The Maldives isn’t just another beach location, but one of a unique type that can be enjoyed in two ways: as a luxury traveller opting to stay at a resort or as a budget traveller choosing to stay at local islands. Your Maldives packing list will be determined by the type of travel you choose between the two because the environments in both will be completely different. So, let us get going and answer the question of the day.
What to Pack for Maldives Resort Stay
1. Swimwear
Needless to say, you’ll need swimwear at a beach location. We recommend carrying at least two pairs. If you’re going to be taking a lot of pictures (which you are!) or staying for more than 3–4 days, then maybe even three. Bright-coloured bikinis and two-piece swimsuits that can be mixed and matched and contrast beautifully with the ocean are the best options. Though, in all honesty, I have a soft spot for one-pieces.
I carried this beautiful CupShe swimsuit that I had such a tough time choosing because all their swimsuits are so pretty. Unfortunately, they aren’t available in India so if you’re from India, check out The Beach Company.
Guys can carry two swimming shorts. It should suffice no matter the length of stay.
2. Sarong and/or Cover-Up
Sarongs are a multi-purpose garment that you should have on you no matter what kind of trip you’re on. They can be used to cover-up, as a beach blanket or towel, to provide warmth, etc. The Maldives is also obviously the right place to don some pretty cover-ups too. So, carry either or both.
3. Day and Evening Wear
Carry light, breathable, flowy summer dresses, skirts, and shorts that can be worn over swimwear. It’s great to always be equipped to head into the ocean, isn’t it?
For evenings, think around the lines of colourful flowing maxi dresses. Carry at least one.
I love vacation clothes on UrbanSuburban. Check them out for some fresh and colourful outfits.
Carry sports clothes in case you want to go for a beachside run or hit the gym!
Men can pair printed shirts with solid-colored coloured-shorts or vice versa.
4. Sunblock with SPF 30+
Long periods of exposure to the sun can leave you susceptible to sunburn, especially in a country that is so close to the Equator. Remember, you can get sunburned not only at the beach or boat but also in your water villa because water reflects the rays of the sun. Also, clouds don’t protect you from sun rays so be sure to apply sunscreen first thing in the morning on a hot, sunny day or a cloudy one.
Most importantly, ensure that your sunscreen is:
- Water-resistant: So, it stays on your skin and doesn’t bleed into the water. It is better for you and the reef.
- Reef-safe: Certain chemicals in sunscreen can harm or even kill the coral reef. So much so that sunscreen containing these chemicals has been banned in certain countries. Read this article to know more. Know that sunscreens labelled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” may not actually be reef-safe. The list of chemicals below will help you check if your usual sunscreen is good to go or if you need to buy one that is reef-safe.
It is best to buy physical sunscreens (mineral sunblock) with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are ‘non-nano’. If they are below 100 nanometers, the creams can be ingested by corals and are not reef-safe.
Therefore, you shouldn’t carry sunscreen that has the following chemicals: oxybenzone, parabens, octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC), triclosan, nanoparticles, including zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and octocrylene. Octocrylene below 10% has been labelled safe and is mostly used in reef-friendly sunscreens.
Reef-safe Sunscreen in India
Some of the very few options available in India are:
Mamaearth HydraGel Indian Sunscreen
Forest Essentials Sun Fluid SPF 50
Banana Boat Sport 100% Mineral
5. Broad-Brimmed Sun Hat
It is super essential to protect your face, eyes, and hair from the sun. Sunscreen is one thing, but it’s better to take all precautions to keep the sun’s harmful rays away by wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Baseball or visor caps will also do well but just ensure they’re tight enough so they don’t fly away with the wind. Speaking from experience, oops!
6. Sunglasses
I know you already know this, so I’m not going to stress on it much, but just tell you that sunglasses are a given on a beach trip -not only to protect from the sun’s harmful rays but also to prevent the brightness of the sun from blinding you (albeit temporarily). Polarized sunglasses are undoubtedly the best!
7. Flip-Flops and Sandals
You can walk nearly everywhere without shoes in the Maldives. No one will ask you to put them on. However, carry at least one pair of comfortable flip-flops to walk around the island and one pair of nicer sandals to go with your pretty evening dresses.
