Discover the Real Maldives From Its Best Dive Island in South Ari Atoll

Why We Love It

Discover the real Maldives! Designed by divers, this boutique eco-resort is located right next to the best dive sites of the Maldives. You'll dive on South Ari Atoll, a hot spot to see whale sharks and manta rays. We love that it is situated on a village-island. Staying at this eco-resort means you'll be supporting the local economy. In your free time, feel free to explore the island and discover the real life of a Maldivian village.

Conservation

The island of Dhigurah is one of the few local islands that has partnered with Parley, an organization whose one project is to upcycle plastic waste from the ocean. Once a week, the island collects plastic that will be used to make Adidas Ultraboost trainers. Waste food goes to compost, and the island carefully sorts what can be recycled. The eco-resort tries to reduce its plastic usage as much as possible.

Who Is It For?

For divers who want to escape the crowds and discover the real Maldives, without compromising on diving quality. A good destination for snorkelers as well, with daily excursions available.

Prices and Dates

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What's included?

7 nights in a Double Deluxe Room (price per person, on a double occupancy basis)
Up to two dives per day, or one snorkelling or excursion trip per day (whale shark or manta viewing) depending on the package chosen (scuba diver or snorkeler)
Camera work station in each bedroom
Roof top restaurant and in-house chefs
Full Board - three meals per day
Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee
Local fresh juices and mocktails during mealtimes
Tanks, weights, mask, snorkel, and fins
Free WiFi in hotel rooms and hotel area
12% GST tax

What's not included?

Flights, transfer from Male to Dhigurah - ask us the options
Nitrox $5 (about ... EUR) per tank
Dive equipment hire, such as Regulator and BCD
Green Tax $3 (about ... EUR) per night per person
PADI courses

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

The island of Dhigurah is based in South Ari Atoll. The area is known for the whale sharks that can be spotted year-round.
The British Whale Shark NGO, also based on this island, has been recording more than 350 individuals in the area. Most of them are juveniles.
In the lagoon, manta rays are also frequently spotted.

Dive Conditions

Season: you can dive in South Ari Atoll year-round, however the best time is from November to the end of May. In June-July, there is a southwest monsoon, during which there will be more wind, some rain, and stronger swells.
Currents: can be moderate to strong in a few well-known sites
Visibility: 15 to 40 m (50 to 131 ft)
Water Temperature: ranges 26° to 29°C (79° to 84°F) from November to May, and can go as low as 24° (75°F) during monsoon season
Depth: shallow and deep dives

Dive Sites

There are more than 15 excellent dive sites close to the island, and 50 within reach.
You'll get to dive on a beautiful topography: coral gardens, pinnacles, swim throughs, channels, and wrecks.
Expect to see colorful soft corals, big schools of jacks and trevallies, some large barracudas, some grey reef sharks and in this area: whale sharks and manta rays.
Kudarah Thila is a famous dive site in the Maldives and a marine-protected reef since 1995. It is located just 10 minutes away.
Other sites you'll get to dive on are Broken Rock, with a deep canyon, and Five Rocks, where you can spot large barracudas.

The Team

Operation created in 2015
Number of boats: 1
PADI 5-star dive resort
Dive courses - ask us
Language spoken: English, Danish, German, Maldivian
Maximum number of people per dive guide: 5

Safety Information

Equipment Recommended: a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit, depending on the time of year
Insurance: both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe, which has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote
Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: in Bandos Island, north of Male, or Kuramathi Island

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

You must have a passport valid for at least six months, a pre-paid or booking accomodation proof, sufficient funds for your stay, and a return ticket.
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities, on arrival, for up to thirty days.
Please check current visa policies that apply for your country: Maldives Immigration website

How to Get There

Fly to Maldives capital city Male (MLE). Ask us for help to organize the transfers!
- The fastest way to get there is with a domestic flight (15 minutes) with FLYME to Maamigili International Airport (VAM). From there, take a short boat ride to Dhigurah island (20 minutes). Price: $295 (about ... EUR) return.
- A more economical option is to take a speedboat leaving from Male at 4pm. Returns leave from Dhigurah at 6:30am. The trip takes 2 hours and there needs to be at least two people. Price: $140 (about ... EUR) return.

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Bring conservative clothing as you'll be staying on a village-island: shoulders and knees should be covered. Bring some reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard to protect from the sun, and some mosquito repellent.