Discovering two local islands in the South Ari Atoll: Dhangethi and Dhigurah
8 days
The Maldives have changed over the years, and luxurious private islands are no longer the only option. Today it is possible to offer an alternative accommodation for eco-conscious travelers who wish to discover the traditional lifestyle and the extraordinary underwater world of the Maldives, without giving up the quality standards typical of beach resorts. In this original tour designed by Conscious Journeys, you will have the opportunity to discover two of the most beautiful local islands (that is, inhabited islands) in the South Ari Atoll.
Dhangethi is an island where the rhythm of the sea intertwines with the authentic pace of Maldivian life. Here you will not find a simple resort, but a fishing island that has chosen to open itself to the world with awareness. Staying in Dhangethi means embracing an alternative and responsible form of tourism: a place where waste management is a daily mission to protect the fragility of the ocean and where every gesture aims to preserve the marine ecosystem. Choosing Responsible Maldives transforms your holiday into a precious opportunity for cultural exchange. If fishing was once the only source of livelihood, today tourism offers new economic perspectives that we aim to guide toward balance. Our proposal welcomes you into a typical guesthouse, the beating heart of locally managed Maldivian hospitality. Each day will be an adventure: you will explore the coral reef with experienced local guides, ready to be amazed by turtles, manta rays, and the majestic whale shark. And between one dive and another, you will discover the authentic flavors of the Maldives through gastronomic experiences and encounters that will make you feel, for a few days, part of this beautiful community.
Forget the boundaries of typical resorts and let yourself be carried away by Dhigurah, the island that stretches for more than three kilometers through the turquoise waters of the South Ari Atoll, offering the unique sensation of walking toward infinity along one of the most iconic sandbanks of the archipelago. In this natural sanctuary, the rhythm of the day is guided by the tides and the warmth of a local community that will welcome you with genuine hospitality, allowing you to discover the true soul of the Maldives among charming boutique hotels and pristine beaches. Here adventure is always close at hand: you can slip into the water to meet the whale shark, which inhabits these waters all year round, or swim among turtles and manta rays that populate coral reefs teeming with life. Whether it is an unforgettable dive, a sunset walk to the far tip of the island, or a relaxing moment on the wide Bikini Beach, every moment in Dhigurah is a perfect balance between comfort and respect for nature. Easily reachable by a scenic flight or by speedboat, the island awaits you to offer a journey where sustainability meets pure beauty, transforming a simple holiday into a story to treasure forever.
TRAVEL PROGRAM
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO DHANGETHI ISLAND
Malé – Dhangethi
Upon arrival at the airport, one of our representatives will be waiting for you and will accompany you to the speedboat to Dhangethi Island (approximately 120 minutes).
Overnight stay in Dhangethi (B, -, -)
DAY 2 – 3: RELAX ON THE BEACH
Free day to explore the island, relax on the beach, or enjoy optional activities independently such as:
- Snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays
- Dolphin watching excursions
- Water sports
- Sunset fishing
Overnight stay in Dhangethi (B, -, -)
DAY 4: TRANSFER TO DHIGURAH ISLAND
Dhangethi – Dhigurah
In the morning, after breakfast, transfer by speedboat (approximately 30 minutes) to the island of Dhigurah in the South Ari Atoll. Check-in and relax with the possibility to explore the island.
Overnight stay in Dhigurah (B, -, -)
5° – 7° GIORNO: PARTECIPAZIONI ALLE ESPERIENZE GIORNALIERE
Dhigurah
Over the next four days on the island of Dhigurah, you will be able to take part in the activities that the selected resort organizes every day according to a weekly program, such as:
- Walking along one of the longest and most iconic beaches in the Maldives
- Snorkeling with the whale shark
- Manta ray safari
- Visiting different local islands and immersing yourself in Maldivian culture
Overnight stay in Dhigurah (B, -, -)
DAY 8: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Transfer to Malé airport by speedboat and departure with international flight.
ACTIVITIES
- Discover two of the most beautiful islands in the South Ari Atoll: Dhangethi and Dhigurah,
- Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax on beautiful white sandbanks and deserted islands,
- Go snorkeling on two of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Maldives,
- Enjoy a fishing experience using a traditional Maldivian fishing method,
- Swim with whale sharks on the island of Dhigurah,
- Relax on the beach equipped with straw umbrellas and sun loungers,
- Taste authentic Maldivian cuisine,
- Join boat excursions to swim with large groups of manta rays,
- Go snorkeling with the whale shark
TIPS BEFORE DEPARTURE
It is recommended to behave in a way that respects local culture in order to avoid any problems or difficulties during the trip. In particular, overly affectionate behavior in public, such as kissing or hugging, is discouraged, as this is not well regarded.
