Dhigurah
The world's whale shark capital — encounters guaranteed year-round.
About Dhigurah
Dhigurah is a lush, elongated island blessed with a 2.8 km pristine white-sand beach and crystal-clear lagoons. Located in South Ari Atoll — the only place on earth where whale sharks are spotted every single day of the year — it is our flagship base and the heart of Island Divers. The island offers a relaxed local atmosphere with accommodation to suit all budgets, making it the perfect destination for divers, snorkellers, and ocean lovers of every level.
Atoll
South Ari Atoll
Distance from Malé
~110 km (35 min by speedboat)
Nearby dive sites
40+ within 1 hour
Whale sharks
Year-round sightings
Beach
2.8 km white-sand beach
Island type
Inhabited local island
Dive Sites
Over 40 world-class dive sites lie within a one-hour boat ride from Dhigurah, ranging from shallow coral gardens to dramatic thilas and exhilarating channel drifts.
Kuda Rah Thila
Thila / Pinnacle
Depth: 18–30 m
Protected marine area famous for grey reef sharks, overhangs draped in soft corals, and schools of fusiliers.
Broken Rock
Reef
Depth: 15–28 m
Popular whale shark hotspot along a dramatic split reef wall, with excellent visibility and resident turtles.
Maamigili Beyru
Channel
Depth: 10–30 m
One of the top whale shark aggregation points in the atoll; also frequented by reef sharks and eagle rays.
Fish Head
Thila
Depth: 18–35 m
World-renowned dive site teeming with grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and dense schools of snappers.
Kudarah Thila
Thila
Depth: 15–30 m
Vibrant pinnacle blanketed in colourful soft corals with resident turtles and white-tip reef sharks.
Alimatha Jetty
House Reef / Night Dive
Depth: 5–30 m
Legendary night dive — nurse sharks, stingrays, and schools of barracuda gather after dark.
Rangali Madivaru
Channel
Depth: 10–25 m
Manta ray cleaning station with regular sightings; whale shark encounters also common in season.
Vilamendhoo Kandu
Channel
Depth: 15–30 m
Thrilling drift dive with eagle rays, barracuda, and large pelagic fish patrolling the channel walls.
Marine Life
Whale Sharks
Year-round
Grey Reef Sharks
Year-round
Green Sea Turtles
Year-round
Eagle Rays
Year-round
Manta Rays
May – November
Napoleon Wrasse
Year-round
Nurse Sharks
Year-round (night)
Barracuda
Year-round
Available Services
Ready to dive in Dhigurah?
Contact us to book your adventure or ask any questions.