travel clothes maldives

• April 30, 2022

The Ultimate Maldives Packing List: What to Wear

A vacation to the Maldives islands is a fantasy vacation for many. When you indulge in such a trip, it is imperative that you have the right essential items for your Maldives packing list.

How We Built Our Maldives Packing List

Since the Maldives Islands are such a popular destination, there is a ton of information out there available. During our research, we looked at reviews and articles written by past visitors. We researched information about the country itself, as well as the resources at the many resorts there.

Company blogs, YouTube, and experienced travel bloggers all provide great first-hand accounts about these beautiful islands.

Information About The Maldives

There are a few things you should understand before you venture out on such a Maldives trip. First of all, the Maldives is an island country that is made up of hundreds of islands in the Indian Ocean. So if you don’t enjoy being surrounded by water, this is not the place for you.

This tropical paradise is also a Muslim country. As a result, you should be mindful of the proper dress code – at least when you venture to the capital city of Male and in visiting local islands. Of course, if you are in a resort area you can wear a bathing suit and clothes that are suitable for very hot  weather .

Do not bring items such as drugs, weapons and pornography since they are strictly banned. However, you will be able to enjoy alcoholic drinks as you relax at your resort – and ONLY at the resort. With that said, you will have plenty of sandy beaches, fun activities, and marine life to enjoy. Take advantage of this ultimate Maldives packing list to enhance your trip.

Going to an exotic place like the Maldives is an exciting time and you want to make sure that your packing bucket list is complete. Putting together your ultimate Maldives packing list will ensure that you are able to participate in as many activities as possible and enjoy those beaches with ease.

Take the time to review the following travel tips for your upcoming beach adventure.

The Ultimate Packing List For The Maldivian Islands

Accepted payment methods and currencies in maldives.

Cash and credit cards are the two main options for payment in the Maldives. Businesses accept Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. US dollars, Euros and British Pounds are accepted as well. You will be able to get cash from the Airport ATM upon arrival as resorts do not have ATM machines.

The Maldivian currency is called the Rufiyaa which can be purchased from banks and money changers if needed. There are about 15 MVR to one US dollar.

As it is a long flight for a possibly action-packed venture, you will need a checked bag and a carry-on. Throw a light sweater into your carry on bag since the long flight itself will most likely be chilly. Get some packing cubes to properly organize and make suitcase space for your Maldivian vacation must haves.

This is very important to know to check your luggage allowance from Male’ Airport to Resort, as majority of Sea Plane & Domestic flights only have a luggage allowance of 20Kg per passenger if you have packed more than this, depending on the situation the internal transfer organizers Sea Plane & Domestic Flights may charge you for additional Kg’s, often your luggage may be transported to hotel on the next flight or the next day if it exceeds more than 20kg per passenger. however, speed boat has no luggage allowance limitations.

Pouches For Your Carry On Bag

Some ideal items to keep with you on your long flight should include a mask, book, and hydration for skin. Consider using a plastic pouch or sleeve for your electronics. There are several water resistant  tech organizers  that may be right for you. Keep your travel documents such as your passport and insurance documents together in a separate pouch as well.

When going about your daily activities, you may want a cloth-like bag made of lightweight material with a single shoulder strap.

Since you will be on an island, use a dry bag for your electronics and cameras. Dry bags come in several sizes and materials. However, it is best to get  one made from nylon  for ultimate protection against moisture. You can use a dry bag duffle bag as your main luggage or simply pack a smaller one to use once you arrive on those white sand beaches.

Typical clothes styles in Maldives

The Maldivian style of dress is conservative, hence it would be best to carry cover-ups and sarongs for the beach-side restaurants where full coverage is required. Sarongs can also double up as towels. Try bringing an elegant pair of sandals in lew of dress shoes for a “night out”.

Men beach vacation clothes

Beach vacation clothes for men should be longboard shorts that are knee-length. The traditional look of men’s clothes might be a kaftan buttoned up to the neck with cotton pants. However, most resorts now have relaxed rules for attire and will welcome men in swimming trunks. Be sure to bring a pair of lightweight long pants in case you plan to dine out at one of the resort restaurants.

Women beach vacation clothes

Ideal Clothes for hot weather are loose cotton pants with crew neck tee shirts, sundresses, and even knee-length shorts. Wearing tank tops during the day is acceptable in resorts but outside the resort boundaries, women are expected to dress conservatively.

Women beach vacation clothes may include bikinis – as long as you are on the beach at your resort. So have fun packing several pairs of bikinis as you prance in the turquoise sea near your abode. However, such clothing is considered too skimpy for the local islands.

Outside of the sandy beaches, you can opt for a kaftan or cover up paired with knee-length pants and board shorts. In case you are planning on boat trips to local islands, it would be best to carry along a few light dresses and skirts so as not to strain your resort clothes too much.

Best types of footwear

The Maldives are famous for their miles of pristine, white-sand beaches that extend into clear blue waters. Hence, you will need handy footwear to walk on the beaches that are made up of fine grains of quartz particles. While it may be tempting to go barefoot on the beach, it is advisable to carry a pair of flip-flops or rubber sandals to protect your feet from the scorching heat and sharp rocks.

If you intend to go for water activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling, then it is best to carry sporty footwear like dive shoes or reef shoes that can  protect your feet  from being cut by fish fins and coral reefs.

For sightseeing, island hopping and hiking, you may want to add at least one pair of sneakers to your Maldives packing list. Although some Maldivian resorts may sell these items, it may not come in your size. So it is better to carry them along as an extra pair.

What clothes not to pack for Maldives

When you pack for the Maldives, leave high heels and other fancy dress shoes behind. Some resorts even have a “no shoes” policy – so check ahead before packing. While your packing list should include clothes for hot weather and beachwear, don’t forget you will be in a Muslim country. Therefore, it is imperative to be respectful and gear towards more conservative clothing when you are visiting Male international airport or spending time in the capital itself.

The sun in the Maldives is extremely strong and in order to avoid skin damage and sunburn, it is advisable to apply an ample amount of suntan lotion. A natural alternative, aloe vera gel is also available in the market. Beware that sand and water reflect sunlight which can further damage your skin. Try buying sunscreen that is  ecologically safe  for the house reef and other marine life.

Be aware that sand fleas are present at some resorts so it is advisable to put on insect repellent especially if you are staying in one of the islands where there are sand flies. Like most hot and humid areas, you will also have to deal with mosquitos.