8. Snorkelling Gear
At resorts, you will either get snorkel gear complimentary or have to pay a daily rental fee. Or if you don’t like sharing, then you can carry your own.
On our Maldives trip, Modi snorkelled for the first time and had a huge issue with the gear because snorkelling does take time to get used to. You can only breathe from your mouth and if at all you breathe from your nose, your mask will fog up. Also, water kept getting in his mouth and nose.
So, we now travel with our own snorkel mask, which is super convenient because you can breathe from your mouth or nose without a second thought. Here is an example of what I’m talking about. However, instead of buying this online, I would suggest visiting a Decathlon store to purchase a mask that fits your face well.
9. An International Adaptor
In the Maldives, the power plugs and sockets are of type D (three round pins in a triangular pattern) or G (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Most resorts provide you with an international adaptor. However, carry your own in case your resort doesn’t give you one, or you need to plug in more gadgets than one adaptor can accommodate.
10. Underwater Camera and Accessories
If you’re going snorkelling or diving, you’ll want an underwater camera to capture the beauty of marine life. Here are a few options for ways you could capture underwater life.
- Plastic Phone Cover: This is useful only if you are going to the beach. Do not use it for snorkelling because it can really be annoying to use and for diving, it’ll not be possible to use.
- Underwater Phone Housing: This is a really cool device. Just ensure that the one you purchase fits your phone.
- Go Pro: The best option hands down but also the most costly.
Get waterproof housing to protect your GoPro from the elements. Also, get a red filter if you’re going to be diving so that the colours look natural.
Attach your GoPro to a head-mount or chest-mount for hands-free time in the water. This is a must, especially for weak swimmers.
A floaty will be essential in case you’re holding the GoPro in your hand while in the ocean or on a boat. In the event of the GoPro accidentally slipping from your hand, it’ll ensure the GoPro floats so you can easily recover it .
A GoPro Dome Port helps get beautiful photos and videos which composed of half land and half water. Here is an example.
If you’re using a GoPro for the first time, it might be helpful to get the entire accessories kit.
11. Drone
If you’re a photography and videography enthusiast, then undoubtedly you would like to take your drone with you. We too were looking forward to flying our drone to get beautiful shots of the Maldives islands but unfortunately, it wasn’t allowed on the property. In fact, when researching resorts, we noted that most properties have a no-drone policy to maintain the privacy of their guests. So do check this on the booking website or directly with your resort.
I don’t think you should have issues flying drones on local islands or sandbanks.
12. Medication
Carry all your basic medicine and first aid, as you’ll be on an island with limited medical facilities. Most importantly, do not forget to carry a seasickness remedy if you’re going to be on a boat at any point in time. Nausea Relief Bands don’t work on me, but they might on you. I use anti-sickness pills instead (Emeset works like a charm).
Hydrocortisone creams are a must-have as they help with rashes, itchiness, insect bites, swelling, and redness.
Aloevera gel is good to have if you get sunburned easily.
Oh, and do not travel without bandaids for the odd scrapes and cuts.
13. Insect Repellent
Unfortunately, tropical countries have an insect problem, as these bugs thrive in hot, humid conditions. Keep a good (preferably natural) insect repellent to keep the pesky little things from irritating you on a trip meant for relaxation.
14. Snacks
The Maldives is an expensive country. So if you feel pangs of hunger at odd hours of the day or night, or need a substitute for meals to save money, then carrying snacks is a must.
We were on a half-board plan (lunch wasn’t included) at our resort, so we ate Theplas, Instant Ramen (Koka and Shin Ramyun), some The Whole Truth Protein Bars and our favourite unhealthy items for dessert like Pocky and After Eight. Guilty!
15. Wet Bag
Instead of carrying plastic bags that harm the environment, carry a wet bag like this one to keep your wet clothes and swimsuits separately.
16. Waterproof Portable Speakers
You should be listening to the sound of the ocean, but if you can’t live without music, then carrying a light-weight waterproof portable speaker will be worthwhile.
Shop Waterproof Portable Speakers on
17. Modest Clothing
I would recommend you carry one pair of modest clothing in case you plan to do a tour of a local island from your resort or if you plan to visit Male. The clothing should cover your shoulders and knees.
