pelan-pelan
Contributor
Had an excellent break at Boutique Beach, Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll.
Visibility was a bit gloomy out in the blue but of course the plankton brought in the biggies. Very close encounters with mantas on two days. They were only inches away overhead at Manta Point. Three or four per group. They took a good look at us and seemed to find us acceptable in their realm. We also saw mobula rays, eagle rays and whale shark. Whale sharks were around on several days and one even came past when we were diving. Pictures are not specatacular because of the plankton gloom - but of course that is why they were there. Apart from that, all the boxes were ticked with 4 types of shark, shoal of barracuda, down to nudibranchs and flatworms. Difficult to know whether to look up or down. Also the coral and sponges were in very good condition - the site called Hollywood was a spectacular array of colour.
Then there was the massive pod of False Killer Whales, probably more than 300 individuals with splashes to be seen as far as the eye could see. Chasing alongside the boat and jumping everywhere. This spectacular encounter went on for ages.
Boutique Beach have a large stable boat with toilet. Ratio to dive guides is usually max 4 and often less. Some longer days with breakfast and lunch on the boat. The staff are highly trained, competent and vigilant to the marine environment and the needs of their guests. And they are very kind and cheerful too!
Boutique Beach guest house has very comfortable rooms, with all you could need ranging from yoga mats to a/c and ceiling fan to open shower with plants. We are picky and this was our third trip there. Love the eye to eye views of the fruit bats from the balcony. Dinner on the hotel roof. Hotel staff are excellent and although guests are only there for a week or so they eagerly learn your likes and dislikes. The food is delicious. Allergies - don't worry just tell them - the chefs and waiters are a "can do" team. The web-site is a true likeness. Boutique Beach The glorious beach is just a few yards away - about one minute's walk.
Dhigurah is a "real" island. The centre of the village is minutes stroll away along sandy roads and there are 2 schools, several supermarkets, a medical centre, a few cafes etc .
Getting there is straightforward. Fly into Male. Boutique Beach arrange for you to be met. The shortest route is fly to Maamagili and then speedboat to Dhigurah. The staff escort you and your luggage to check in, the same company operates the plane and the boat so don't worry about missed boat connection if there are any delays. Alternatively there is a speed boat all the way. If there is waiting time the staff will show you where to go for airconditioned food court and the best toilets.
We completed the Imuga online visa. It needs a picture of the data page of your passport and also a passport photo of you. Imuga needs to be completed again for exit. We took all the picture files etc on a USB stick to ensure we had everything to hand. Our Covid vaccination status was checked on departure from the UK.
Visibility was a bit gloomy out in the blue but of course the plankton brought in the biggies. Very close encounters with mantas on two days. They were only inches away overhead at Manta Point. Three or four per group. They took a good look at us and seemed to find us acceptable in their realm. We also saw mobula rays, eagle rays and whale shark. Whale sharks were around on several days and one even came past when we were diving. Pictures are not specatacular because of the plankton gloom - but of course that is why they were there. Apart from that, all the boxes were ticked with 4 types of shark, shoal of barracuda, down to nudibranchs and flatworms. Difficult to know whether to look up or down. Also the coral and sponges were in very good condition - the site called Hollywood was a spectacular array of colour.
Then there was the massive pod of False Killer Whales, probably more than 300 individuals with splashes to be seen as far as the eye could see. Chasing alongside the boat and jumping everywhere. This spectacular encounter went on for ages.
Boutique Beach have a large stable boat with toilet. Ratio to dive guides is usually max 4 and often less. Some longer days with breakfast and lunch on the boat. The staff are highly trained, competent and vigilant to the marine environment and the needs of their guests. And they are very kind and cheerful too!
Boutique Beach guest house has very comfortable rooms, with all you could need ranging from yoga mats to a/c and ceiling fan to open shower with plants. We are picky and this was our third trip there. Love the eye to eye views of the fruit bats from the balcony. Dinner on the hotel roof. Hotel staff are excellent and although guests are only there for a week or so they eagerly learn your likes and dislikes. The food is delicious. Allergies - don't worry just tell them - the chefs and waiters are a "can do" team. The web-site is a true likeness. Boutique Beach The glorious beach is just a few yards away - about one minute's walk.
Dhigurah is a "real" island. The centre of the village is minutes stroll away along sandy roads and there are 2 schools, several supermarkets, a medical centre, a few cafes etc .
Getting there is straightforward. Fly into Male. Boutique Beach arrange for you to be met. The shortest route is fly to Maamagili and then speedboat to Dhigurah. The staff escort you and your luggage to check in, the same company operates the plane and the boat so don't worry about missed boat connection if there are any delays. Alternatively there is a speed boat all the way. If there is waiting time the staff will show you where to go for airconditioned food court and the best toilets.
We completed the Imuga online visa. It needs a picture of the data page of your passport and also a passport photo of you. Imuga needs to be completed again for exit. We took all the picture files etc on a USB stick to ensure we had everything to hand. Our Covid vaccination status was checked on departure from the UK.
. But that is far more attractive that these artificial build watervillas....
