North & South Ari Local Islands: Whale Sharks & Manta Rays
Stay in Dhigurah to search for whale sharks and manta rays, then transfer to Rasdhoo and Ukulhas to explore sandbanks and world-class dive sites.
This itinerary is designed for repeat visitors and divers who want an in-depth marine life experience. Spend four consecutive nights in South Ari to maximize your chances of spotting marine giants, followed by a more relaxed stay split between Rasdhoo and Ukulhas in North Ari. There is no direct public ferry between the south and north, so transferring via Malé by speedboat will take most of a day. While whale sharks can be spotted year-round, sightings are never guaranteed. Choosing local islands significantly reduces resort expenses, though it comes at the cost of more transfers.
Sea conditions and visibility are best from December to April, which is also the prime season for hammerhead sharks in Rasdhoo.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Hulhumalé for a Layover
Take a taxi from Velana Airport to Hulhumalé (about 10 minutes) and stay one night to rest before catching the speedboat the next day.
Stay: Hulhumalé
Day 2 · Speedboat to Dhigurah
Take a shared speedboat to Dhigurah (about 2.5 hours); alternatively, fly to Maamigili and transfer by a short boat ride.
Speedboat schedules are limited; have your guesthouse book in advance and confirm Friday operations.
Stay: Dhigurah
Day 3 · South Ari Whale Shark Search
Head out early on a half-day boat trip to search for whale sharks along the outer reef. Return to Dhigurah in the afternoon to relax.
Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters from whale sharks. Do not touch them or use flash photography.
Stay: Dhigurah
Day 4 · Rangali Manta Ray Point
Ari Atoll（Rangali Madivaru (Manta Point)）
Join a local boat captain for a half-day trip to the Rangali area to look for manta rays, returning to the island in the afternoon.
Stay: Dhigurah
Day 5 · Backup Day for Whale Shark Excursion
Arrange another half-day boat trip to search for whale sharks or explore the Maamigili area; spend the rest of your time exploring the long sandspit.
Stay: Dhigurah
Day 6 · Transfer to North Ari via Malé
Malé & Kaafu Atoll → Ari Atoll
Take the morning speedboat back to Malé (about 2.5 hours), then transfer to an afternoon speedboat to Rasdhoo (about 1.5 hours).
There is no direct public ferry connecting South and North Ari; both speedboat legs must be booked together.
Stay: Rasdhoo
Day 7 · Rasdhoo & Madivaru Sandbank
Take a short boat ride (a few minutes) to Madivaru Sandbank for snorkeling. Certified divers can head out early in the morning to look for hammerhead sharks.
The hammerhead dive site is an advanced dive requiring appropriate certification and experience.
Stay: Rasdhoo
Day 8 · Ferry to Ukulhas
Take Ferry 301 at 13:00 to Ukulhas (about 1 hour). Note that ferries do not run on Fridays, so you must use a speedboat instead.
Stay: Ukulhas
Day 9 · Ukulhas Beaches & Dive Sites
Certified divers can join a boat trip to dive Maaya Thila, while others can snorkel around the island or join a half-day sandbank excursion.
Stay: Ukulhas
Day 10 · Speedboat Return to Malé
Take a shared speedboat back to Malé or the airport (about 1.5 hours), then connect to your international flight home.
Ensure at least 18 hours between your last dive and your flight; do not schedule any dives on the final day.