Dhigurah
Dhigurah Island · Dhigurah Inhabited Island
3°35.6'N 72°50.9'E
Depth
3–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m radius — shallow lagoon with excellent sand holding on the western side. Good natural protection from NE monsoon via island and reef. East-facing beach exposed to NE chop — anchor on western lagoon side.
About This Anchorage
Dhigurah is an inhabited island in South Ari Atoll, one of the longest inhabited islands in the Maldives at over 3km in length. It has developed into a popular guesthouse destination for budget travellers and is well-known among diving circles for its excellent local dive sites and proximity to the South Ari whale shark area. The western lagoon anchorage provides good shelter from the NE trades in reliable sand. The island has several guesthouse cafés, a small market, and dive shops offering guided trips to the nearby whale shark channel. A practical base for exploring South Ari Atoll.
Protected From
W · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Inhabited island — modest dress ashore. Alcohol prohibited on the island itself. Bikini beach area designated — confirm locally.
Restrictions: Alcohol not permitted in public areas. Modest dress required when visiting the village.
Hazards
- !Shallow lagoon — watch depth carefully on approach
- !Speedboat traffic from dive operations and transfers
- !Coral heads at lagoon perimeter
Skipper's Tips
- →Dhigurah whale shark dive site is within dinghy range — ask local dive shops for directions
- →Island is long and narrow — good beach walks at dawn and dusk
- →Fresh coconuts and local produce available at the market
- →Guesthouse owners have good local knowledge of current whale shark locations
Facilities
Several local restaurants and cafés on the island. No alcohol. Basic provisions available.
Nearest provisions: Dhigurah island (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr). South Ari is 80nm from Malé — allow a full day's passage. Best combined whale shark and comfort window is December to March.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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