9 Best things to do in Dhigurah, Maldives, in 3 days

Introduction

At the end of March 2024, we took a spontaneous trip to the Maldives. Since it was a last-minute decision, we didn’t plan much in advance or research too deeply—but it turned out to be one of our favorite travel experiences yet.

We chose to explore two local islands: Dhigurah and Maafushi. Instead of spending over €1000 a night on a luxury private island, we opted for public islands to keep things budget-friendly while still enjoying the beauty of the Maldives.

Each island had its own vibe, but Dhigurah truly stole our hearts. It felt like paradise—uncrowded, peaceful, and incredibly scenic. We stayed at a charming boutique hotel where the staff were warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home.

If we had to recommend just one island to visit in the Maldives, it would be Dhigurah—without hesitation.

In this article, we’ll walk you through all the best things to do in Dhigurah, based on our own experience. So if you’re planning a trip to the Maldives and considering Dhigurah, let’s dive into everything this island gem has to offer.

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget

Getting there

Getting to Dhigurah is surprisingly easy, especially if you’re arriving at Malé International Airport. The most popular and affordable option is by speedboat, which is exactly what we chose—and we couldn’t have been happier.

We simply booked it through our accommodation, paid directly at check-in (same price as online), and that was it—super convenient and hassle-free.

The speedboat journey takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on sea conditions, and includes a complimentary bottle of water. We even spotted dolphins along the way and caught a glimpse of those famous overwater villas you see on every Maldives postcard.

Speedboat Details:

• Departure times: 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM from Malé
• Return from Dhigurah: 6:30 AM and 1:30 PM
• Cost: $60 USD per person, one way
• Note: Timings can change on Fridays due to prayer schedules, so always confirm with your hotel.

If you’re looking for something faster (and are okay with a higher price tag), here are two alternative options:

Domestic Flight + Boat Transfer:

• Flight: 20 minutes from Malé to Maamigili Airport with FlyMe
• Boat: 15 minutes from Maamigili to Dhigurah
• Cost: Around $175 USD per person, one way

Seaplane + Boat Transfer:

• Seaplane: 30 minutes from Malé to the South Ari Atoll platform
• Boat: 10 minutes to Dhigurah
• Cost: Around $250 USD per person, one way

For us, the speedboat was the perfect balance of comfort, price, and adventure. Sitting on deck, sea breeze in our hair, and dolphins swimming by—it was the perfect way to begin our island escape.

Moving Around

Dhigurah is one of the longest islands in the Maldives, measuring about 3.2 km in length and just 275 meters wide at its widest point. The name “Dhigurah” literally means long island, and once you’re there, you’ll see why.

It also boasts one of the longest bikini beaches in the Maldives, stretching nearly 2 kilometers along the coastline. It’s the perfect place for a quiet beach stroll or a relaxing swim in turquoise waters.

The best way to explore the island is definitely by bike. Our accommodation provided them for free, and it made getting around super convenient. Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring the local village, or just cruising along the island path, cycling is the way to go.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

When to Visit

The Maldives is a year-round destination with hot and sunny weather almost every day. Temperatures stay fairly consistent throughout the year, with highs between 28°C and 32°C, and lows rarely dropping below 24°C.

There are two main seasons in the Maldives:

• Dry Season (November to April): This is the peak travel season. The weather is at its best, especially from January to April, with sunny skies, calm seas, and low humidity—perfect for a dreamy Maldives holiday.
• Wet Season (May to October): Expect higher humidity and a greater chance of rain, especially in June, which tends to be the wettest month. That said, rain showers are usually short and followed by sunshine.

For the best experience, we recommend visiting between January and April. We traveled at the end of March and had mostly great weather—just one cloudy day and a couple of short rain showers in the early morning or late evening.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Where to Stay

Dhigurah is one of the most beautiful public islands in the Maldives, and while it’s more low-key than the big resort islands, you’ll still find some fantastic boutique hotels and guesthouses here:

• Seaside Dhigurah: This is where we stayed, and we absolutely loved it. A small boutique hotel with a stylish yet homey vibe, friendly staff, and an amazing rooftop where breakfast is served. They also helped us organize all our tours.

Staying on Dhigurah gives you the chance to enjoy paradise without breaking the bank. Plus, accommodations here are typically more peaceful and authentic compared to the busier Maafushi.

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

What to Eat

One of the highlights of visiting the Maldives—beyond the crystal-clear waters and dreamy beaches—is the food! On Dhigurah, we had some incredible meals, often served with a smile and a view of the ocean.

Here are some must-try Maldivian dishes:

• Vegetable noodles – Simple, flavorful, and filling.
• Vegetable curry – Rich in spices, usually served with rice or roshi (flatbread).
• Vegetable Kotu – A chopped-up stir fry of flatbread, vegetables, and curry spices.
• Mas Huni – A traditional Maldivian breakfast dish made with shredded smoked tuna, coconut, onion, and chili. Try the vegan version made with pumpkin—absolutely delicious!

