Dhigurah Island Named #7 Among the World’s Best Beaches for 2026

08 August, 2026

When travelers dream of the Maldives, they picture overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and powder-white sand. But tucked away in the South Ari Atoll lies Dhigurah Island—a slice of paradise that has captured global attention. In 2026, Dhigurah was officially named one of the world’s top 10 beaches, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for beach lovers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers alike.

Here’s everything you need to know about this extraordinary island and why it belongs on your travel bucket list.

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The Global Recognition: Two Major Rankings

Dhigurah’s international acclaim comes from not one but two prestigious global rankings in 2026.

Ranked #7 in The World’s 50 Best Beaches

According to The World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 ranking—compiled from votes by over 1,000 travel professionals and evaluated on criteria including landscape uniqueness, wildlife, conservation status, water calmness, and lack of overcrowding—Dhigurah secured the 7th position globally.

The top 10 beaches for 2026 are:

1. Entalula Beach, Philippines

2. Fteri Beach, Greece

3. Wharton Beach, Australia

4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar

5. East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji

6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

7. Dhigurah, Maldives ⬅️

8. Playa Balandra, Mexico

9. Koh Rong, Cambodia

10. Donald Duck Bay, Thailand

Ranked #8 in the World’s Most Valuable Beaches

In a separate study by luxury villa specialist CV Villas, Dhigurah was ranked 8th among the world’s most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million). This placed Dhigurah ahead of iconic beaches like Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—and it was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15.

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What Makes Dhigurah Beach So Special?

The Longest Beach in the Maldives

Dhigurah’s name in the local Dhivehi language translates directly to “Long Island” —and for good reason. The island stretches approximately 3 to 4 kilometers in length and is just 250 meters wide at its narrowest point. The entire western side is occupied by a breathtaking stretch of white-sand beach that ranks among the longest continuous beaches in the Maldives.

The Legendary Sandbank

Perhaps Dhigurah’s most iconic feature is its endless sandbank—a narrow ribbon of soft white sand that extends far into the lagoon at the southern tip. Flanked by shallow, crystal-clear water on both sides, this natural wonder offers an almost surreal walking experience. As one reviewer put it: “The longest sandbank in the Maldives with the whitest sand, bluest, clearest waters, surrounded by whale sharks all year long.”

Pristine and Uncrowded

Unlike the crowded resort islands, Dhigurah remains uncrowded and peaceful. The beach is so expansive that it’s “almost impossible to be crowded”—a rare luxury in today’s travel landscape. Visitors describe it as “vast and uncrowded, giving kids the freedom to run and play without worrying about disturbing anyone”.

A True Tropical Paradise

The beach is lined with palm trees providing natural shade, the water is calm and perfect for swimming, and there’s even a spot called Turtle Reef about halfway along where you can snorkel from shore and encounter baby sharks and sea turtles. The water conditions are typically calm, making it ideal for long walks and amazing swims.

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The Whale Shark Capital of the Maldives

Dhigurah isn’t just about stunning beaches—it’s also one of the best places on Earth to swim with whale sharks.

Located in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA)—one of the world’s best destinations for year-round whale shark encounters—Dhigurah offers visitors the chance to see these gentle giants every single month of the year.

What You Can See:

• Whale sharks – year-round sightings

• Manta rays – seasonal (peak December to March)

• Reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, and diverse marine life

Whale shark tours from Dhigurah are remarkably affordable, typically costing around $80 USD per person. Many visitors report “almost a 100% chance” of seeing a whale shark on these excursions.

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A Local Island Experience (Without the Resort Price Tag)

One of Dhigurah’s greatest appeals is that it’s an inhabited local island—not a private resort. This means you can experience authentic Maldivian island life while enjoying world-class beaches, all at a fraction of the cost of luxury resorts.

Accommodation

Dhigurah offers a growing selection of guesthouses and boutique hotels, with rates ranging from $60 to $200 per night depending on comfort level. Popular options include Ithaa Dhigurah Hotel, Bliss Dhigurah, Horizon Dhigurah, and Azul Retreat.

Dining

The island has several local cafés and restaurants serving authentic Maldivian cuisine at reasonable prices. As one traveler noted, “The food at Hermits is undoubtedly the best on the island”. Souvenir shopping is also cheaper on Dhigurah compared to Malé.

Important Note for Visitors

Since Dhigurah is a local island with a Muslim population, swimwear is only permitted on designated Bikini Beach areas and the Long Beach sandbank. Alcohol is also banned on the island—a small trade-off for an authentic cultural experience.

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How to Get to Dhigurah

Getting to Dhigurah is straightforward:

Option 1: Domestic Flight + Speedboat

• Take a 20-minute domestic flight from Malé (Velana International Airport) to Maamigili Airport

• Followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride to Dhigurah

Option 2: Direct Speedboat

• Direct speedboat transfers from Malé take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and cost around $50–$80 USD per person one way

Option 3: Public Ferry

• MTCC public ferry departs from Malé on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays at 8:30 AM

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Best Time to Visit

Dhigurah is a year-round destination, but seasons do vary:

• Dry Season (November to April) : Calmest seas, best visibility, and most reliable sunshine. This is the prime time for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities.

• Wet Season (May to October) : Greener landscapes, fewer tourists, and better value accommodations. Manta ray sightings peak during this period.

For first-time visitors, the recommended window is February to early April for consistently calm sea conditions.

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Top Things to Do on Dhigurah

Beyond the beach itself, Dhigurah offers a wealth of activities:

1. Walk the Sandbank – A morning walk to the legendary sandbank is a must

2. Whale Shark Safari – Swim with the world’s largest fish

3. Snorkeling & Diving – Explore vibrant house reefs and nearby thilas (underwater pinnacles)

4. Dolphin Cruises – Spot playful pods at sunset

5. Manta Ray Excursions – Encounter these graceful giants

6. Night Fishing – Join locals for traditional tuna fishing

7. Sandbank Picnics – Enjoy a private beach day on the sandbar

8. Cycle to the Sandbank – Hire a bicycle and ride south through the jungle

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Why Dhigurah Stands Out

As The World’s 50 Best Beaches describes it: “Nearly every beach in the Maldives is gorgeous, but Dhigurah Beach stands out with a sandbar flanked by calm, crystal-clear waters. Offshore reefs vibrant with marine life also entice snorkelers.”

What makes Dhigurah truly special is its perfect balance: world-class natural beauty, incredible marine life, authentic local culture, and affordability—all without the crowds that plague other popular destinations.

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Plan Your Visit

• Recommended stay: 3–5 days

• Budget: Guesthouses from $60/night; whale shark tours ~$80; speedboat transfer ~$50–80

• Packing essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear (or rent locally), light clothing, and respect for local customs

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Final Thoughts

Dhigurah Island’s recognition as one of the world’s top 10 beaches isn’t just a title—it’s a reflection of everything this remarkable island offers. From its endless white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to its year-round whale shark encounters and authentic local charm, Dhigurah represents the best of the Maldives without the resort price tag.

Whether you’re a beach enthusiast, a marine life lover, or simply someone seeking paradise away from the crowds, Dhigurah deserves a spot on your travel list. After all, how many places can say they rank among the world’s best—and actually deliver on the promise?

Best Hotels in Dhigurah

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