Beach cover up options

As mentioned before, you should be prepared to cover up when you are not at a beach resort. Bring a  kaftan or sarong  . If you are staying at a large mega-resort, you will most likely be able to buy some local fashionable kaftans at the resort shop.

You will need more than just suntan lotion to successfully protect you from UV rays. Bring a nice wide sun hat for extra skin protection.

The sun is bright so you must protect your eyes as well as your skin so pack a pair of shades with 99-100% UV protection. Polarized glasses are a good style choice to reduce sun glare from horizontal surfaces but they  don’t always come with UV protection .

Electronics

With all the beauty you are bound to see during your trip, your ultimate packing list must include some type of camera!

Best Underwater camera

The GoPro is an extremely popular underwater camera, as is the DSLR. Check out this  list of options  and see which one is best for your portraits of sea turtles and fish. In a case were you forgot to bring your camera, resorts have cameras available for rent for your underwater adventures.

Laptop/iPad

Many resorts have Wi-Fi in case you want to watch a movie or work on your laptop after your amazing time on the beach . Of course, you may even want to use your iPad to record stunning beach videos.

So, don’t hesitate to bring recording technical devices along for your trip. Just ensure that they are properly protected and packed in one of the dry bags mentioned above.

Feel free to bring your phone to the Maldives. There are two mobile (and internet) providers in the country, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, that provide coverage to all of the islands. A SIM card at Male International Airport will only cost you about $10 US. It is best to buy a SIM card if you can, as you will have to pay extra cost to make phone calls at your resort.

Travel Apps

To make your trip even easier, download the following apps to your phone before you land at your destination.

Viber  – standard way of communication. It is a cross-platform app for chats and video/voice calls.

WhatsApp  – this internationally used app needs no introduction. Use it to call world-wide from the Maldives as you would anywhere else.

Telegram  – while you may not use telegrams where you live at, this is still commonly used on the islands in the Maldives.

Avas Ride  – If you  need a ride  while you are in the capital city, this is the app for you.

Netflix  – Take advantage of the wi-fi at your resorts to watch a movie or TV show after long beach days.

These islands use UK plugs. Bring an adaptor for any electronics you plan to use. Some resorts may be able to lend you an adaptor but you should play it safe and bring your own.

Sports/Activity Gear

Scuba Diving

If you plan to go on diving trips in the Maldives, you should bring your own scuba diving gear like a dry suit/wetsuit, fins, dive computer, regulator, and a diving mask. You can rent the necessary gear at a dive shop on the resort. However, utilizing the area dive shop can be expensive and put a dent in your vacation budget – especially if you do frequent dives.

Anyone who plans to go snorkeling should pack items such as snorkels, masks, and flippers. There are many resorts that provide snorkeling gear but you can save money if you can fit these items into your suitcase.

There are plenty of opportunities for a boat trip between islands. Carry a rain jacket and water boots/shoes. Make sure that you book your tickets beforehand as there are limited seats on the boats during the high season.

Hiking umbrellas are quite popular among tourists due to their ability to  provide cover  even during strong winds and rains of the monsoon season. If you intend to visit the Maldives during this time, then carry a light umbrella that can be easily packed into your beach bag. A rain jacket can also come in handy.

Medication and First Aid

Bug repellent.

Mosquitos are very prevalent on the island and you can easily get mosquito bites. Carry along repellent lotion or spray to prevent infection of wounds.

Maldives Vaccination Requirements

The Maldives highly recommends that visitors should be vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Covid-19 upon arrival. The Hepatitis A vaccine can be taken at least 14 days before arrival in Maldives.

Yellow Fever

Visitors are required to present their vaccination certificate for yellow fever if arriving within 6 days of visiting an endemic country.

Malaria/Dengue Fever

Malaria is not prevalent in the Maldives which is why you do not need to be vaccinated against it before visiting. However, it is advisable to carry anti-malarial medication when traveling to places with mosquito infested areas such as rain forests and jungles.

Dengue fever is not prevalent in the resort islands of Maldives, but there have been cases reported on the island of Male which you need to take into account as well.

The Maldives requires visitors to get vaccinated against polio if arriving from a region with polio transmission. The vaccine needs to be received at least 6 weeks before your arrival in the country to be effective.

Travel Documentation

Visa requirements

Make note of the following information when entering the country and  applying for a visa . You must bring the following documents with you:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months past your entry date
• Return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel itinerary including flight numbers, hotel reservations and contact information of your tour guide/ host.

As long as you provide the above documents, you can get a free visitor visa valid for 30 days upon arrival. If you wish to extend your visa beyond 30 days, you will have to pay a fee of Rufiyaa 750. If you have sufficient funds or a letter from a host, you can stay up to 90 days total.

Health insurance

Medical care facilities are available in the Maldives but it is advisable to purchase medical insurance from your home country before going on a vacation. This way, if there are any health issues during the trip, you can avail of medical treatment back at home with ease.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory to have  Covid-19  cover as well. Accidents can occur anytime which is why it is important to be prepared for any potential mishaps even while on vacation. This certainly will come in handy if you plan to participate in extreme water sports.

Personal property protection ( electronics,gear,etc)

Make sure that you have adequate coverage for your personal property. This includes cameras, laptops and other electronic devices. It is advisable to check with your credit card company/travel insurance provider if they can provide a cover for these items in the event of theft or water damage.

Completing Your Maldives Packing List

Well, there you have it. Your bucket list trip to the Maldives is off to an excellent start with this packing list. Now you can pack for the Maldives with confidence and rest assured that your bags will have everything you need.

Whether you want to lay by the turquoise sea all day, take boat trips, dine out with proper attire, or photograph sea turtles, you now have a good idea of what you need. Look out for new posts about travelling to this amazing part of the world as you prepare for your next trip.

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What to Pack for the Maldives – The Best Outfits to Wear in The Maldives

Planning a trip to the Maldives soon and wondering what should you pack for a vacation in the Maldives ? You came to the right place, jetsetters! The Maldives is my favorite vacation spot in the world. ( You can read about my trip on my Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide here ) I mean, how can you not love it? It’s the most picture-perfect place on earth. And, with the most picture-perfect place on earth, let’s be honest, you want those instagrams to look picture-perfect as well. Which means… cute outfits, and even cuter swimsuits .

Here is my Ultimate Maldives Packing list , full of Maldives outfits , my favorite bikinis and one pieces , and everything else you’ll need to have the best trip of your life, whether it’s your honeymoon , or just a warm tropical getaway.

What do I need to pack for the Maldives?

Swimsuits! I recommend as many swimsuits as possible (You’ll be in the water every day!)

