Route Description - Far North
Far North itinerary offers 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.
Nestled within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay promotes sustainable tourism and serves as a haven for manta rays and whale sharks. It’s an essential destination for anyone passionate about these graceful gentle giants.
The Northern atolls also present a variety of underwater landscapes, from pinnacles to mysterious canyons, overhangs and swim-throughs, adorned with vibrant corals and teeming with fish life.
The calm waters around these atolls are scattered with sandbanks and secluded islands, perfect for relaxing in vast, shallow lagoons that are likely to be exclusively ours.
Over four weeks, the vessel anchors near Hanifaru Bay for two days each week. The crew stays coordinated with area rangers, using drones to monitor manta movements. When conditions are favorable, guided snorkeling sessions are conducted in the bay with the mantas. If you're keen, For interested guests, additional trips may be arranged via dinghy (additional entry fees apply).
Far North Cruises are focused on maximizing guests encounters with manta rays, which may require adjustments to the itinerary.
Week 1: 16 AUG - 23 AUG 2025
Male - Baa - Raa - Noonu - Lhaviyani - Baa
A domestic flight from Dharavandhoo to Male is required
Early departure on the first day and an 8-hour navigation from Male to Baa atoll
Latest check-in at 1pm
Week 2: 23 AUG - 30 AUG 2025
Baa - Raa - Noonu - Lhaviyani - Baa
A domestic flight from Male to Dharavandhoo and back to Male is required
Week 3: 30 AUG - 06 SEP 2025
Baa - Raa - Noonu - Lhaviyani - Baa
A domestic flight from Male to Dharavandhoo and back to Male is required
Week 4: 06 SEP - 13 SEP 2025
Baa - Raa - Noonu - Lhaviyani - Male
A domestic flight from Male to Dharavandhoo is required
An 8-hour navigation from Baa Atoll to Male on the last day
This itinerary represents a typical week's cruise. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal variations, weather conditions, and other circumstances.
Saturday
12:30 Meeting at the airport and first transfer to the main vessel
15:00 Second transfer to the main vessel
17:00 Third transfer to the main vessel
18:00 Crew introduction and safety meeting with the Cruise Director
19:00 Welcome dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
20:00 Spa opens for information and reservations
Sunday
06:00 Yoga class
06:30 Morning orientation dive
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:30 Second dive
12:15 Snorkeling session
13:00 Lunch buffet
15:30 Third dive
15:30 Snorkelling, water sports and beach visit
18:00 Sunset Beach Bar on a sandbank
19:30 'Sunday Roast' dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
Monday
06:00 Yoga class
06:30 Morning dive
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:00 Snorkelling, water sports and beach visit on a secluded island
10:30 Second dive
13:00 Lunch buffet
14:30 Third dive
19:30 Mexican dinner
Tuesday
06:00 Yoga class
06:30 Morning dive
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:30 Second dive
13:00 Lunch buffet
14:00 Beach time and water sports on a sandbank
14:30 Third dive
18:00 Beach sunset salutation yoga at picnic island
19:00 Moonlit BBQ on the beach
Wednesday
06:00 Yoga classes
06:30 Morning dive
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
09:15 First whale shark search trip, snorkelling and diving
13:00 Lunch buffet
14:30 Second whale shark search trip, snorkelling and diving
19:00 Greek dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
20:30 Starry sky movie night at spa deck
Thursday
06:00 Yoga class
06:30 Morning dive
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:30 Second dive
12:30 Lunch buffet
14:00 Snorkelling, water sports and visit a sandbank
18:00 Night dive and night snorkeling
19:30 Italian Fiesta dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
Friday
06:00 Yoga class
06:30 Morning dive
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:30 Last dive of the week
11:00 Snorkelling during beach time
13:00 Lunch buffet
14:00 Local island visit
Saturday
06:00-08:00 Check-out and bills with the Cruise Manager
06:30 Breakfast
07:00 First transfer to the airport
08:45 Last transfer to the airport