MALDIVES DIVE EXPEDITION

Dhigurah - South Ari Atoll

South Ari Atoll, Maldives
December 23-27, 2026

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Dhigurah puts us right in the middle of one of the Maldives’ most exciting diving regions – South Ari Atoll, known for its thilas, outer reefs, channels and encounters with large marine life.

This 5-day BubbleTrail expedition combines guided fun diving, training options and classic Maldivian blue-water diving, with access to reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, schooling fish and the chance to encounter whale sharks throughout the year.

WHO CAN JOIN?
This expedition is open to both new and certified divers. You can join as a certified Fun Diver, complete your PADI Open Water certification, or progress with the PADI Advanced Open Water course while experiencing South Ari Atoll.

CHOOSE YOUR DIVE EXPERIENCE

CERTIFIED DIVERS

Fun Diver

8 GUIDED FUN DIVES

For certified divers ready to explore South Ari’s thilas, reefs and pelagic action.

COMPLETE BEGINNER

PADI Open Water Diver

GET CERTIFIED IN THE MALDIVES

For beginners ready to take their first breaths underwater and earn their PADI Open Water certification in Dhigurah.

OPEN WATER DIVERS

PADI Advanced Open Water

LEVEL UP IN SOUTH ARI

For Open Water divers ready to build confidence, develop new skills and take their diving further.

SOUTH ARI HIGHLIGHTS

Where the Big Blue Comes Alive

From whale sharks and coral-covered thilas to reef sharks, rays and tropical island life – this is South Ari Atoll.

Whale shark in South Ari Atoll
WHALE SHARK ZONE

Year-round opportunities to encounter the ocean’s largest fish.

Images 7
KUDARAH THILA

Schooling fish, coral-covered pinnacles and classic South Ari diving.

Pelagic diving in South Ari Atoll
PELAGIC BLUE

Reef sharks, eagle rays, trevally and open-water encounters.

Dhigurah Island Maldives
DHIGURAH ISLAND

A long tropical island, white-sand beaches and a relaxed local-island atmosphere.

5 DAYS IN DHIGURAH

1
DAY 1

Welcome to Dhigurah

Meet at the Malé speedboat jetty, transfer to Dhigurah, check in, set up your dive gear and settle into island life before the diving begins.

2
DAY 2

Find Our Rhythm

The first full day in the water. Certified divers head out for guided South Ari dives, while Open Water and Advanced Open Water divers begin their respective training sessions.

3
DAY 3

Into South Ari

Dive deeper into South Ari Atoll, including time in the whale shark zone, with outer reefs, blue-water diving and the possibility of encountering the region’s most iconic visitor.

4
DAY 4

Morning in Paradise

Enjoy the final dive day exploring more of South Ari’s reefs and signature sites. Course divers complete their remaining training, while certified divers make the most of their final dives in the atoll.

5
DAY 5

One Last Look at the Blue

A relaxed final morning in Dhigurah before checking out and taking the speedboat back to Malé for your onward journey home.

SURFACE INTERVAL

Island Life, Maldives Style

Between dives, slow things down in Dhigurah – a relaxed local island where beach walks, comfortable stays and easy evenings become part of the expedition.

ISLAND STAY

Comfort After the Dive

Settle into a comfortable 4-star stay with air-conditioned twin-sharing rooms, private bathrooms and balconies.

STEPS FROM THE BEACH

Two Minutes to the Sand

Stay just a short walk from Dhigurah North West Beach — perfect for slowing down between dive days.

BREAKFAST & DOWNTIME

Fuel. Dive. Recharge.

Breakfast on diving days, on-site dining, free Wi-Fi and relaxed spaces to unwind after a day underwater.

SMALL-GROUP ISLAND LIFE

More Than Just the Diving

Share the island, the surface intervals and the stories with your BubbleTrail crew.

YOUR DIVE HOST

Meet Your Host & Instructor

This Dhigurah expedition is personally hosted by Shyamli, with a focus on thoughtful pacing, strong fundamentals and making sure every diver gets the most out of South Ari — whether you’re learning, progressing or simply here to dive.

Shyamli Lakshmanan

Shyamli Lakshmanan

PADI Scuba Instructor & Your Dhigurah Trip Host

“South Ari is the kind of diving I love — beautiful thilas, reef life everywhere, and that feeling that something big could appear out of the blue at any moment. On this trip, I want you to enjoy all of that while diving comfortably, safely and with confidence.”

Looking Forward To
Whale Sharks · Mantas · Fish-Filled Thilas · Big Blue Encounters
Hosting & Diving With You Throughout The Expedition

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver to join? +
No. You can join as a certified Fun Diver, complete your PADI Open Water certification, or progress with the PADI Advanced Open Water course during the expedition.
I’m travelling solo. Can I join? +
Absolutely. Solo divers are welcome. BubbleTrail trips are designed around small groups, so you’ll be travelling, diving and spending your surface intervals with the group throughout the expedition.
How do I get to Dhigurah? +
The trip begins in Malé. We’ll meet at the designated speedboat jetty and travel together to Dhigurah. We’ll share the transfer details and timings with you before the expedition.
Will we definitely see whale sharks? +
South Ari Atoll is known for year-round whale shark encounters, and the itinerary includes diving in the whale shark zone. However, these are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
What is the accommodation like? +
The expedition includes four nights in a comfortable 4-star stay in Dhigurah on a twin-sharing basis. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and balconies, and the property is a short walk from Dhigurah North West Beach.
Do I need to bring my own dive equipment? +
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment. Rental gear can also be arranged if required. Let us know what you need when you enquire, and we’ll help you plan your dive setup for the trip.
What exactly is included in the trip? +
Your package will depend on whether you’re joining as a Fun Diver, Open Water student or Advanced Open Water diver. Accommodation, diving or course activities, tanks and weights, dive guide support, breakfast on diving days and the listed local transfers are included according to your chosen package. Talk to us and we’ll share the complete details before you book.

Ready to Dive South Ari With Us?

Whale sharks, fish-filled thilas, big blue encounters and island life in Dhigurah. Whether you're getting certified, going Advanced or simply coming for the diving, talk to us and we'll help you find the right way to join the expedition.