Dhiffushi (Kaafu Atoll)
Dhiffushi
ދިއްފުށި | |
|---|---|
inhabited local island | |
 Kaafu Atoll | |
  Dhiffushi Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 4°26′28″N 73°42′40″E / 4.44111°N 73.71111°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Kaafu Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 36.99 km (22.98 mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 0.950 km (0.590 mi) |
| • Width | 0.200 km (0.124 mi) |
| Population (2022)[1] | |
• Total | 1,270 |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00 (MST) |
Dhiffushi (Dhivehi: ދިއްފުށި) is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll (North Malé Atoll) in the Republic of Maldives. Located approximately 37 kilometers northeast of Malé, the capital city,[2] it is the easternmost inhabited island in the Maldives and witnesses the country’s first sunrise.[3]
Geography
Dhiffushi measures approximately 0.95 kilometers in length and 0.20 kilometers in width, covering a total land area of around 22.3 hectares.[4]
The island is surrounded by coral reefs and features a natural lagoon rich in marine life, allowing for direct snorkeling access from the shore.[5]
Beaches
Dhiffushi has designated tourist beaches, including North Beach, South Beach, and East Beach.[6]
North Beach is known for stingray spotting. South Beach features sunbeds, swings, and a beach bar, while East Beach is a favorite for sunrise viewing.[7]
Demographics
As of the 2022 census, Dhiffushi has a population of approximately 1,270 residents (including foreigners).[1]
Tourism has grown since 2009 after the Maldivian government allowed guesthouses on local islands.[8][9]
Governance
Dhiffushi is governed by an elected Island Council as per the 2010 Decentralization Act.[10]
Infrastructure
Facilities include a health center, school, mosques, harbor, ATM, gas station, and a football turf. The guesthouse sector is locally operated.[11]
Marine Life
Dhiffushi’s waters feature coral reefs home to stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles. Snorkeling and night snorkeling are popular activities.[12]
Tourism and Activities
Visitors enjoy diving, snorkeling, dolphin cruises, and excursions to nearby sandbanks.[13]
Transportation
Dhiffushi is reachable by public ferry (2–3 hours) or shared speedboat (40–45 minutes, approx. USD 35).[14]
Culture
Dhiffushi offers an authentic local experience in contrast to resort islands. Tourism supports the local economy through community-led initiatives.[15]
Notable people
- Ahmed Rizuvan, football player[16]
Gallery
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Drone shot of Dhiffushi island -
Dhiffushi Beach -
Parrot in Dhiffushi
References
- ^ a b "2022 Population and Housing Census". National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island". Visit Maldives. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island – A Tranquil Local Paradise". Follow Me To Maldives. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island – Local Guide". Maldives Tour Guide. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island – A Tranquil Local Paradise". Follow Me To Maldives. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives". Holidify. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island – A Tranquil Local Paradise". Follow Me To Maldives. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "A Guide to Dhiffushi Local Island". Finding Alexx. 2024-06-13. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island Guide". Petnah Africa Tours. 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "President Urges Councils to Lead Island Development". Presidency.gov.mv. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island". Maldives Tour Guide. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Visit Dhiffushi Island: Local Island Maldives". Beach Bum Adventure. 2024-12-07. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Dhiffushi Island". Maldives Tour Guide. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "A Guide to Dhiffushi Local Island". Finding Alexx. 2024-06-13. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Visit Dhiffushi Island: Local Island Maldives". Beach Bum Adventure. 2024-12-07. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Ahmed Rizuvan". Metafootball. Archived from the original on 2016-09-16.