DISCOVER OUR ISLAND
Dhiffushi was one of the first non-resort islands in the Maldives to commence offering holiday accommodation and was the leader from which all other islands followed. It's two main areas of commerce are fishing & of course, tourism. Affordable luxury, sprinkled with a wide variety of activities such as jet ski's, snorkelling with turtles, kite surfing and much much more. Proving visitors don't need to pay out for an expensive all inclusive resort to experience an amazing holiday in the Maldives.
Legally, if you're 18 and not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol. However since the Maldives is an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population and the sale of alcohol on the island itself is forbidden.
Dhiffushi is the most eastern inhabited island of the Maldives & witnesses the sunrise first in the country. There are about six sandbanks at very close proximity to Dhiffushi along with one of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Maldives.
The island is 36.99 km (23 mi; 20 nmi) north-east of the country's capital, Malé. Dhiffushi is 0.95 km (0.59 mi) in length and just 0.2 km (0.12 mi) wide, with a total land area of 22.3 ha (55 acres). In fact you can stroll around the entire coastline of the island in less than 30 minutes, it's that cosy!! The island's house reef is more than 10 km (6.2 mi) long housing colourful corals, breath taking varieties of fishes and other marine flora and fauna. Add to this its white sandy shoreline with it's crystal clear blue waters and as someone who often dreads the toe dip to test the warmth of the ocean, I can tell you without hesitation it's like stepping into a nice warm bath.
Because the Maldives has the lowest elevation of any country in the world, the temperature is constantly hot and often humid. The presence of this landmass causes differential heating of land and water.
The shift from the driest to wettest season occurs during April and May. During this period, the sporadic rain showers reach the island in the beginning of June and can last until the end of August. However, the weather patterns of Dhiffushi do not always conform to the rain patterns of South Asia. The annual rainfall averages 254 centimetres (100 in) in the north and 381 centimetres (150 in) in the south.
Basically if and when it rains, it's normally short and sharp and you wouldn't have known it even happened within an hour! This is what makes Dhiffushi such an amazing all year round tropical destination.
BEACHES
Currently there are no swimming pools of any kind on the island. There will be one in a new hotel presently under construction.
There are three main public beaches located on the corners of the island as well as some private beach areas provided by some of the properties.
Remember this is a Muslim nation, so men & women must always wear a minimum of shorts and a T-Shirt when walking around the island & entering premises. Bikinis can only be worn in public when you are on the beaches (Harbour Beach not after 16:00), in the water or on the accommodation premises in their designated areas.
You can always be assured of a nice space to enjoy & experience the sparkling white sand & warm crystal clear waters of Dhiffushi at all times of the day or night. Most of the proprietors do have their own reserved loungers and parasols dotted throughout the island beaches at no additional cost plus complimentary beach towels.
Take a look at our short video to get a glimpse of our island & its beautiful shoreline.
SEALIFE
Dhiffushi and the surrounding islands have a range of different habitats including deep sea, shallow coast, and reef ecosystems, fringing mangroves, wetlands and dry land. There are 187 species of coral forming the coral reefs. This area of the Indian Ocean, alone, houses 1100 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtle, 21 species of whale and dolphin, 400 species of mollusc, and 83 species of echinoderms. The area is also populated by a number of crustacean species: 120 copepod, 15 amphipod, as well as more than 145 crab and 48 shrimp species.
Among the many marine families represented are Pufferfish, Fusiliers, Jack fish, Lionfish, Oriental Sweetlips, reef sharks, Groupers, Eels, Snappers, Banner fish, Batfish, Humphead Wrasse, Spotted Eagle Rays, Scorpionfish, Lobsters, Nudibranches, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Squirrelfish, Soldierfish, Glassfish, Surgeonfish, Unicornfish, Triggerfish, Napoleon wrasses, and Barracudas.
Take a look at our short video to get a glimpse of our sealife
WILDLIFE
Reptiles and amphibians
Since the islands are very small, land-based reptiles are rare. There is a species of gecko, as well as one species of agamid lizard, the wolf snake Lycodon aulicus and a small harmless blind snake & turtles.
Birds
The oceanic location of this Indian Ocean archipelago means that its avifauna is mainly restricted to pelagic birds. Most of the species are characteristic of Eurasian migratory birds, only a few being typically associated with the Indian sub-continent. Some of them are seasonal, like the frigatebirds. There are also birds that dwell in marshes and island bush, like the grey heron and the moorhen. White terns are found occasionally on the southern islands due to their rich habitats.
Mammals
There are very few land mammals in the Maldives. Only the flying fox and a species of shrew could be said to be endemic. In the ocean surrounding the islands there are several species of whales and dolphins. Occasionally stray seals from Subantarctic waters have been recorded to reach the islands.
Take a look at our short video to get a glimpse of our wildlife.