Travel Guide Maldives: Dhigurah and the remaining island archi­pelago

The Republic of Maldives is an island state in the Indian Ocean. While its total area is about 90,000 km², the actual island area is only 298 km². The Maldives archipelago consists of several atolls with a total of 1196 islands and belongs to the Asian continent.

Like the entire archipelago of the Maldives, the paradise island of Dhigurah also impresses with white, palm-fringed dream beaches, turquoise-blue lagoons and a breathtaking underwater world. An unforgettable stay abroad, characterised by peace, beauty and untouched nature, is certain here.

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Location
Maldives: In the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka

Dhigurah: In the South Ari Atoll, about 96 km southeast of Malé

Size
Maldives: approx. 300 km²

Dhigurah: approx. 1 km²

Best travel time
Between December and May

Highlights
The beaches and (under-) water worlds of the island – also whale sharks can be observed here

Visiting Dhigurah

Location, geography and climate

The Maldives are an archipelagic state which consists of several atolls and is located southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives count 1196 islands, 264 of which are inhabited and/or used for touristic purposes. The island chain comprises a territory that spans roughly 300 square kilometres. With an average ground-level elevation of 1.5 metres a.s.l., it is the world's lowest country. The centre of Maldives and the only “real” city is the capital of Malé, located on the main island of the same name. Around one third of all inhabitants of the Maldives (approx. 392,000) lives in the capital (approx. 140,000).

The small island of Dhigurah, where you can find the base station of our partner’s whale shark project, is located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives, about 96 km southeast of the main island Malé. It is no more than about 2 ½ kilometres long and only a few hundred metres wide. About 620 people live in the populated north of the island; more than half of Dhigurah is pristine and unspoilt. Tropical vegetation and sandy beaches dominate the appearance.

The Maldives and Dhigurah are characterised by constantly high temperatures throughout the year, which range between 28 and 31°C. The temperature in the Maldives is very high. The humidity is usually between 70 and 80% throughout the year. The water temperature is usually 22°C or higher. Between May and December it is the wettest time and many, partly particularly strong rainfalls must be expected. While in these months the sunshine hours are very limited, the Maldives delight in the second half of the year with about eight to ten sunshine hours per day.

Flora and fauna

In the Maldives a variety of wildlife can be found, reaching from some mammal species to several reptile, amphibian and bird species to countless fish species. The islands are covered with palm and artocarpus trees, and surrounded by magnificent beaches and clear lagoons.

This is also true for Dhigurah: The small island is bordered by white sandy beaches, while the interior is lush tropical vegetation including numerous palm trees.

While the island itself is home to a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians, the crystal clear lagoon surrounding Dhigurah is home to many fascinating fish species. Colourful coral reefs, exotic fish, turtles, manta rays, dolphins and even whale sharks can be observed during diving and bathing.

Highlights

Water sports enthusiasts and those who want to become water lovers will find the Maldives, and therefore also Dhigurah, a paradise for snorkelling and diving or for exploring with a kayak or stand-up paddle. There are several diving schools where you can also get official diving certificates. Experienced divers will be particularly amazed by a nocturnal dive, during which many wondrous sea creatures and spectacular lighting effects can be admired.

For those who prefer to enjoy the water passively, the magnificent island beaches are a dream come true. Here you can enjoy not only relaxing hours in the white sand, but also breathtaking sunsets.

If you are interested in some city vibes, you should not miss a visit to the capital Malé. Buildings like the Malé Friday Mosque, the Eid Mosque and the Islamic Centre particularly worth seeing.