What to Pack for Maldives: Local Island Stay
Life is different on the islands inhabited by locals as there are some rules to adhere to. Since, Maldives is a Muslim country, there is a strict dress code on the islands while the resort islands are allowed to function in their own bubble to cater to international tourists.
Hence, your day clothes and things to carry will be slightly different than what is needed for a luxury resort stay. You will need all the items mentioned for resort stay plus the ones mentioned below.
1. Modest Swim Wear
Women need to have their shoulders, knees and mid-riff covered at all times except at bikini beaches on local islands. Not all islands even have bikini beaches, so make sure you check. You will be expected to get into the ocean in half-sleeve t-shirts and pants at all other beaches or instead you can go for a full or half-sleeve swimsuit with leggings or capris. You can only wear regular swimsuits when going snorkelling, diving, or visiting sandbanks.
Men are also expected to follow the same rules. However, the rules are a bit relaxed for men, so shirts/t-shirts can be taken off when going into the water.
2. Modest Daywear
Be prepared to cover up. Think airy shirts, knotted tops (covering the midriff), light flowy maxi skirts and sarongs, or flowy cotton pants.
3. Beach Bag
A beach bag (even a dry bag or backpack will do) will be needed to carry your belongings around your island. You can use the same bag as your carry-on personal item on the flight.
4. Dry Bag
If you’re going to be going diving, a dry bag will keep your electronics, money, and other essentials dry. The Waterseals Bag is not only waterproof but also has a number lock, so you can leave your bag strapped to a pole, railing, or any fixture without worrying about theft.
5. Towel
Carry a towel to take to the beaches, sandbanks, and boats. Microfiber ones are light, compact, and dry quickly. We always carry one, no matter where we go.
4. Rain Jacket
This isn’t necessary to carry, even if you are staying on a local island. However, if you really despise getting drenched in the rain, this one’s a must because the weather in the Maldives is quite fickle.
5. Toiletries and Kit
When staying at resorts, you can afford to skip the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and a few other items since these are provided by the resorts. You may also choose to carry these items if you’re particular. However, if you’re staying on the local islands, you’ll need toiletries and a travel kit, as you can’t be sure if these will be provided and what quality they will be.
What Not to Pack for Maldives
Here are some items that you should competely avoid for your Maldives trip whether you’re staying at a resort or a local island.
- Alcohol, Bible, Idols for Worship, Pork Products: All of these items are contrary to the beliefs of Islam and not allowed in the country. While you are at the resort, you will be able to have alcohol so best not to carry it anyway. For a list of items not allowed in and out of Maldives, read here.
- Warm Clothes: Maldives has hot and humid tropical weather year round. So it does not make any sense to bring any warm clothes since there will be absolutely no need for them even on windy, cloudy and rainy days. However, you might need a light jacket for your international flight.
- Excessive Makeup: Just carry really light and basic makeup if at all. The humid weather in the Maldives is not ideal to wear a full-face of makeup and neither is it necessary. Maldives has a very laid back vibe.
- Heels: You will be able to survive your entire Maldives trips on a pair of flipflops or maybe even a nice sandal for the evening but nothing more than that. The walkways to the hotels/rooms islands are strewn with sand (even the resorts) and the walkways to the overwater villas are made with slabs of wood with holes between them. So neither is the ideal surface for heels. Since the resorts have a laid back vibe, you can even go the whole day without wearing any shoes at all.
- Jewellery: Again, going with the whole laid back vibe of the islands, you should carry any expensive jewellery.
- Excessive Cash: You do not need to carry a lot of cash if you’re staying at a resort. It might be beneficial to have a few US dollars on you for your final tip to your butler (though it is not necessary) and pay at stores in your island resort. But if you’re staying at the local islands, do carry USD for your trip and cards may not be accepted everywhere.
- Luggage: It is best not to carry over 20kgs of luggage as you might have to pay charges for excess baggage if taking sea planes. Please check the luggage policy for your hotel transfer.
We hope this answers your question regarding what to pack for Maldives. As you can see, there isn’t much you need there. The country has a very chilled-out vibe, as is the case for most beach locations. Just ensure you pack based on where you’re staying. In case you forget anything, you can always buy it from the store at your resort or island. So pack, relax, and have a splendid vacation.
NEXT >>>> Read our Detailed Maldives Travel Guide
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