Important Clarification Regarding Recent Incident
Dear all,
We would like to take a moment to address a matter that has recently garnered attention in the media regarding an incident involving the Shadow Palm (Maafushi) speedboat last Wednesday!
It has come to our attention that the circumstances surrounding this incident were misrepresented in various media outlets, leading to a one-sided narrative.
Firstly, we would like to emphasize that there is no fee for visiting Dhigurah through the designated entry and exit point at Dhigurah Harbor. We appreciate all visitors to our island and strive to maintain a welcoming environment for everyone.
However, it has become increasingly important to address the impact that some speedboats have on our beach area. Certain operators have been known to leave behind traces, damage our amenities and disrupt the natural vegetation. To protect our pristine environment and ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests, a prior permit is required for any speedboat operator wishing to access our beach.
We have experienced ongoing challenges with some of the excursion operators from maafushi, particularly concerning their approach and behavior in the Dhigurah beach area.
The speed and manner in which these speedboats including Shadow Palm vessels approach the swimming areas used by our guests have raised safety concerns. Additionally, there have been numerous complaints from our in-house guests about the operator's use of loudspeakers on the beach, which has disrupted the tranquility that we aim to provide, and instances where our guests have been threatened to leave the area.
This pattern of behavior is not reflective of the ethos of Dhigurah, which is known for its peacefulness and hospitality. Our community takes pride in welcoming guests and creating a respectful environment for all who visit. Despite our numerous discussions—both in-person and via phone—with these operators including Shadow Palm in an effort to resolve these issues, we continue to face persistent challenges. One significant concern is that when these operators move their speedboats away from the beach without a designated representative present, we have no means of communication to address any issues that may arise. This lack of coordination forces us to approach their guests directly, which is not an ideal situation for anyone involved.
We understand that guests visiting our island deserve a safe and enjoyable experience, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the environment remains conducive to both visitor enjoyment and local tranquility. It is important for all operators to adhere to our guidelines and maintain open lines of communication to address any potential concerns.
It is worth noting that some excursion operators from Maafushi, such as Icom Travels and Triton, have maintained a respectful relationship with our community and have not exhibited similar conduct.
We kindly urge all visitors to Dhigurah to respect our island and its residents. Remember that your support contributes to our efforts in keeping our 5km long beach clean and providing amenities for both guests and locals.
The guesthouses on our island and many Liveaboards have continuously supported and contributed to uphold these standards, and your cooperation is invaluable.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we can ensure that Dhigurah remains a serene and welcoming destination.
Warm regards,
Dhigurah Council