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Holiday information : TRP 49391
Luxury Maldives liveboard at affordable prices - our package includes 12%GST, 10% service charge and prepaid green tax
Dream boat for divers, snorkellers & spa lovers
Sumptuous & spacious cabins with exceptional cabin upgrade options
Fine dining with an international flair
You have 7 nights in a SeaStar cabin on a full board basis, with meals, snacks, tea, coffee and drinking water. 2GB free wifi per cabin. There is a beach BBQ and sunset cocktail event.
All trips are guided, 15-17 dives, park fees, 12lt tank and weights. Spa packages will have 8 spa treatments instead of diving services.
Included are the green tax $12 per night, 10% prepaid service charge and 16% GST (17% as of July 2025) on your liveaboard package
Airport transfers will be provided and run at fixed times between the boat and airport (visa versa). When required domestic flights are also included as part of your transfers
You can elect to add international flights to your boat package. If you prefer to make your own flight arrangements, you must notify us of your flight arrangements at least 4 weeks prior to travel so we can make local arrangements as required. It is your responsibility to ensure your flights are booked correctly to match your land arrangements. If you are continuing your holiday in the Maldives at a resort, hotel or another liveaboard, your on-going transfers need to be arranged by you from the airport.
Additional kit hire and any on board souvenirs
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
16% GST is applied to all local purchases in the Maldives (17% as of July 2025)
Liveaboard Details
Scubaspa takes Maldives liveaboards to a whole new level. She's a classy lady with undeniable wow factor. Total relaxation is guaranteed with first class comfort and service. Whether you are there for the diving, spa and yoga or just to get away f ...
Scubaspa takes Maldives liveaboards to a whole new level. She's a classy lady with undeniable wow factor. Total relaxation is guaranteed with first class comfort and service. Whether you are there for the diving, spa and yoga or just to get away from it all, this is an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime on board a genuinely luxurious vessel. Discover the divine world underwater or enjoy daily treatments in the sumptuous spa - this is your holiday to enjoy your way! There's no doubting that the Scubaspa experience will remain with you long after your journey home.
There are 2 identical boats to chose from - Scubaspa Ying and Scubaspa Yang. Each of the boats has the same layout - there are 4 elegantly appointed cabin grades to chose from, spread across 4 decks. The Sea Star cabins and Cowrie suite are on the lower deck, all with double beds, air conditioning, safe and en suite shower room. The Cowrie suite has an additional sofa bed and is the widest option on the lower deck. Move up to the main deck and you find the 3 Dolphin suites and 5 Manta suites. The views are simply stunning - lie in bed and soak in paradise from the panoramic windows. The Dolphin suites have a king size bed, while the Manta suites are the largest cabins with a "larger than king" double bed or twin bed options. The Dolphin & Manta suites have a mini bar with a small lounge (armchair and desk). Please be sure to make your cabin requests at the time of booking.
Fancy a single cabin? Talk to us about the 25% single supplement on all Best of the Maldives itineraries or 50% on Deep South itineraries.
Divers will love ScubaSpa. There are never more than 26 divers on the liveaboard at any one time so you get all the benefits of the vast mothership with small dive groups, split between the experienced dive guides. The dive dhoni is second to none, with practical side and rear entry points for ease in and out of the water. Tanks are well spaced, with plenty of room between divers. As you would expect, the boat crew are all highly professional - from your captain to his deck hands, from the cruise manager to your waiter, this elite team is here to help. Snorkelling equipment is available on board.
ScubaSpa is undeniably more than just a dive boat. Every area is light, spacious and beautifully styled. There is always a sunny or shaded area, where you can find peace, quiet and tranquility with the stunning backdrop of Maldivian islands floating past. The fly deck's terraced sunbathing design offers privacy. Jump in the jacuzzi or take time out to relax at the spa. This is 300 square m of pure pampering space, offering massage, aqua therapies, Ayurveda and beauty treatments. In the restaurant there is fine dining with an international flair. The main dining area is airy - the chef rightly prides himself on the outstanding cuisine and there's even a wine cellar on board. Delicious refreshments are in constant supply throughout the day from the two bars onboard. Regular excursions are arranged throughout the trip including a beach BBQ or open air presentation about Maldivian whalesharks.