A couple sun hats – to protect you from the sun (I’m the girl in the airport wearing 4 floppy sunhats on her head through security since I refuse to pack and bend them) Here are all my favorite sun hats lately .

Water shoes for snorkeling ( these $10 ones are my favorites! )

Sunglasses – my favorites lately are these ! Kenny wears the “Rumrunners” and I wear the Hannah’s. The rumrunners are co-ed so I steal his too – I swear these look good on EVERYONE!

Strong reef-safe SPF – You can help keep the reefs safe by bringing reef-safe sunscreen that doesn’t harm the ocean’s environment. The Maldivians are very eco-conscious about their fragile, beautiful, islands and you can be a sustainable tourist by just practicing a few easy eco-friendly tourism habits like reef-safe sunscreen , and avoiding bringing or using any plastic in the islands.

A power converter

A kindle or some good beach reads 

Bug spray (I like this natural, plant-based , travel-sized one )

& all of your go-to travel essentials

Will I need a power converter for the Maldives ?

If you’re coming from the USA, yes you will. I recommend this one from Amazon !

Will my hair tools work in the Maldives?

Yes – if they are dual voltage. My T3 Curler , for example, is dual voltage and works great in the Maldives, and throughout the world. However, my Dyson Air Wrap is not and won’t work in the Maldives or abroad (so you can leave it at home!) 

Will I need a rain jacket in the Maldives?

No. It is HOT, hot, hot in the Maldives. Don’t waste your suitcase space on rain gear. Even if you’re traveling during The Maldives rainy season, your resort will have plenty of umbrellas to keep you dry. Unless you plan on biking around in the rain all the time, you won’t need any special rain gear.

What suitcase should I bring to the Maldives? Do the seaplanes have weight restrictions for suitcases?

If your resort uses a seaplane to get to it, you’ll want to double check with the resort on the seaplane weight restrictions. I had no problems on the seaplane for Kandolhu or St. Regis Maldives with my 50 lb checked bag (check out all of my best luggage recommendations here) and carry ons, but if you have a lot more than a 50 lb checked bag, you may want to condense it down just to be safe.

What outfits should I wear in the Maldives?

Most of the resorts in the Maldives  have a relaxed luxury vibe, meaning you can wear whatever you feel like! But you definitely will find many glamorous couples wearing their cutest cover ups , swimwear, and resortwear around the islands. Here are some of my favorite picks for what outfits to pack for the Maldives:

The best one pieces, bikinis, and swimwear to buy for a trip to the Maldives :

Pictured here with this dress , and this hat

There’s something about black that just POPS in the Maldives.

A cute matchy-matchy his and hers swimsuits combo is a  must! I designed these swimsuits from Watercolors Swim to match up with Kenny Flowers swim trunks ! (and, for being a loyal jetsetter & reader of this blog, you can get a discount on your whole order with the code JETSET)

My must have bags for a trip like this:  

This Stella McCartney bag is half off right now! 

this dress is everything !

Wow I’m obsessed with this outfit above – full outfit linked here: http://liketk.it/3smcV

Cute pajamas:

Vacation activewear :

All of these looks linked here

The best resortwear for the Maldives:

I treated myself to this GORGEOUS dress for my honeymoon and it was 100% worth every penny. I love this brand and their clothes are always expertly made, and with pretty little details that just feel expensive – seriously this dress could not be any more gorgeous for the Maldives. 

This beach shirt is what I ALWAYS wear on every vacation. Over my bikini, on planes, open, buttoned up, tied around my waist or tied in the front (my favorite way to wear it!). The material is SO SOFT and the perfect layer of warmth thats not too warm, but just warm enough, making it ideal for travel days and beach days. 

Cute cover ups and beach dresses!

Click the photo to shop

What to wear on your flight to the Maldives

this is my GO TO travel shirt – Frank & Eileen is the best quality – I’m obsessed. 

These white sneakers are ALWAYS my go to travel shoe. They’re so unbelievably comfy they feel like you’re walking on clouds, yet they’re sturdy enough to work out in in the resort gym when you get to your destination. I love them for travel days, long flights, and on vacation! 

Jewelry for the Maldives

All of Jetset Christina’s favorite jewelry

Sunscreen of course!

The Best Sunscreens to buy for your next vacation – JetsetChristina

Pin this post!

Enjoy your trip to the Maldives ! & check out my other blog posts here:

The Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide

The Most Luxurious Honeymoon Destinations in the World

The 20 Travel Essentials You Need to Jetset Like a Boss

The Best Engagement Instagram Captions

Staying at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii's Big Island - Everything You Need to Know!

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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The Maldives is an amazing destination for people who love beaches and the beach life.

I have been there once, and wish to be back. Your guide to the Maldives was impressive and photos are mind-blowing!

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This is a great Maldives packing guide – thank you!

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Diana Escobar

Everything I needed to know! Thank you!

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What to wear in The Maldives (Packing List + Outfits)

Are you wondering what to wear in The Maldives? This guide tells you exactly what to pack for the Maldives with a complete Maldives packing list and outfit inspiration no matter the month you are visiting.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

But before we get onto the specifics of what to wear in The Maldives along with some outfit inspiration we thought it would be worthwhile to talk about exactly how the seasons and dress codes will affect your The Maldives Packing List. 

Table of Contents

Where are the Maldives?

So the first thing that you need to know is where exactly The Maldives are. The Maldives are an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, just South west of Sri Lanka and India and holds the title of being the smallest country in Asia.

Typically speaking this tropical island paradise has good weather, however like Sri Lanka and India it does experience a monsoon / rainy season.

Maldives Weather

The Maldives tends to have two seasons, the dry season and the Monsoon season. During the months of November to April the weather tends to be at its best. While May to October is classified as the monsoon season so you should be prepared for rain.

The Maldives Dress Code

Most people who visit the Maldives stay at a resort away from the capital city of Male. However all visitors to the maldives whether they are traveling on to their resort via seaplane or boat, will first have to arrive at Male International Airport.

And it is worth remembering that Male and the Maldives is an Islamic country. Therefore when you are in public spaces away from resorts you should dress more conservatively.

It is also worth noting that nudity and topless sunbathing is not allowed anywhere on the island.

Considerations for your Maldives Packing List

Before we get onto the exact items to include to make your Maldives outfits, we thought is would be worth outlining some considerations for your packing list. These are:

As The Maldives are tropical islands you have the luxury of packing lightly .

