If you’re dreaming of the Maldives and wondering what to do beyond relaxing in a hammock, let me take you through one of my absolute favourite experiences—snorkelling with manta rays at Dhigurah.
We spent 2 nights and 3 days in this little slice of paradise, staying at TME Retreats Dhigurah, a charming beachside resort that had everything we needed—and then some. The best part? It’s affiliated with a local dive center, which is pretty common in the Maldives. Pro tip: book your excursions directly through your resort—it’s usually cheaper and easier to arrange.
When to Visit Dhigurah & What to Expect
We visited Dhigurah in early November, which is the beginning of the dry season in the Maldives. While it’s not the best time to spot whale sharks (those gentle giants tend to show up more frequently later in the season), it’s still an amazing time for snorkeling and manta ray tours.
And trust me, manta rays are no second prize.
The Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour – What It’s Like
Our day started bright and early at 7 AM (don’t hit snooze on this one!). We headed out with the dive team—super friendly folks who provided all the snorkeling gear and drinking water. The whole tour cost $55 USD per person, and it was worth every penny.
We visited three different spots during the trip. It took about an hour to reach the first one, but sadly, no manta sightings there. At the second site though—wow. We were above a manta ray cleaning station, and it was just surreal. Giant mantas glided below us so gracefully, almost as if they were dancing in the water.
We stayed there for about 20 minutes just watching them move in circles, getting cleaned by tiny fish. Then we headed to a third spot where, although it wasn’t a cleaning station, the mantas came really close—one young manta even swam right up to me!
Quick heads-up: Don’t touch marine life. It’s not only illegal in protected waters, but it also disturbs their natural behavior. Just float, watch, and soak it in.
Back by Lunch & Blue as Can Be
We were back at our resort by 1:30 PM, completely in awe of the morning’s adventure. And let me just say—the water around Dhigurah is next-level stunning. You’ve heard the Maldives has the bluest waters in the world? It’s true. Crystal-clear, turquoise, and absolutely mesmerizing.
Oh, and don’t forget your GoPro or waterproof phone case—you’ll want to capture every moment of those graceful manta rays and vibrant coral reefs.
A bit about the Mantas of Dhigurah
Dhigurah Island, located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives, is one of the top places in the world to encounter manta rays. These graceful creatures, with wingspans of up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet), are often seen gliding through the island’s warm, clear waters—especially during the southwest monsoon season (May to November), when plankton levels are highest. Dhigurah lies within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a region recognized for its rich marine biodiversity and year-round manta ray sightings. Here, manta rays come not just to feed—but to clean.
The tour agencies will take you to one of the cleaning stations which is a specific coral reef or rocky area where manta rays gather to be cleaned by small fish like wrasses and gobies. These cleaner fish remove parasites, dead skin, and bacteria from the manta’s body, gills, and even inside their mouths. Manta rays hover almost motionless above the cleaning station, allowing the cleaner fish to do their work. It’s a fascinating, symbiotic relationship—and an unforgettable sight for divers and snorkelers alike.
A Note on Eco-Friendly Travel in the Maldives
As breathtaking as the Maldives is, we did spot a few plastic bottles and bags floating in the ocean. It was heartbreaking. So if you’re visiting, please be conscious of your waste. Bring a reusable water bottle, skip single-use plastics, and help protect this marine paradise.
Final Thoughts: Is Dhigurah Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a diver, a snorkeler, or just someone looking for a quieter, more local island experience in the Maldives, Dhigurah delivers. With manta rays, stunning beaches, and affordable resorts like TME Retreats Dhigurah, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
If you’re planning a Maldives trip, add Dhigurah to your list—and don’t miss out on that manta ray tour!
