Frequently Asked Questions

Transfer

  • There are different options to get to Dhigurah from Velana International Airport.

    1. Speedboat: the most common and cheapest option is to take the scheduled speedboat that operates two times a day (11 am and 4pm and 10 am and 4:30 pm on Fridays). The approximate travel time is about 2 hours. Price: 60 $ per person per way. (The speedboat also stops in Malé)

    2. Seaplane: the most scenic option is a 30 minute seaplane flight to a nearby resort island (LUX), followed by a 5 minute boat ride. Price: 255 $ per person per way.

      Please note: The baggage allowance for seaplane is limited to 25 kg for checked-in and hand luggage. Additional weight will be charged with 5 $ + taxes per kg.

    3. Domestic flight: 20 minute flight to Maamigili, followed by a 20 minute boat ride. Price: 175 $ per person per way.

    The costs of transfer will be added to your guesthouse bill, no need to pay in advance. Please let us know you flight details and we will arrange the transfer of your choice.

    *All the transfer is subject to weather and availability. Pricing and departure dates can change.

  • The speedboat leaves Dhigurah every day at 7 am and 1 pm (Fridays at 7 am and 1:30 pm). After going to the airport, the speedboat also stops in Malé.

  • No, there is no public transfer between Dhigurah and Fulidhoo. You would need to go via the airport/Male

  • We are more than happy to help you with transfer. There are some public ferries operating in the atoll, but they don’t head for every island. We can arrange private transfer, but please be aware that this can be very expensive.

Weather

  • The weather in the Maldives is simply no longer even remotely predictable and reports from the past are meaningless as they cannot be applied to the present or future. In addition, it is not uncommon for the different atolls to have different weather at the same time, but it sometimes even varies from island to island. On one island it is perfect weather and "the world is coming to an end" next door. You either go to the Maldives or you don't. You are lucky or you are not. Climate change is real and it's affecting us heavily. If you need guaranteed sunshine for a great holiday, the Maldives are simply the wrong destination for you. Since we are in the tropics, close to the equator, everything is possible, from perfect weather to changeable weather with showers to rain/storms for days on end.

 Akiri

  • At Akiri we accept cash payments in €, US-$ or Credit and Debit Card payments (Visa, American Express, Maestro, Master card, Union Pay, Diners Club International, and Discover) Please make sure that the $ notes are in a very good condition, without cracks, otherwise the national bank will not accept them. The notes need to be from 2006 or newer (this applies to Maldives in general).
    Card payments are subject to 3,8 % bank fee.

    Update: Due to fluctuating exchange rates we are no longer able to accept Rufiyaa (MVR).

  • No. For the Manta and Whale Shark trips we usually decide the evening before, which excursions we are going to offer the next day. It depends on weather, demand and the wildlife sightings we had the days before. The trip to Vaavu requires excellent sea conditions, since it’s a two hour boat ride.

    Please note: There is no guarantee what wildlife encounters the day will bring. Our team will always do everything, to offer you the best, responsible and sustainable experience possible.

  • Unfortunately most of the times, this is not possible. Dhigurah is a small island with 3 families only, that agreed to not "steal" guests from each other. If you want to join our trips, make sure to also book your stay with us.

  • At the moment we can arrange day visits to “Amaya Kuda Rah Resort” and “Centara Grand Maldives Resort”.
    The amount of entrance fee can be used as voucher for food and drinks. Feel free to ask us about the current prices for entrance and transfer, since they are subject to seasonal changes.

    Please note: only available upon request. If the resorts are fully booked, they might not accept day guests. It is not possible to visit LUX South Ari.

  • No, at Akiri we have universal power plug.

 Dhigurah

  • South Ari Marine Protected Area is one of few spots in the world, where Mantas and Whale Sharks can be seen all year round.

    However: Mother Nature is unpredictable. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but we do our best to offer you a responsible and sustainable encounter.

  • Feel free to bring your drone. No need to apply for permission on a local island. But please make sure to fly with caution! Sea planes are flying very low above and around Dhigurah multiple times a day to nearby resorts.

  • Yes, there are a few supermarkets located in Dhigurah.

  • As a Muslim country, it is strictly prohibited to drink alcohol in the Maldives. The import is illegal and there will be controls at the airport.

    Good to know: hotel islands have licenses to sell alcohol and it is possible to arrange day visits to some nearby resorts.

  • Dhigurah has one of the largest bikini beaches in the Maldives. Starting from the waterspouts area up to the sandbank, it is allowed to be dressed in swimwear. Leaving the beach into the island (especially the local area) it is required to cover up. That does not mean to cover knees and shoulders, furthermore to wear a shirt/top and shorts or a dress instead.

    The Maldives is a muslim country, please respect our religion and culture.

  • The best option for payments is US-Dollar, since not every restaurant or shop does accept MVR and the exchange rate for € is not beneficial. Please make sure that the bills are in perfect conditions, otherwise they will not be accepted. There is no ATM at the airport that gives US-$. But you can change your currency to $. If you keep the receipt, you can change remaining $ back upon departure.

    Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
    Please note: card payments are subject to sometimes up to 5 % bank fee.

  • There is an ATM located at the harbour of Dhigurah, but you will only get Rufiyaa (MVR) there. It is not always working or filled with money, so you better make sure to get cash at the ATM at the airport. There is no exchange office in Dhigurah.

  • There are two providers: Ooredoo and Dhiraguu. You can buy a tourist SIM card in their shop at the airport.

  • We recommend to walk :-)
    Some guesthouses offer bicycle rent, but since there are no real roads, you will be driving on sand, which is not easy. Also it is hard to keep those bikes well maintained in this humidity and saltwater.

    Of course we can arrange a small shuttle car that brings you to the sandbank.

Packing List

    • Snorkeling equipment: we recommend to bring your own mask, snorkel and fins, that fit well and that you are familiar with to ensure the best experience underwater.

    • mosquito spray: we recommend to buy spray that contains at least 50% DEET

    • a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste

    • enough sun screen and UV protection as rash guards for water activities

    • USB-drives, so we can share the beautiful content we are going to create together

    • for women: period products, since they are not available on the island (only sanitary pads)

    • (Beach) towels: we provide towels for our guests

    • Shampoo and Showergel: are available in the bathroom and will be refilled daily

    • Iron: we have irons and ironing boards available at Akiri and also offer laundry service

    • Hair dryer: is available in the bathroom

    • Power adapter: we have universal plugs at Akiri