For more information on how to pack light for The Maldives and other beach vacations we recommend checking out our guide on the  5 4 3 2 1 packing method  or the sudoku method which will help you create the perfect Maldives Capsule Wardrobe without overpacking .

Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics are your best friend Maldives.

Cottons, silks and linen are well known for being more breathable than man made fabrics.  Linen  in particular is very in fashion among locals and tourists alike in Mauritius. 

As the Maldives is a tropical island destination swimwear is obviously going to be an important part of your packing list. I usually take at least 2 pieces of swimwear and 2 covers with me on a week long vacation so I can always have one piece to wear and one that is drying but you may want to add some more. 

Just try and select covers and 2 piece swimwear (if you want this style) that can be mixed and matched together for different beach looks.

Active Wear

Although many people who go to The Maldives are primarily going for the beautiful beaches or for their honeymoon, it is worth pointing out that there are lots of activities you can enjoy such as snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing so you may want to pack items for these.

What to wear in The Maldives

Dresses and Skirts

As I mentioned above there is lots of beach wear and resort wear seen in on island resorts in the Maldives.

Maxi dresses are one of my favorite things to wear especially loose and flowing dresses. They are also great for wearing down on the beach and out for dinner. 

Click here to shop dresses for tropical beach vacations.

Linen Trousers / Linen pants

Linen trousers are a great pick for the Maldives. I like to pick linen pants in a neutral color such as cream, beige or white as they work well no matter the color you pick for your capsule wardrobe. I tend to use these as day to night transition pieces for on the beach and at resort restaurants.

Shorts are a definite must for The Maldives. Personally I like to avoid denim shorts as I find these more uncomfortable on sand. Instead I like to pack a mix of cotton shorts foron the beach and smarter chino style shorts for beachside restaurants.

Quick Dry shorts are another great pick. It is easy for shorts to get wet on the beach and in the humid weather it can be hard for things to dry so picking quick dry pairs is a practical choice.

A basic t shirt is a great staple and an essential of any packing list at any time of year. Now depending on the color scheme you are going for will depend on what color you should have. But in my opinion you can never go wrong with a plain white tee.

For The Maldives I tend to stick to short sleeve t shirts but you could also add a tank top too. Just be sure to keep to natural fabrics such as cotton as these are more breathable on hot beaches. I like to add bright colored t shirts and things with palm leaf and leaf patterns to add a tropical flavor.

Click here to shop basic tee shirts.

Blouse / Shirt

A shirt or blouse is a great addition to a tropical capsule wardobe. Again I stick with tops in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen to reduce sweat.

Personally I love a leaf pattern blouse especially an oversized linen shirt version.

aterfall Cardigans

A light waterfall cardigan is my favorite top later for tropical destiantions. They aren’t chunky or too hot but are good protection on chilly nights.

You can choose the color based on the palette you have in your wardrobe.

Click here to shop cardigans

A lightweight beach hoodie is great for airplane outfits when you are heading to beach destinations and can be good for lounging around the pool on cooler days.

Click here to shop hoodies for travel.

I never travel to any tropical island without a pashmina. It is great in the evenings in case you get chilly, especially during the cooler months and for dining al fresco. They can also be used to make an outfit more modest for visiting religious sites. Click here to shop pashminas.

We always pack at least 2 pieces of swimwear for tropical resort vacations one for wearing and one for drying.

I tend to stick with one piece swimsuits but you should pick the stle you feel most comfy in.

Also if you plan to snorkel in the Maldives we recommend having a rash vest with you as it is very easy to burn your back while snorkelling.

Click here to shop good value rash vests.

Beach Cover

Sun hats are a staple on any Maldives packing list. Be sure to pick a wide brimmed straw hat for maximum sun protection. Click here to shop sun hats.

For more information on how to pack sun hats for travel check out this post.

Sunglasses Underwear

Goes without saying 

We recommend packing lightweight PJs for the tropical island. 

Best Shoes for The Maldives

• Water-ready polyester webbing upper is extremely durable and dries quickly after getting wet
• Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
• 1 1/4″ Lightweight EVA Platform

Sandals are a definite must for The Maldives. I would pick a pair with arch support and without a heel. 

Espadrilles or wedges are a great evening shoe choice particularly for nicer restaurants. 

Sneakers are great for Maldives whatever time of year you visit. Just be sure you pack a lightweight pair they can cope well in the heat and are also good for your feet on uneven surfaces around the island.

However we do recommend wearing sneaker socks in the summer with them to reduce sweat and odour in your shoe.

The water in The Maldives is beautiful however it can have hazards by way of coral and sharp rocks. For these reason we recommend packing water shoes with you.

Click here to shop water shoes.

Although I don’t recommend these for walking in towns or in the rainforests these are useful for on the beach and round by the hotel pool.

What to Pack for The Maldives (non-clothing)

So know you know what to wear in The Maldives in both the rainy and dry season, we will turn our attention for what to pack for The Maldives.

Travel adaptor

Travel adaptors are always on my international packing lists.

Click here to shop universal travel adaptors.

On top of the travel adaptor you will also need

Sun Cream / Sunscreen

No matter whether you are traveling in the rainy or dry season you will need sun cream with you. We recommend getting a high SPF, we recommend SPF 50, as the sun is always strong in The Maldives.

Also as you are going to spend a lot of time in the water we recommend only bringing reef safe sunscreen with you to help protect the marine life of The Maldives. Click here to shop coral safe sun screen here.

No one wants to get burnt on vacation but the strength of the sun can take some people by surprise in The Maldives. Therefore we recommend packing aloe vera / aftersun.

Click here to shop aloe vera / aftersun

Lip Balm with SPF

Although it is very important to protect your skin from the sun, it is also important to protect your lips. For this reason we recommend packing a lip balm with SPF. Our current favorite lip balm with SPF is Sun Bum. Click here to shop lip balm with SPF.

As with any tropical island destination you will find that things like toiletries are expensiv so be sure to get your toiletries packing list right.

I always bring shampoo and conditioner that is reef safe but also can help calm by hair from the humidity and to cope with damage from sea water.

Click here to shop the best shampoos and conditioners for tropical climates.

Also when looking at packing makeup remember to pack waterproof mascara as you will be spending lots of time in the water.

Snorkel Gear

Although you will be able to rent snorkel gear in The Maldives you will never know the quality. For this reason we recommend bringing your own snorkel gear with you.

Click here to shop snorkel equipment on amazon.

For use on the beach.

Inflatables

If you like to use swim aids or inflatables in the pool we recommend bringing these with you as they will be more expensive in The Maldives .