Guests are advised to bring practical, casual summer clothing, as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and trainers. Clothing should follow a few rules: both during the day and in the evening, it is not permitted to enter bars or restaurants wearing swimwear or wet clothes, and guests are required to wear at least a T-shirt in these areas. In the evening and after dinner, bermuda shorts and wrap skirts are perfectly suitable. It is possible to walk barefoot throughout the hotel. Nudity is strictly prohibited.
India’s time zone is GMT/UTC +5, so jet lag may also cause some discomfort. Setting your watch to the local time even before arrival can be helpful, as can eating and sleeping according to local time. To make the most of the daylight hours, the resort operates one hour ahead of Malé time.
Children are more than welcome, but parents are required to supervise them in order to avoid situations that could disturb the peace and atmosphere typical of the resort. In general, guests are advised to avoid any situations or activities that may have dangerous consequences. Children aged 8 and over may take part in the PADI “bubble maker” course; from the age of 10, they may obtain a “junior open water diver” certification.
It is absolutely forbidden to import spear guns; sacred images or statues; pork or cured pork products; alcohol of any kind; pornographic magazines; videos and DVDs (except for unused DVDs still in their original packaging). Pets of any kind are not allowed. Very severe penalties apply to the importation and use of drugs. It is also strictly forbidden to export turtle shells, corals, or shells that have not been legally purchased in shops. Out of respect for the environment, it is forbidden to break or walk on coral. Coral reefs may look like rock, but in reality they are made up of millions of living organisms: even the touch of a fin may be enough to destroy work that nature has taken many years to create. Some coral species may cause injuries such as cuts or swelling. For the safety of divers and the reef itself, it is important not to stand, walk, or swim too close to the reef. Maldivian law prohibits the collection of coral, shells, or sand. The government is very strict on this matter, and ignoring these rules may lead to fines. The use of alcohol is not permitted on the islands.
In addition, guests are kindly asked to collect and dispose of their own waste, such as empty bottles, used batteries, and anything else that could harm the environment.
HOTELS
HOTEL CATEGORY: GUEST HOUSES
Dhangethi Guesthouse: staying at this guesthouse means immersing yourself in the slow, authentic rhythm of Dhangethi, an inhabited island in the South Ari Atoll where life still follows traditional Maldivian customs. This guesthouse is the perfect retreat for those seeking a genuine experience without giving up modern comfort, offering a welcoming base from which to explore one of the most biodiverse atolls in the world. The rooms are designed to feel cool and restorative: the Deluxe rooms are spacious, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and modern private bathrooms, with furnishings inspired by the colors of the ocean. For those traveling with friends or children, connecting options or larger accommodations are available, ensuring privacy and impeccable cleanliness. The property’s real distinctive feature is its in-house Spa, a rare service among local guesthouses, where guests can book relaxing massages after a day spent among the waves.
Dhigurah Guesthouse: a guesthouse located in the South Ari Atoll, on an island so narrow and elongated that it almost seems like a mirage in the middle of the ocean. Its beauty is legendary: a dense jungle of coconut palms runs through the center of the village and opens out onto a stretch of dazzling white sand that extends for miles into the turquoise sea. It is one of the few places in the Maldives where you can walk for hours with your feet in the water, surrounded only by the sound of the waves and the greenery of untouched nature, with the privilege of having the coral reef just a few fin strokes from the shore. This guesthouse fits perfectly within a “chic yet informal” hospitality concept, offering accommodations designed to be a cool, modern refuge after long hours spent under the sun. The rooms, ranging from the cozy Charm rooms to the more spacious Deluxe options, are the heart of the property and stand out for their use of natural materials and soothing colors. Every detail is carefully considered to create a boutique hotel atmosphere, with ultra-comfortable beds, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi always available. For those looking for an extra touch of comfort, the view suites offer generous space and small private balconies where guests can breathe in the salty air upon waking, while larger, practical Family options are available for groups or families traveling with children. All room categories reflect a philosophy of understated well-being, where true luxury lies in the quality of rest and the constant closeness to the island’s wild nature.
TRANSPORT
Speedboat transfers are included from Malé Airport to Dhangethi Island, from Dhangethi to Dhigurah, and from Dhigurah to Malé Airport.
MALDIVES: WHEN TO GO
The Maldives enjoy a tropical climate throughout the year and are influenced by monsoons, winds that blow in different directions depending on the season. The best time to visit is from December to May, during the dry season called ‘Iruvai’, when the monsoon winds blow from the northeast. From May to November there is the rainy season called ‘Hulhangu’, with monsoon winds blowing from the southwest. The average temperature ranges between 28°C and 31°C throughout the year, and the water temperature is also always pleasant, around 27°–29°C.
TYPE
Itinerary available for:
Group trip
Private trip (min. 2 people)
Honeymoon trip