| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why Go |
Year-round whale shark area
Manta cleaning sites
Iconic thilas
High chance of big encounters with simple logistics from local islands.
|
| Must-See |
Dhigurah — long sandbank, easy access to the MPA, beach walks under shade. Dhangethi & Mahibadhoo — jetty sunsets, cafés, quick snorkel entries. Maamigili coastline — gateway for whale-shark runs and fast boat launches. |
| Signature Dives & Snorkels |
Whale Shark Zone (South Ari MPA) — boat-based searches; surface spot, brief entry, keep respectful distance. Moofushi Manta Point — seasonal rays at cleaning blocks; hold position, avoid chasing. Kudarah Thila — soft-coral scenery; fish traffic in current. Broken Rock — split-reef swim-throughs; watch buoyancy. Bring wide-angle, SMB, and a torch; follow in-water etiquette for animals. |
| Activities | Whale-shark snorkel days • Two-tank dive mornings • Sandbank lunches • Kayaks on calm lagoons • Night fishing • Easy island walks and café stops. |
| Best Time |
Whale sharks: year-round with weekly shifts; sightings change with plankton and current. Mantas: seasonal peaks; ask ops for the current pattern. Mornings = smoother seas; late afternoons = best color. |
| Getting There | Domestic flight to VAM (Maamigili) then short boats • Direct speedboats from Malé to Dhigurah/Dhangethi on fixed schedules • Seaplane to select resorts. |
| Stay | Guesthouses on Dhigurah, Dhangethi, Mahibadhoo • Resorts across the channel edges • Ask for early launches, camera benches, and rinse tubs. |
| Smart Tips | For whale sharks: enter calmly, stay at the side, never block the head or tail • Carry a snug mask for fast entries • Drybag for sandbank days • Local SIM for steady data. |
| Trip Builds | Big-animal circuit (whale shark + manta + thila) • Dive + chill (2 dives + sandbank) • Quick-hit weekend (1 full day whale-shark + 1 day thilas). |
| Hidden Edges | Calm leeward swims after brief rain • Golden-hour shots on Dhigurah’s long beach • Local short-eats by village jetties after sundown. |