CLick here to shop cheap inflatables.

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful places in the world it should come as no surprise that you will want to take a lot of photos. Be sure you have a good quality camera with you.

On top of the regular camera we also advise packing a go pro or another underwater camera. The underwater scenery is amazing in The Maldives . To capture the beauty of it we recommend using a go pro. Click here to shop underwater cameras.

Waterproof Phone Case

If you plan on using your phone on the beach and in the pool we recommend taking a waterproof phone case with you. This will not only keep your phone safe from water but is also a good theft deterrent. Click here to shop waterproof phone cases for travel.

Battery pack

A requirement of any packing list. Click here to shop battery packs.

What not to wear in The Maldives

Synthetic fabrics.

We recommend sticking with natural fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton for The Maldives . That is because synthetic fabrics actually make you hotter and sweat more which is something you won’t want in Mauritius.

Jeans are too hot in The Maldives even lightweight ones or ripped ones. Instead we recommend packing linen or cotton trousers.

Heels are not that useful in The Maldives except in restaurants at night. Instead of heels we recommend packing a more versatile shoe such as a wedge or just a dressy pair of sandals.

What to wear in The Maldives FAQs

What to wear on honeymoon in the maldives.

Regardless of whether you are in the Maldives on honeymoon or not the packing list will stay the same. however if you have some fancier dinners you may want to add some extra maxi dresses for evenings.

What to wear in The Maldives at night?

If you are wondering what to wear in The Maldives at night I would advise that you dress comfortable for heat.

For me the perfect outfit for The Maldives at night is a maxi dress with a pashmina or some long linen trousers with a long sleeve blouse.

Have you been to The Maldives ? What else would you add to our The Maldives packing list? Let us know in the comments below.

Adventure Awaits

Ultimate Maldives Packing List | Essential Items for your holiday

If you’re planning a Maldives getaway, then one of the things to consider is what to pack. You might have got your wardrobe sorted, but have you considered all of the extras you will need? Unfortunately, the Maldives islands are secluded, and there are limited options at the resort shop to purchase items when you’re out there (or they come with a hefty price tag!), so read on for your ultimate Maldives packing list. 

This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy anything from them. This is at no extra cost to you and In doing so you help to keep this site running, so thank you in advance.

What should I pack for the Maldives – 6 Essential Items 

The chances are, if you’re heading to the Maldives, you’re going to an all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive means that food, drink and many activities are included within the cost of your holiday. So aside from your typical travel luggage, how do you know what to pack for Maldives holiday? 

Let’s start with your Maldives packing list essentials:

• Dive Shoes / reef shoes
• Full face snorkel mask
• High Factor Sun Lotion 
• Underwater Camera 

1) Dive Shoes / Reef Shoes

The Maldives is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, and you certainly don’t need dive shoes on the shore. You’re most probably going to spend most of your time barefoot. However, you can accidentally step on sharp coral pieces when you’re in the ocean, and it hurts! So take the pain away from swimming in the sea and protect your feet with reef shoes.

2) Snorkel Mask

Snorkelling gear is often provided for free in your Maldives resort. However, there may be limitations to when and where you can use it, which will heavily restrict your experience. I’ve always struggled with snorkelling, so I invested in the masks that cover your entire face. What an invention!

These snorkel masks are perfect for water activities and enable you to swim the coral for hours, with crystal clear visibility and without choking on saltwater! Of course, if you prefer a traditional snorkel, there are some great options that enable deep free diving. Many of them also are action camera enabled, helping you capture vibrant underwater memories.

3) High Factor Sun Lotion

Taking high factor sun lotion sounds obvious, but the heat is intense and relentless. I wouldn’t recommend anything less than factor 30 sun cream in your Maldives packing list. You will find yourself reapplying more than you perhaps would in milder climates. 

Water activities are one of the main things you will do in the Maldives, so it is important to buy waterproof sun lotion and safe for coral / marine life. It is costly to buy sun lotion at the island shop, so pack enough to ensure your skin is well protected!

I use Sun Bum; it smells delicious, is coral safe and helps avoid the burn! 

4) Underwater Camera

You will regret not having an underwater action camera on your Maldives packing list! Sea turtles, string rays, reef sharks and all of the fish in between are just a few of the species you can see around your house reef. More so if you venture further into the Indian Ocean.

I recently replaced my trusty Go-Pro with an Insta 360 Camera, which is excellent for capturing those adventurous moments. If you just want to capture some shots and more price conscious, then you can also get much cheaper action cameras. I’ve tried these before, and the quality and battery life are good enough for you to get some snaps, but consider investing in a better tool if you will use it a lot.

If quality photos mean a lot to you then consider whether the Go Pro Hero 10 is worth the upgrade.

A slightly obscure island packing list essential is a torch. The resorts are usually well lit with soft lighting that sets the ambience perfectly. However, lighting is typically around the pathways, restaurants and bars, not along the beach. A romantic walk along the beach at night is something not to be missed. However, many crabs come out at night so you will need to see where you are going.

You can also find yourself a romantic, secluded spot to lay back and enjoy the stars. I have never seen a clearer sky at night than what I have in the Maldives.

Generally, your belongings are safe to be left on the beach in the Maldives, but there is always a risk. Suppose you’re planning on taking advantage of the all-inclusive offerings such as paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing around on a pedalo.

In that case, it’s worth taking your essentials or more expensive items with you. A dry bag is particularly handy if you use your phone or a digital camera for photos or want to keep your wallet safe. Make sure you invest in a good one as you don’t want to find your stuff ruined!

Which types of clothes to wear in the Maldives

The peak season in the Maldives is from December and March when the weather is at its most extreme. On the other hand, May to October is the wet season, and therefore your Maldives packing list might need to include long sleeve tops or light jackets. However, your resort will likely have umbrellas that you can borrow, so you shouldn’t need to pack these especially. 

Depending on your resort, there may be a dress code that you need to adhere to. Think smart casual, or in some cases just smart. Pack a casual pair of shoes as well as an elegant pair or several. For women, take flowy or maxi dresses for the evening and for men, take a sleeved shirt and sleeveless shirt options. 

What to wear in Male, the Maldives capital 

If you’re stopping in Male, or even just when you’re making your transfers at the Male International airport, make sure add some conservative clothing to your Maldives packing list. The Maldives is a Muslim nation, and therefore you should cover your shoulders and knees (women only) in public areas. This rule doesn’t apply to the private resorts, but if you’re visiting local inhabited areas, you will want to avoid being disrespectful (and also being uncomfortably stared at!). 

