Family Adventure in Dhigurah: Exploring Maldivian Beauty

Beneath the Surface: A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of embracing the underwater wonders of Dhigurah. The Maldives have always been close to my heart, and being able to share this part of my heritage with Aishath and Ibrahim is something I will always cherish. I remember when I was Ibrahim's age, my grandfather took me out on his boat for the first time, and I saw a manta ray gliding beneath the waves. It was magical! I wanted Ibrahim to have a similar experience, and today, I think he did.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Souther Restaurant. The traditional Maldivian dishes gave us the energy we needed for our aquatic adventures. Fuelled up, we headed out to Vakarufahli Thila, a renowned snorkeling site.


Explore Vakarufahli Thila, a stunning diving site in Dhigurah, Maldives, where vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life await your discovery.
As we descended into the crystal-clear waters, Ibrahim's eyes widened with amazement. Schools of vibrant fish darted around us, the coral formations were breathtaking, and the sunlight filtering through the water created an ethereal glow. Aishath was equally captivated, and I felt a sense of pride watching my family experience the beauty of my homeland.

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy.

After a couple of hours of snorkeling, we decided to have lunch at The BEET GREENS. The fresh, locally-sourced ingredients were a treat, and Ibrahim particularly enjoyed the seafood options. With our bellies full, we were ready for the next part of our adventure: AA Thila, a popular diving site.


Experience the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs at AA Thila, a captivating underwater paradise in Dhigurah, Maldives.
While Aishath and Ibrahim relaxed on the beach, I geared up for a solo dive. AA Thila, also known as Kashi Thila, is a narrow reef with overhangs and crevices that create an interesting underwater landscape. As I descended, I was immediately greeted by an array of marine life. Scorpion fish, porcelain crabs hiding in anemones, and baby white tip reef sharks were just a few of the creatures I encountered. The current was mild, making for a relaxing and enjoyable dive. I even spotted a couple of turtles gliding gracefully through the water.

Emerging from the depths, I felt a sense of rejuvenation. The ocean has a way of washing away all worries and leaving you feeling refreshed and connected to nature. I shared my experience with Aishath and Ibrahim, describing the wonders I had witnessed beneath the surface.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by Uzmaai, a local shop, to pick up a few souvenirs.
Discover unique Maldivian crafts and souvenirs at Uzmaai, Dhigurah's vibrant shopping mall, where local culture comes alive.
Ibrahim was particularly excited about a small wooden carving of a whale shark, a reminder of the incredible marine life we had encountered today.

For dinner, we decided to try Azzuri Mare Italian and Seafood restaurant.
Experience exquisite Italian and seafood cuisine at Azzuri Mare in Machchafushi – where every meal is a feast for your senses amidst stunning views.
The combination of Italian cuisine and fresh seafood was a delightful experience. Aishath and I enjoyed a romantic dinner while Ibrahim amused himself with a puzzle book.

As I reflect on the day, I am filled with gratitude. Being able to share the beauty of the Maldives with my family is a dream come true. Ibrahim is developing such an appreciation for the ocean and the importance of marine conservation, something that is very important to me. I hope he will carry this with him throughout his life.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Huddu Thila and Jady Reef, two more of Dhigurah's underwater gems. I'm also looking forward to unwinding at the Kuda Rah Glow Bar in the evening. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

It’s days like these that make me appreciate the simple life I once knew in Naifaru. Toronto is great, but nothing beats the tranquility and natural beauty of the Maldives.

As I sit here writing, I can hear the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. The air is filled with the scent of salt and the distant sound of music. It's a perfect ending to a perfect day.

I am also thrilled that the sunscreen I packed is still holding up, but I definitely regret forgetting the beach towels. It’s always something, isn’t it?

I’m so glad that I can share these experiences with you all. It makes me feel more connected to my Maldivian roots, even when I’m thousands of miles away in Toronto. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

Before I turn in for the night, I wanted to share a funny little anecdote from our day. While we were at The BEET GREENS, Ibrahim decided he wanted to try everything on the menu. Of course, that wasn't possible, but he did manage to sample quite a few dishes! Aishath and I had to gently remind him that we had more meals to look forward to during our trip. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so special. You never know what kind of surprises are in store!

And speaking of surprises, I am so excited to see what tomorrow brings. I have heard amazing things about Huddu Thila and Jady Reef, and I can't wait to explore them with Aishath and Ibrahim. I am also looking forward to relaxing at the Kuda Rah Glow Bar in the evening. It sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.

I am also very grateful for Aishath's support and companionship on this trip. She has been such a trooper, always willing to try new things and embrace the local culture. I know it's not always easy traveling with a 10-year-old, but she handles it with grace and patience. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

Ibrahim has also been a joy to travel with. He is so curious and eager to learn about everything. He asks so many questions, which keeps us on our toes. But it's also rewarding to see the world through his eyes. He reminds me of myself when I was his age, always exploring and discovering new things.

As I close this entry, I am overwhelmed with a sense of peace and contentment. This trip to Dhigurah has been everything I hoped for and more. It has allowed me to reconnect with my roots, share my heritage with my family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to see what the rest of our journey holds.

I’m also starting to think about how I can incorporate some of the sustainable practices I’ve observed here in Dhigurah into my own life back in Toronto. It’s inspiring to see how the community here is working to protect their natural resources, and I want to do my part to contribute to a more sustainable future.

One thing that really struck me today was the sense of community here in Dhigurah. Everyone seems to know each other, and there’s a real feeling of warmth and connection. It reminds me of the close-knit community I grew up in back in Naifaru. It’s something I miss in Toronto, where life can feel a bit more anonymous. I think I’ll make an effort to get more involved in my local community when I get back home.

Well, it’s time to say goodnight for now. Thank you again for following along on our adventure. I hope you’re enjoying the journey as much as we are. Until tomorrow, take care and keep exploring!