusive dives
- PADI 5★
- Boutique rooms
Things to do
On-island & excursions
Wildlife$60
Whale shark house reef
Half-day
Dhigurah's whale shark reef is right off the island — sightings year-round.
Dive$90
Manta cleaning station dive
Half-day
Two-tank dive at a manta cleaning station; resident rays most days Apr–Oct.
Chill$45
Sandbank picnic
Half-day
Boat to a pop-up sandbank with a packed lunch and a snorkel break.
Getting there
MLE → Dhigurah
Mode
Speedboat
Duration
2h
Cost (1-way)
$70
Operator
ATOLL Transfer / island speedboat
One daily speedboat from Malé. Book a day ahead. Alternative: domestic flight to Maamigili + 10 min boat.
Creators loving this island
What the internet says
YouTube
budget
“It's really possible to see the Maldives for under $30 a day — guesthouses, local ferries and a bikini beach all to yourself.”
Independent travel vlogger
YouTube
“Is It Really Possible?! The Backpacker Guide to the Maldives UNDER $30 per DAY”
YouTube
budget
“Gulhi is the best island I found — same atoll as Maafushi, half the crowds, and paradise on a budget.”
Budget travel vlog
YouTube
“This is BY FAR The Best Island of the MALDIVES — Guide to Paradise on a Budget”
YouTube
budget
“2025 update: how to do the Maldives on a budget — Maafushi, Mathiveri, ferries, excursions, food costs all broken down.”
Maldives 2025 budget guide
YouTube
“Budget Travel Guide to The Maldives in 2025 🇲🇻”