A shawl or sarong is perfect if you just want to cover up when necessary without carrying layers or extra clothing.

Maldives Packing List Tips

• If you have a lot of luggage, consider using vacuum bags to make the most out of your suitcase space. 
• Take your snorkelling equipment, so you’re not restricted with renting/using the snorkelling gear provided by your resort. 
• Thoroughly check your luggage before you go through security/bag drop at the domestic airports – security is very strict, and it can hold you up. For example, alcohol and lighters in your checked luggage are prohibited, so don’t include these. 
• Take plenty of high protection, reef-friendly sun cream/lotion and make sure you regularly apply. You will be grateful for the overcast days!
• Your travel days are likely to be extremely long – make sure you pack enough in your carry-on bag to keep you entertained and comfortable. 

What do you think of my Ultimate Island Packing List? 

This ultimate packing list should have you well prepared for an unforgettable trip. However, before you go, check out my Maldives Travel Guide & Review of Rui Hotel & Resort for more information on what you can expect from your Maldives holiday, resort and travel arrangements. You will also find all the links you need to plan, book and enjoy your vacation with my best travel resources online.

Please subscribe to my blogs or connect with me on social media if you like what you see. I’d also love to hear from you in my comments, especially if you have additional recommendations.

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About the author

I'm Kerry, a Veggie travel enthusiast with a passion for adventure, nature, wildlife and the good old outdoors. I write about exciting bucket list travel destinations to give you inspiration and ideas for your next trip.

Absolutely spot on with all your items there !! Even the torch is a must … I found that the one on my phone just didn’t do any good and in light the way very well so defo include that one…. And I have one of them full face snorkels and they are unreal … best money ever spent… can’t wait to return one day.

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The ultimate Maldives packing list – What to pack for the Maldives (PDF included)

When planning your trip to paradise, packing is the last thing on your mind. You only care about counting the days until you get there. This is why I choose to provide you with this Maldives packing list, so you know what to pack for the Maldives trip ahead of you.

Yes, it’s true guys, there might be affiliate links in this awesome, free post. This means that if you decide to buy something that you find here, and you use one of my links to do so, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I plan to use this money on ice cream, chocolate, and to travel more so I can write these useful guides for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Travel essentials for your maldives honeymoon.

Now, let’s start at the beginning. You first need to get there and be able to find your way around. And we all know you cannot do that if you’re missing some very important things.

The official papers that you’ll need will, of course, depend on your passport. You will have to look this up way in advance, even before buying your plane tickets and reserving your accommodation. In any case, you usually need to bring with you your passport and visa plus maybe some customs forms, depending on what you’re bringing in your luggage. Check out your visa requirements below, and check out my detailed guide about visas in The Maldives to find out the exact requirements you need to meet.

A good idea is to also have your ID that you keep away from your passport, to use in case you lose your passport and need to talk to the Embassy for your trip back. Of course, travel insurance is never a bad idea, and printed versions of your outbound trip and accommodation reservations might come in handy as well.

For you to pay for stuff, credit or debit cards are all you need. You could also use some cash USD if you want to provide tips for people that you interact with , but this is all you’ll pay in cash for sure. We use Revolut whenever traveling and it worked like a charm in the Maldives as well.

Are you overwhelmed by all the options? Discover your perfect island match below!

With this nifty tool, you’ll get from a list of 100+ resorts that look great and no idea where to start to a short list of islands that fit your wishes and desires. And yes, it also has the links for Booking and Agoda so you can book your stay straight away.

Check it out below !

How to plan a trip to the Maldives – Maldives Travel Planning

14 Unique Reasons to Visit the Maldives Beyond the Picture-Perfect Beaches

Worst Time to Visit The Maldives: A Traveler’s Guide

The best luggage for your maldives trip.

When thinking about what to pack for your Maldives trip, I’d say let’s start with what to pack all of the things in. You can, of course, do this the other way around and start by preparing all your luggage and then see what you fit it into, but I think most people have one or two pieces of luggage they use and they have to adjust to it.

You won’t interact that much with your luggage while in the Maldives unless you are there backpacking and/or island hopping. In this case, of course, a backpack is what you need. You’ll travel by boat most of the time and you don’t want large suitcases to carry around.

If you’re just going there on an island or two, choose a rolling suitcase that you love, mostly for ease of use while in the airport. When you arrive on the island, you probably won’t touch your suitcase anymore as it will be carried around by employees, so you really don’t have to worry about dragging a rolling suitcase on the sand. Here is my all-time favorite rolling suitcase and here is the full review I have written about it.

The one must-have item for this trip is a beach bag, for very obvious reasons. This one is easy to use, holds a lot of stuff and you still like using it even if your skin burns a bit. No matter how much sunscreen you apply, there’s always a risk for this to happen. It even has a wet compartment to keep your clothes separate.

Another must-have item, but it can be easily replaced if missing, is a waterproof bag. Transporting wet bathing suits or towels might be better in a waterproof bag, especially if you’re changing islands and you didn’t get a chance to dry all of your stuff yet. This one also doubles as a floating bag, so you can even use it to float on rivers back home if that’s your thing.

And now, a few classics: packing cubes , laundry bags , cable and electronics bags , and ID tags for your luggage. Use packing cubes to organize your suitcase neatly (I love this transparent set !), laundry bags I think I don’t have to explain what for, cable bags are great for organizing all your electronics in one place and ID tags are a great idea to be sure you’re taking the right luggage from the conveyor belt.

Top Things to Do in The Maldives: 40+ must do Activities to Try

Best Currency to Bring in the Maldives: A Complete Traveler’s Guide

What to Wear in the Maldives: Essential Packing Guide

Clothes to pack for the maldives.

When you look for ideas for things to take on your trip, you are usually thinking about clothes. Lucky for you, this chapter is the easiest one, as you’ll mostly wear bathing suits and flip-flops for your full stay.

Must haves for your Maldives packing list are at least two swimsuits, as the climate is wet so they might not dry overnight, a few beaches and casual dresses, some skirts and T-shirts, and some long and short and very light pants.

When it comes to what you wear in the Maldives when you’re not on a beach, especially if you’re traveling on a local island , you must respect the culture of the place. In a very Muslim country such as this one, you should wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, and nothing too tight on your body, no matter your gender.

Very important items for any trip are also PJs and undergarments, even if you’d rather sleep naked (which is nothing to be judged for, especially if traveling on your honeymoon). Don’t forget your flip-flops and head scarf or sun hat, as the strong sunshine will be merciless if you do.

