Dhigurah

Dhigurah is around three kilometres long and a few hundred metres wide, with the village at one end and a strip of sand and scrub running out from it to a sandbank at the other, and it sits in the part of South Ari Atoll where whale sharks are present year round rather than seasonally, which is unusual. Boats go out for them daily. Manta rays use cleaning stations in the same area between May and November.

What you'll find

• The whale sharks - present in this part of the atoll year round rather than seasonally.
• The long sandspit - the strip running from the village to the far end.
• The manta cleaning stations - the sites used between May and November.
• The house reef - the coral within swimming distance of the beach.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and calmest. Whale sharks are present year round here. Mantas are best from May to November.

What to expect

Whale shark boats crowd the animals and the pressure on them is a genuine concern; choose operators that keep their distance. Local island rules on dress and alcohol apply. Ferries are slow and infrequent.

Nearby

Dhangethi is northeast, and Maamigili airport is south.

Key facts