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:

• Baa Atoll | Hanifaru Bay & Reefs
  Today is dedicated to the highlights of Baa Atoll, including guided snorkeling sessions at Hanifaru Bay, timed to maximize manta ray encounters during the southwest monsoon. Additional reef dives showcase healthy coral gardens, schooling fish, and occasional pelagic visitors within this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  
  
• Baa Atoll to Raa Atoll | Coral & Macro Life
  Continue exploring Baa Atoll in the morning before cruising onward to Raa Atoll. Enjoy relaxed dives featuring vibrant soft corals, macro life, and the possibility of manta rays. A perfect day for wide-angle photography and slow, detailed exploration.
  
  
• Raa Atoll | Easy Reefs & Mantas
  Dive multiple sites within Raa Atoll, known for its calm conditions and rich biodiversity. Expect colorful reefs, schooling fish, and occasional manta visits, all within short cruising distances—an ideal balance of comfort and variety.
  
  
• Lhaviyani Atoll | Channel Action
  Arrive in Lhaviyani Atoll, where conditions become more dynamic. Experience thrilling channel dives with strong currents, attracting grey reef sharks, silvertips, blacktips, eagle rays, turtles, and large schools of barracuda. This atoll delivers some of the most exciting diving of the trip.
  
  
• Lhaviyani Atoll | Pelagic Encounters
  Continue exploring Lhaviyani’s channels and reef edges. With good visibility and current-driven action during the western monsoon season, this is prime territory for shark encounters and big-fish action.
  
  
• Noonu Atoll | Untouched Reefs
  Head into the quieter Noonu Atoll, offering a contrast to the adrenaline-filled channels. Dive less-visited sites with pinnacles and overhangs, home to reefs, sharks, schooling fish, and thriving coral formations in a more pristine environment.

Day 8: Malé | Disembarkation
Arrive in Malé early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast, marking the end of your Classic North 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.