We will confirm whether you will be reserved a space on board ScubaSpa Ying or ScubaSpa Yang at your time of booking. On rare occasions however, please be aware that the boat operators reserve the right to move you onto the sister ship for any reason, including logistical or technical issues.
Scubaspa contains all the detailed information you need, pictures, videos, reviews, and other practical information. Or call one of our diving holiday experts on +44(0)1483 411590.
Itinerary Details
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says - manta, whalesharks, sharks, turtles, channel dives, thilas... and so much more! Best of the Maldives remains one of our most popular Maldives itineraries for a reason.
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says on the tin - you dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives in a single week of sublime liveaboard diving across Male and Ari atolls. This is a dive holiday in the Maldives to remember that hits all the seasonal hot spots of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. Dive the many channels, drifts and pinnacles, encountering the manta, whalesharks and reef residents as you go. The exact order of things is left deliberately flexible to ensure that no matter what time of year your holiday to the Maldives is, the breathtaking world underwater is unveiled in all its perfection.
Scuba Travel's Best of the Maldives itinerary aims to mix up big fish manta and shark dives with scenic reefs dives, hunting out the smallest reef fish, morays and macro life that are so abundant. Due to seasonal nature of the marine life, the exact dive sites visited on a Best of the Maldives trip may vary, but are all chosen by each of our liveaboards so you see the Maldives marine life at it's most exciting. All will usually dive North Male, South Male, South Ari and North Ari dive sites, and may stop at one (or both) of Vaavuu and Rasdhoo atolls. Cleaning stations allow you to get up close and personal with massive Maldivian manta, and dives at Manta Point, Dhonkalo Thila and Madivaru provide just such opportunities. Kandhooma thila and Medu Faru are hopt spots for eagle rays. Maaya Thila is one of the best known dive sites in the Maldives and for a good reason. This pinnacle is about 30m diameter that descends to reveal sharks and fish a plenty. Night diving here is hard to beat and should not be missed. Log yet more pelagic sightings as grey reef sharks patrol the north and south ari Atoll area. Radhiga thila, Maalhos thila and Hafsa thila are just some of the stand out dives in this area. The boat will also take some time out along the route to look for whalesharks you can snorkel with - grab your fins as these gentle giants can move fast! Maamagili Beyru is one of the best places to see whalesharks on this itinerary.
The Best of the Maldives is an ideal itinerary for any first time visitor to the Maldives. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving but no minimum no of dives is required. Many of the dives on the Best of Maldives itinerary is suitable for all levels of divers, however, unpredictable and strong currents are to be expected in certain areas. Inexperienced and beginner divers may find some dives challenging and may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. On some dives the recommended depth is below 18m therefore advanced or Deep Diver training is advised. Carpe Fleet require an AOW certification. All diving is made from dhonis to give precision entry and exits points. Night diving is limited to sheltered moorings but well worth jumping in for. With so many excellent and remarkable sites in and around North - South Male Atolls and the Ari Atolls, the Best of the Maldives is a route that can be dived time and time again. Surely no one can tire of the jaw dropping diversity and life on display. From the tiny creatures that thrill macro lovers to the elegant and inspiring big fish, there more than enough to keep you coming back for more.
Want to know more about Best of the Maldives?
Best of the Maldives contains all the detailed information you need, a full day by day itinerary, pictures, videos, reviews, and other practical information. Or call one of our diving holiday experts on 0800 072 8221 or +44(0)1483 411590.
Your holiday details
Dive the iconic Male and Ari atolls for big fish thrills on board the luxury liveaboard Scubaspa. Divers will love the 15-17 dives a week on offer, or relax with the 8 spa treatment package. The choice is yours! You have 7 nights in a Sea Star cabin on a full board basis (twin/double share) - ask us about the stunning cabin upgrades available. During your trip you will enjoy a beach BBQ and on the last night there is a sunset cocktail event. All trips are fully guided, diving is from the large dhoni tender and park fees, 12lt tank and weights are included as standard. 1GB of free wifi (per person) is offered and we have prepaid on your behalf the mandatory green tax $42, $10 service charge and 16% GST. To pay on board are additional fruit juice, fizzy drinks, alcohol, kit hire, dives or spa services outside of your package and any on board souvenirs. Nitrox is $100 for a 7 night cruise, payable locally. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
This holiday excludes international flights to Male. We are able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for competitive quote for any flight option. Airport transfers operate at fixed times. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking