Shamar Guesthouse & Dive
A working dive base on a beachfront island, 111 km from Malé.
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A local-island guesthouse on Maamigili
Shamar Guesthouse sits on the beach in Maamigili, about 111 km from Velana International Airport by seaplane or domestic flight. It runs its own PADI dive center, so diving and snorkelling on the house reef are the main draws. The property is a guesthouse, not a resort. There are three room types, on-site dining, a kids' club, and free parking. Restaurants within walking distance include The Beak at 280 m and Maaniya at 590 m.
The honest verdict
A straightforward, beachfront guesthouse built around diving — comfortable and functional, with no resort-level luxury.
Best for
- Divers wanting a PADI center on-site
- Snorkellers with access to a house reef
- Families (kids' club available)
- Budget-conscious travellers to the southern atolls
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers expecting full resort amenities
- Those wanting overwater villas
- Visitors looking for an all-inclusive plan
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
PADI dive center on-site
The guesthouse runs its own PADI-certified dive center with direct access to a house reef. That means gear, instruction, and guided dives are organised in-house rather than through a third party.
House reef for snorkelling
Snorkellers can enter the house reef directly from the beach. No boat needed for a quick session, which suits guests who want water access without committing to a full dive programme.
Water sports beyond diving
On-site facilities include canoeing, fishing, and bicycle rental. Badminton equipment and darts are available for time on land. Walking tours can also be arranged through the property.
Beachfront setting, local restaurants nearby
The property sits on the beach with outdoor furniture and a terrace. Three independent restaurants are within 700 m, including The Beak at 280 m, giving guests dining options beyond the on-site restaurant.
Free airport shuttle included
A free airport shuttle is included with the stay. The transfer covers a 111 km journey from Malé by seaplane or domestic flight, so confirm the mode and timing with the property when booking.
Family-ready facilities
Family rooms are available, and the property has a kids' club. Air conditioning and private bathrooms are standard across all rooms, and a washing machine is accessible on-site.
Rooms & suites
King Room with Garden View
16 m² · sleeps 2 · Select your bed (if available) 1 king bed 2 twin beds
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Safety deposit box
Double or Twin Room
20 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Private bathroom
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View
16 m² · sleeps 2 · Select your bed (if available) 1 king bed 2 twin beds
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Attached bathroom
Inside Shamar Guesthouse & Dive
Amenities at Shamar Guesthouse & Dive
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Washing machine
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Terrace
- Garden
Getting there
Getting to Shamar Guesthouse & Dive on Maamigili in South Ari Atoll means covering about 111 km from Malé (MLE) by seaplane — a scenic flight of roughly 35 minutes. The property arranges the seaplane once your flights are confirmed. Seaplanes fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
The island of Maamigili is part of South Ari Atoll. South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
Things to do nearby
- Holiday Beyru attraction 1.37 km
- Maamigili Beyru attraction 2.45 km
Where to eat
- The Beak restaurant 0.28 km
- Maaniya restaurant 0.59 km
- Epazote restaurant 0.69 km
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Shamar holds a 4.7 Google rating across 63 reviews, and recent guests scored the location at 9.5 out of 10. No detailed review themes are available in the current data, but the ratings suggest consistent satisfaction, particularly with the property's position on the island.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Shamar Guesthouse from Malé airport?
The guesthouse is 111 km from Velana International Airport. The journey is by seaplane or domestic flight. A free airport shuttle is included with the stay — confirm the exact transfer arrangement directly with the property when booking.
Does the guesthouse have its own dive center?
Yes. Shamar runs an on-site PADI dive center. Diving is organised in-house, and the house reef is accessible directly from the beach, so you don't need to arrange a separate operator.
Can I snorkel from the beach?
Yes. The property has a house reef for snorkelling with direct beach access. No boat trip is required for basic reef snorkelling sessions.
What room types are available?
There are three room types: a Deluxe Double with balcony and sea view, a King Room with garden view, and a standard Double or Twin Room. All sleep two and include a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Is Shamar suitable for families with children?
Yes. The property has a kids' club and family rooms. It also has a beachfront setting and multiple activity options, including canoeing and fishing, which can suit families travelling with older children.
Is there a restaurant at the guesthouse?
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant. Three independent restaurants are also within 700 m of the property: The Beak at 280 m, Maaniya at 590 m, and Epazote at 690 m.
Is parking available?
Yes, free on-site parking is included. This is relevant mainly for guests arriving via Maamigili's local transport connections rather than direct airport transfer.
What water sports are available beyond diving?
The property has canoeing, fishing, and snorkelling on-site. Bicycle rental and walking tours can also be arranged. The on-site water sports facilities cover most active interests.
Is there WiFi at the guesthouse?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the property.
What is the Google rating for Shamar Guesthouse?
The property holds a 4.7 Google rating based on 63 reviews. Recent guests rated the location at 9.5 out of 10.
Are there non-smoking rooms?
Yes, non-smoking rooms are available.
How do I book a stay at Shamar Guesthouse?
The property can be booked through major accommodation platforms. Contact the guesthouse directly to confirm transfer arrangements, dive packages, and availability for your travel dates.
How much does scuba diving in Maldives cost?
Sampled nightly rates at Shamar Guesthouse & Dive start around $210, varying by season and room type. Live prices are confirmed at checkout.
How much is diving in Aqaba?
Sampled nightly rates at Shamar Guesthouse & Dive start around $210, varying by season and room type. Live prices are confirmed at checkout.