The best piece of advice you have to take into account is to get a sunscreen protective water suit and water shoes with you. This will enable you to use less sunscreen lotion, which is great for the environment, and a water suit protects you better anyway. I recommend a suit with the longest zipper you can find, as it’s easier to put on and take off. Check out these options for her and for him !

The diving shoes are great for water entries where you suspect stingrays might be fans. They are not a way for you to step on the coral! Check out this model that can be used by either men, women, or children.

SafetyWing travel insurance review

Babyzen Yoyo+ review – The best stroller for air travel

Samsonite backpack review – Samsonite Vectura Evo vs. XBR

What accessories to pack for the maldives.

When it comes to accessories to add to your Maldives packing list, you have one priority really: everything related to snorkeling and/or diving, if you prefer to use your own gear. Especially for things that go in your mouth like a snorkeling tube, I would recommend using yours.

Nonetheless, you might prefer your special fins that are the perfect size, your water goggles or full-face snorkeling mask , and some water ear plugs if you are prone to ear infections. I prefer smaller fins that you can slide right on like these ones (perfect for people with not-so-strong legs) and this full-face snorkeling mask for so many reasons!

The next important items are sunglasses (here are my favorites for him and for her ) and prescription glasses. If you have the option, use contact lenses instead (which involves bringing everything related, of course), as they’re easier to use with swimming glasses.

Last, but not least, I suggest you bring something to tie your hair with, like hair ties or bobby pins, and bring lots of them. Beach waves are nicer if they don’t contain various little animals you get to catch while swimming with your hair loose.

A nice-to-have item would be a sand-free beach towel . The accommodation will of course offer you beach towels, so if you have limited luggage don’t stress over this, but a nice and light beach towel that leaves the sand on the beach might be a cool thing to get anyway.

For your personal care, you should have a comb or hairbrush, and choose something that’s careful with your hair that’s damaged from the sun and water. Also, you’ll need a nail care and/or grooming set, and a razor and shaving foam.

In any case, do not forget about your feminine care needs and sexual health items as well. These particular items might be very hard to find on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean, and there’s really no way around it if you need them.

Hey friend!

Get your vacation mode ON with this FREE packing list for your Maldives trip.

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Do You Need a Power Adapter for The Maldives? Essential Guide

Do You Need a Visa for The Maldives? Essential Travel Guide

Do you need water shoes in The Maldives? The Honest Answer to Your Question

Toiletries to add to the maldives packing checklist.

Even if you’re going to spend most of your time in the water or on the beach, so you’re not going to be wearing any make-up, a few personal care items will be needed anyway. And for this, you must use one or more toiletry bags , depending on the amounts you get to carry.

Considering the environmental impact you might have in this tiny place in the world, please try to do your part in protecting it: use mostly solid toiletries, prefer reef-safe sunscreen, and bring your plastic bottles back with you when you go home if you have toiletries that must use plastic.

What you need to pack for your Maldives vacation is quite easy to assume. You’ll need everything for your oral hygiene, like a toothbrush , toothpaste , and dental floss. Then, you of course need deodorant, but avoid using perfume as well as it might smell really strong due to the heat.

As the salty water and sand might be irritating to some people, try to have some moisturizer and face wash with you, together with some hand cream and body lotion. My special tip: get some talc powder with you. It helps immensely to remove sand, even wet sand, from your body.

What you might not need, but should have nonetheless, is some insect repellent . Some islands will have this problem mitigated, but some won’t, and you don’t want to be in a position of needing and not having it. If you want to find out more about mosquitoes in the Maldives , check out my related post about this.

Some items that are not particularly needed for your Maldives vacation, but you truly need for every flight, are a lit balm , eye drops , and hand sanitizer . If possible, a face mask is also a good recommendation to still follow, as it will keep you healthy from all the germs flying around on a plane. And if you have trouble sleeping on a plane, an eye mask and travel pillow might help you quite a lot.

Electronics to pack for the Maldives

No matter where you go these days, you’ll have quite a few electronics to carry around, and this is even without being a techy person. It’s just how our life works these days. Having them all listed here will help you make the best decisions though.

The Maldives is a place to use some of your cool gear. You have so much to photograph your eyes will hurt, you will need a GoPro for your snorkeling moments and an eReader for the lazy afternoons on a sunbed.

One very useful gadget is a travel plug adapter . It’s great not only because you can easily use your home chargers, but also because you can plug multiple devices in only one adapter. Please buy a general one like this one instead of an adapter for each country you visit! It’s not pricey and you’ll use it on all your trips. You can read more about using a power plug adapter in the Maldives from my detailed guide.

Let’s get to the fun part! I won’t remind you to take your phone as probably no one leaves the house without it anyway but also don’t forget your laptop or tablet that you’ll use intensively on the flight and that’s about it. You’ll have other stuff to do when you arrive.

For the photographer in you to be happy, don’t forget your camera and additional accessories you might use. Most people have some sort of lenses they love and even I have a tripod these days (there’s so much anyone can take when you see blurred photos on a travel blog, right?). If you want to remember things in motion, bring your GoPro and take some cool shots of awesome turtles and scary sharks.

Small, but important electronics are the following: chargers for all devices mentioned above, a power bank to keep them alive on the go, spare batteries (especially for that battery-eater GoPro), and SD cards , especially if not bringing in a laptop. You might also want an external hard drive if you want to be on the safe side of not losing all your photos and videos.

And for your flight, I cannot emphasize enough the need for ANR headphones . The quality of our flights has increased significantly since we bought ours, and we’re spending plenty of time praising this amazing invention to everyone. Now, if you can afford a nice Sennheiser , be my guest, but something less pricey might work miracles as well.

As this is one of the most relaxing trips you will ever go on, you might not appreciate your smartwatch telling you how lazy you are. It’s nice to track your swimming efforts though so bring it anyway.

Try to be very careful when packing your bags so that you don’t forget anything. Use a printed PDF checklist if you want (hint: there’s one you can download just below!), or even bookmark this page for future reference. You will maybe have one tiny shop on the island you’re going and even if they do have whatever item you have forgotten, it will probably cost you an arm and a leg. And this will make swimming quite difficult.

Sharks in the Maldives: Your Ultimate Guide for Safe Encounters

Is water safe to drink in the maldives a comprehensive guide.

Bad Things About The Maldives – 34 surprising things no one tells you about

Small but important items to add to your list.

