A hidden gem in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives, Dharavandhoo is a charming local island that boasts natural beauty and proximity to the UNESCO Hanifaru Bay Biosphere Reserve. It offers a perfect combination of traditional Maldivian lifestyle and exceptional opportunities for divers and nature lovers.
A small island with a warm, welcoming community and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. It is less touristy than many resort islands, giving travellers the opportunity to experience authentic island life. The island is clean, well maintained and surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and snow-white beaches. Local guest houses offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices
Meet our Maldives Ambassador Andrea at Dharavandhoo Divers and enjoy a wonderful time with unforgettable dives.
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Small but beautiful. Quality over quantity is the motto of Andrea and his team. You are in good hands with Andrea, whether on diving trips or in a course, he has years of experience. The team is also well trained in every respect and knows what to do to make guests happy. Diving in small groups is simply more fun and the trips are tailored to the wishes and experience of the guests. Everyone gets their money's worth here. The diving center has the latest rental equipment from Cressi, GoPro cameras for rent and photo and video reports are also offered.
The diving center offers all courses from beginners to professional divers, learn to dive in a small group in the perfect environment.
Dharavandhoo is a small island with a warm, welcoming community and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It is less touristy than many resort islands, giving travelers the opportunity to experience authentic island life. The island is clean, well maintained and surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and snow-white beaches. Local guesthouses offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices
- Dharavandhoo is a paradise for divers. It is located near the famous Hanifaru Bay, a world-famous spot for manta rays and whale sharks. Between May and November, hundreds of manta rays often gather here to feed on plankton - a breathtaking spectacle! Whale sharks can also be seen in these waters. The nearby dive sites offer vibrant coral reefs and a rich underwater world UNESCO Biosphere Reserve:
- Hanifaru Bay is a protected part of the biosphere reserve and offers a unique ecosystem. Snorkeling tours to this bay are strictly regulated to preserve nature, which makes the experience even more special.
- Several boat trips are offered daily to the many exceptional dive sites.
We are able to offer you a range of accommodation from guest houses to 4**** hotels. Just tell us what you want, and we will put together an offer for you, with or without flights and transfers, breakfast, half or full board, everything is possible. With endless pool or spa, there is a lot on offer. There is also a special offer for your honeymoon. Dharavandhoo offers many amenities compared to large resorts and at half the price.
In our offer you will stay at the Kiha Beach Hotel 4****, this is how you can spend your holiday, because you will not miss anything
Example
1 week for 2 people, 4**** hotel in a double room with sea view, whirlpool, balcony and breakfast, + diving package including rental equipment, 2x 10 dives,
including flight transfer Domestic flight Male - Dharavandhoo - Male
from USD 3100.00 for 2 people (USD 1600 p/P)
The price does not include:
Flight to Male (can be booked through us, all departure airports worldwide) Maldives Tourist Tax, Green TAX, Hanifaru Manta watching, diving center, fuel surcharge, boat for special dives further away. All taxes must be paid on site on the island in USD.
1. Island culture and tradition
Dharavandhoo offers the opportunity to experience Maldivian culture, whether through traditional fishing, local cuisine or conversations with the friendly locals.
2. Beaches and relaxation:
The island's beaches are picturesque and perfect for sunbathing, swimming or just enjoying the peace and quiet.
- • Domestic airlines such as Manta Air and Villa Air operate regular flights between Male and Dharavandhoo.
- • The flight duration is approximately 20–25 minutes.
- • Once you arrive at Dharavandhoo airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.
- • The domestic flight currently costs USD 130 per adult per way and USD 70 per child per way.
- • Once you have booked a stay with us, we will help you book this flight. We have contracts with both airlines so our guests always have priority.
- • Here are the most common flight times we have daily:
- MLE / DRV DRV / MLE
- 11:30am 7:00am
- 2:30pm 3:00pm
- 6:00pm 7:30pm
- It is also possible to travel from Male to Dharavandhoo island by speedboat. However, we do not recommend this for the following reasons.
- • Speedboat operators may cancel trips without prior notice due to rough sea conditions.
- • Speedboat operators may cancel trips without prior notice due to technical problems with the boat.
The current cost of speedboat transfer is USD 80 per person per way.
Speedboats operate from the island to Male and from Male to the island only once a day. Daily except Fridays. The usual departure time from Male to our island is between 12pm and 1pm. The departure from our island to Male is approximately between 8am and 10am. These times are not fixed, as they may vary on different days depending on weather conditions and other factors.
- Air temperature: Warm year-round, with average temperatures between 27°C and 28.5°C.
- Water temperature: Stable temperatures between 28.5°C and 30.0°C, ideal for diving.
- Precipitation: Drier months from January to March; wetter period from May to October.
The Maldives
is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, consisting of approximately 1,200 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited. These islands are located southwest of Sri Lanka and India, forming one of the most famous and beautiful vacation destinations in the world. The Maldives is known for its breathtaking white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich underwater world that attracts divers and snorkelers from all over the globe.
Location and Geography:
The Maldives spans an area of about 90,000 square kilometers, with the majority of its landmass consisting of coral atolls. The capital, Malé, is located on one of the largest islands and is the political and economic center of the country. The islands are in a tropical climate zone, which means they enjoy warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.
Population and Religion:
The population of the Maldives is relatively small, with around 520,000 people. The majority of the population are ethnic Maldivians, and the official language is Dhivehi. The Maldives is an Islamic country, and Islam is the state religion. About 98% of the population are Sunni Muslims, which strongly shapes the cultural and religious identity of the nation.
Economic Situation:
The Maldivian economy is primarily based on tourism, fishing, and boat building. The tourism sector is crucial, accounting for a significant portion of the country's GDP and providing numerous jobs. Due to its pristine nature, luxury resorts, and world-renowned diving opportunities, the Maldives is a popular destination for luxury travelers. Fishing, particularly tuna fishing, also plays an important role in the nation's economy.
Position in the Indian Ocean:
The Maldives holds a strategically important position in the Indian Ocean, between the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia. This geographical location makes it a significant hub for maritime trade and shipping. The islands are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels, as many of the islands are only a few meters above sea level.
Importance of Diving Tourism:
Diving plays a central role in the Maldivian tourism industry. The country is globally renowned for its spectacular dive sites, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life such as mantas, sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish. The pristine nature and impressive biodiversity underwater make the Maldives one of the best diving destinations in the world. Many tourists come for this reason, and the Maldivian islands offer a range of dive centers and schools for both beginners and experienced divers.
Thus, the Maldives is not only a tourist paradise but also a country with a unique geographical location, a close connection to nature, and an important role in international diving tourism.