Our Far North itineraries offer an experience like no other. This unique adventure takes you to remote tropical spots where you can witness the extraordinary gatherings of manta rays in Hanifaru Bay.

For the first time, our northern season features a distinct route in this remote region: the Classic North, offering a different way to experience the Maldives’ wildest frontier.

In 2026, Scubaspa returns to the farthest reaches of the Maldives with six weeks of carefully timed cruises designed for divers who crave something beyond the ordinary. These 2 special itineraries include iconic sites like Hanifaru Bay, renowned for its manta ray gatherings, but also venture into rarely visited atolls.

Untouched by mass tourism, rich in marine life, and bursting with biodiversity, this route is crafted for those who love the Maldives and want to explore its outer edges.

The northern atolls present a striking variety of underwater seascapes, from towering pinnacles to hidden canyons, overhangs, and channels. Each site is adorned with vibrant coral formations and alive with marine life.

Above the surface, calm waters give way to scattered sandbanks and secluded islands, perfect spots to relax in vast, shallow lagoons that are likely to be ours alone.

Sample Itinerary 

Day 1: Dharavandhoo | Embarkation & Check Dive
Arrive in Dharavandhoo via domestic flight and transfer to the vessel. After welcome drinks, safety and dive briefings, and equipment setup, enjoy an easy check dive on a nearby reef. Cruise north overnight toward Raa Atoll.

Day 2 – 7:

• Raa Atoll | Coral Reefs & Macro Life
  Dive the vibrant reefs of Raa Atoll, home to colorful soft corals, reef fish, and occasional manta ray sightings. Ideal conditions for both wide-angle photography and critter hunting
  
  
• Raa Atoll to Lhaviyani Atoll | Channel Dives
  Morning dives in Raa Atoll before cruising to Lhaviyani Atoll. Experience thrilling channel dives, with currents attracting grey reef sharks, blacktip and silvertip sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and schools of barracuda.
  
  
• Lhaviyani Atoll | Big Fish Encounters
  Continue exploring Lhaviyani’s channels and outer reefs. This atoll offers action-packed diving, strong currents, excellent visibility, and frequent pelagic encounters.
  
  
• Lhaviyani Atoll | Big Fish Encounters
  Continue exploring Lhaviyani’s channels and outer reefs. This atoll offers action-packed diving, strong currents, excellent visibility, and frequent pelagic encounters.
  
  
• Noonu Atoll to Baa Atoll | Reef Diving & Snorkeling
  Morning dives in Noonu Atoll before cruising to Baa Atoll. Enjoy vibrant reef dives and guided snorkeling at coral-rich sites, with plenty of marine life to discover.
  
  
• Baa Atoll | Hanifaru Bay & Marine Highlights
  Explore Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for guided snorkeling with manta rays (timed to seasonal activity). Additional dives showcase rich reefs teeming with fish and macro critters.

Day 8: Baa Atoll to Dharavandhoo | Disembarkation
Complete your final morning dive in Baa Atoll before returning to Dharavandhoo for disembarkation. Domestic transfers back to Malé conclude your northern Maldives adventure.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. The exact route and sites visited are subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics, and are at the Captain’s discretion.

• 1x Hanifaru Bay permit included per guest.
• Snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay replaces one scheduled dive.
• Additional entries are possible at an extra cost.
• Domestic flights required.
• Itineraries are weather and wildlife-dependent.