Alcohol Note: Alcohol is strictly prohibited on public islands like Dhigurah. It is only available on resort islands and safari boats. However, you can still find alcohol-free beer in some restaurants and local supermarkets if you’re looking for something refreshing.

If you’re wondering where to eat, here are a couple of our favorite spots on the island:

• Hermit’s – A cozy and laid-back place with excellent food. We especially loved the grilled veggie platters and fresh juices. The vibe is perfect for a relaxed dinner after a day of adventure.
• Aveli Restaurant – A lovely spot offering both local and international dishes. The curries were packed with flavor, and the setting is just charming—especially in the evening.

Best things to do in Dhigurah

Snorkel with Whale Sharks

The Maldives are world-famous for their whale sharks, and one of the best things to do in Dhigurah is to take a snorkeling tour to see them. Thanks to the island’s location near a known whale shark hotspot, you won’t need to travel far. Most tours begin with a snorkel stop to spot manta rays, followed by the main event—snorkeling with whale sharks. The day usually ends with a relaxing lunch on the beach in Dhigurah, making it an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

Snorkel with Manta Tour

Another amazing tour to consider is the Manta Ray snorkeling tour, where you’ll get the chance to swim alongside these graceful giants. Mantas are often found in the waters near Dhigurah, making this tour both convenient and unforgettable. If you’re short on time or want to maximize your chances of spotting marine life, you can also combine the manta tour with the whale shark tour for a full-day adventure in some of the Maldives’ most biodiverse waters.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Chill on a Bikini Beach

The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local customs—especially when it comes to clothing. Bikinis are only allowed on designated bikini beaches, which are clearly marked on each island.

That said, Dhigurah boasts the longest bikini beach in the Maldives, offering plenty of space to relax and swim freely. You’ll find bikini beaches on both sides of the island, but we highly recommend heading to the eastern side, where the calm lagoon waters make for perfect swimming and snorkeling conditions. The water is warm, shallow, and incredibly inviting—an ideal place to enjoy your first real dip in Maldivian paradise.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Snorkel with turtles

Snorkeling in Dhigurah’s reef was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. We spent an entire day exploring the crystal-clear waters, swimming among colorful fish and coral gardens—all while chasing the elusive turtle we had heard so much about.

After hours of snorkeling and searching, it felt incredibly rewarding to finally spot one gracefully gliding through the water. It was such a magical moment and absolutely worth the effort. If you’re visiting Dhigurah, don’t miss the chance to snorkel just off the island—it’s one of the best things to do in Dhigurah.

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

Cross at the tip of the island

The tip of Dhigurah is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. We visited twice—once in the evening and once in the morning—and loved it both times. The walk through soft white sand with turquoise waters on both sides is truly something special.

In the morning, during low tide, it gets even more magical. You can actually walk all the way to Lux*, a private resort island just next to Dhigurah. It’s a surreal experience to stroll between two islands with the ocean gently lapping at your feet. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Dhigurah if you’re up for a peaceful and scenic adventure.

Bike in the jungle

As mentioned earlier, the best way to get around Dhigurah is by bike. It’s not only convenient, but also a beautiful way to soak in the island’s natural scenery. One of our favorite rides was cycling through the lush jungle path that leads all the way to the tip of Dhigurah. The ride is peaceful and scenic, with the sound of birds and the smell of salt in the air. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the wild, untouched side of the island.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Watch Sunrise / sunset

As you’re on a paradise island, watching the sunrise or sunset is a must in Dhigurah. The golden hues reflecting off the calm turquoise waters are simply magical. While sunrise is beautiful from the east-facing bikini beach, the real showstopper is sunset at the tip of Dhigurah. With no crowds and panoramic ocean views, it’s the perfect way to end your day in this Maldivian paradise.

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

More things to do in Dhigurah

If you’re looking for even more things to do in Dhigurah, here are a couple of great additions to your list:

•  Scuba diving – Dhigurah is located in the South Ari Atoll, one of the best diving areas in the Maldives. You’ll find vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, and sometimes even whale sharks. Several dive centers on the island can organize everything for you, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.
• Visit a private island – Want to experience the luxury of a private island without staying overnight? Some resorts nearby offer day passes that include access to the beach, lunch, and sometimes even a spa treatment. It’s a great way to enjoy the upscale side of the Maldives while staying on a budget-friendly local island.

Cost of Dhigurah

When it comes to cost, our 3-night stay in Dhigurah totaled €930 for two people. Here’s how it broke down:

• Accommodation: €373
• Return speedboat: €225
•  Snorkeling tour: €225
• Food: Around €107

Later in our Maldives trip, we found a smart way to reduce these costs—by starting with the island of Maafushi instead. From Maafushi, the whale shark snorkeling tour is more affordable, and you save one leg of the speedboat transfer. We’ll dive deeper into how to plan this budget-friendly route later on in our Maldives itinerary guide.

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget