Whaleshark Beach
Barefoot beachfront luxury in Dhigurah
A private island in Dhigurah
Set on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll, Whaleshark Beach is a four-star hotel. It offers a house reef for snorkelling and diving, a spa and on-site dining. Room types include the Deluxe Double Room and the Deluxe Twin Room. Guests rate it 4.8/5 across 108 reviews, praising the service and property. It's about 99 km from Velana International Airport (MLE), reached by seaplane or domestic flight.
The honest verdict
Expect a four-star hotel, guest scores around 3.8/5, seaplane or domestic flight.
Best for
- Spa & wellness breaks
- Divers & snorkelers
- Families with children
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.
Where you'll stay
Choose from 5 room types — including the Deluxe Double Room, Deluxe Twin Room, Deluxe Double Room with Side Sea View. Rates start from $72 a night.
A house reef at your doorstep
Step off the beach into the lagoon to snorkel the house reef, or join the property's guided diving and water-sports.
Around the island
Whaleshark Beach sits in Dhigurah, rated 4.8/5 by guests.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room
19 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Soundproofing
Deluxe Twin Room
19 m² · sleeps 2 · 2 single beds
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Soundproofing
Deluxe Double Room with Side Sea View
19 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Soundproofing
Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
19 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Soundproofing
Deluxe Suite with Sea View
56 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed / 2 sofa beds
- Private suite
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Experiences on & off the island
Inside the resort
Amenities at the resort
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- BBQ facilities
- Garden
Kitchen
- Cleaning products
- Electric kettle
Getting there
Getting to Whaleshark Beach on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll means covering about 99 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
On the map
South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
Guests rate Whaleshark Beach 3.8/5 across 108 reviews. The most praised aspect is service (44 positive mentions), alongside property and cleanliness. A few reviewers note room for improvement around room.
- Things to do4.7
- Restaurants3.4
- Public transit0
- Airport access4.7
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Whaleshark Beach from Malé airport?
Getting to Whaleshark Beach on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll means covering about 99 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
How far is Whaleshark Beach from Velana International Airport?
Whaleshark Beach is approximately 99 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
Is Whaleshark Beach suitable for families?
Yes — Whaleshark Beach offers a kids' club and family-friendly facilities, with calm lagoon swimming suited to children.
Does Whaleshark Beach have a spa?
Yes, Whaleshark Beach has a spa offering treatments and wellness facilities.
Can you snorkel or dive at Whaleshark Beach?
Yes — Whaleshark Beach has a house reef for snorkelling, with guided diving and water-sports available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Whaleshark Beach?
At Whaleshark Beach, check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
What amenities does Whaleshark Beach offer?
Whaleshark Beach offers Free Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Free Breakfast, Beach access, Full service laundry, Kid-friendly, Parking, Extra charge Airport shuttle, Local shuttle, Accessible elevator, and Air conditioning.
What room types are available at Whaleshark Beach?
Room options include Deluxe Double Room, Deluxe Twin Room, Deluxe Double Room with Side Sea View, Deluxe Double Room with Sea View, Deluxe Suite with Sea View.
How much does it cost to stay at Whaleshark Beach?
Nightly rates start from around $72, varying by date and room type.
How much does the transfer to Whaleshark Beach cost?
Airport transfers in the Maldives are arranged by the property and charged separately from the room rate. Seaplane and domestic-flight transfers are priced per person and cost more than a speedboat, and fares are usually quoted per person, round-trip. Confirm the exact transfer fee with the property when you book.
Is there a minimum stay at Whaleshark Beach?
Many Maldives properties apply a minimum-stay requirement — commonly 2–3 nights, and longer (5–7+ nights) over the December–January peak and New Year. Check the rate conditions for your dates, as minimums vary by room type and season.
When is the best time to visit Whaleshark Beach?
South Ari Atoll is a year-round destination. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings the most sunshine and calm seas, while the quieter wet season (May to October) offers lower rates and excellent diving visibility.
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