These items are really not to be missed, but they don’t fit in any other category so people tend to forget about them. The most important one is an insulated water bottle , as you will need hydration more often than usual. Replacing bottled water with this option will enable you to produce less waste in general, not only on this trip. If you want to find out more about drinking water safety in the Maldives , check out my related blog post.

Do the same for an insulated coffee mug , if you are still going to keep your coffee or tea routine while on this trip.

And, of course, there’s no packing list without a first aid kit . It can be a general one bought from Amazon, but please also add what you need from the following list:

• basic over-the-counter painkillers
• motion sickness pills
• stomach medicine
• allergy medication
• rehydrating salts
• sunburn treatment
• wound disinfectant
• any prescription medication you might need
• the certification of the prescription for any drugs
• documents with your medical history.

Do not include any alcohol for disinfection in your first aid kit. The Maldives has a strict “No alcohol” rule enforced, and you cannot introduce alcohol in the country . You can face real and nasty consequences if you do have any alcohol, so don’t do it. If you need something to clean any scratches, go to the medical room of the island you are on, and they will provide all the necessary help.

Miscellaneous for your packing checklist

This is like the “small, and not that important” section. Some people find these things useful, but you will survive just fine without them as well.

The first thing is a small sewing kit , with a few needles, a few color threads, and 2-3 buttons. You never know when you need it. Then, try to have a pen and maybe a notebook with you. The pen you need for various forms, and the notebook if you want to write or draw something while laying on a beach. It’s a pretty inspirational situation to be in!

And lastly, you can think of having a passport cover and/or a document holder for all your documents. Especially if you’re the type that prints everything and doesn’t want to rely on your phone, you might find this trick helpful in organizing your documents. And they come in cute patterns! Who doesn’t love cute patterns?

Are the Maldives Safe? Safety Tips for Your Trip to The Maldives

Is the Maldives Boring? A Clear Answer to Your Question

Mosquitoes in the Maldives – The good, the bad and the itchy

Apps and sites to use when planning your trip to the maldives.

I know you are not packing this, but it’s helpful to have them all listed here so you can download them beforehand. These apps will be useful for all your trips, so just make that “Travel” folder and keep them there. Check out my other best free travel apps , you might find a few you had no idea about.

Before I worked in aviation, I would always use Skyscanner to find plane tickets. It has so many cool options compared to other aggregators, like being able to look for tickets without specific dates (“Whole month”), looking for tickets to “Anywhere”, or including nearby airports. Now, I would use WayAway , as it gives money back for plenty of travel expenses, and the Maldives can be a bit costly.

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I also use Booking and Agoda for hotel reservations, but I recommend Agoda for all trips to Asia. They have better prices and more accommodation options available compared to Booking. Don’t forget one of my money-saving tips : make a reservation with free cancellation and before it expires, search again for any discounted offers.

Although I have used them only a few times by now, GetYourGuide and Viator have plenty of offers for tours and experiences. Many travel bloggers recommend both of them and I had great experiences when I used their services. I plan to write detailed reviews once I use them more, but my experience was abslutely great so far.

If you’re an organizing freak like I am, here’s a tip: use Trello to plan your trip. It’s free (you can add some paid options if you want, but can live without them as well) and you can customize it as you wish. I still have the boards from some of my trips and whenever someone asks me for info, I just share it with them. You can check out my travel planner Trello template here!

Or, if you want to be “fancy”, you can use Airtable to organize your trips. I have a great product that can help you organize this trip (and any other trip, in fact), and it includes a daily itinerary, packing list, resources to help you spend less, and everything else you might want or need. Check it out !

And a small helpful tool: download a boarding pass app. It keeps all your tickets organized. We even had “Permission of entry” types of passes added there. If you don’t like printing things and you prefer having everything on your phone, this app is for you.

Maldives packing list – The takeaway

Finally, we have reached the end of this post and I hope that now you know what to pack for the Maldives. I know it’s been quite a read, but I also know that now you know what is your packing list for the Maldives, or at least what the recommended items you should add.

And because you know I love printable checklists, I have created a FREE list of things to pack for your Maldives trip! You can print it to use when you pack, so you won’t feel overwhelmed when you’ll start this boring, but important part of your trip. You’re welcome!

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Glass floor water villas in the Maldives – 35+ gorgeous overwater bungalows

Cheap water villas with private pools in the maldives – 25+ affordable overwater bungalows to choose from, 10 days in the maldives – the perfect itinerary and must-do activities.

4 bedroom villas in the Maldives – all the 4+ bedroom villas to choose from

2 bedroom water villas in the maldives – 50+ overwater bungalows to dream of, 3 bedroom villas in the maldives – 25+ beach & water villas to choose from, adults-only resorts in the maldives – 13 paradise islands for your child-free holiday, affordable water villas in the maldives – 30 cheap overwater bungalows that will blow your mind, 3 thoughts on “the ultimate maldives packing list – what to pack for the maldives (pdf included)”.

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What to Wear in the Maldives? 20 Outfit Ideas & Packing List

What to wear in the Maldives? The Maldives is a country consisting of 12,000 small Islands located in the south of Asia. The Maldives is heaven to visit in your holidays. The Maldives is the perfect destination for honeymooners, couples, and travelers that just want to rest and relax and do nothing else. Spending a vacation in the Maldives is a dream! Small islands with white sandy beaches, azure and turquoise blue waters, palm trees, and a beautiful underwater landscape. With all year round almost perfect weather, gorgeous clear blue seas, and sky along with golden sandy beaches awaiting your arrival it’s going to be a holiday to remember.

With the sun shining year-round and high temperatures, you can pack your bag with your most beautiful swimsuits your favorite summer dresses, and clothes. Beachwear is among the essential things. As most of your time would be spent in water sports, a bathing suit or swimsuit is necessary. Leave winter clothes and worries at home! The Maldives is a Muslim country; while bathing suits and summer clothing are tolerated on the major resort islands, you need to cover up if you’re staying at a local-owned guesthouse or resort. The Maldives also has its own limitations, which you should be aware of before traveling. Nudity (like topless sunbathing) is against the law.

How to Dress in the Maldives?

You may already know that the Maldives is one of the most photogenic destinations in the world. I advise you to think in advance about what you are going to wear for your special vacation in the Maldives ! Here’s a handy rundown of what are the best outfits to wear in the Maldives for different occasions and to respect the local customs.

Packing List for the Maldives:

No matter how long your trip to the Maldives is, these things are a must to pack:

• Swimwear and Beach cover ups
• Flip fLops and Sandals
• Summer Dresses
• T shirts and Shorts
• Evening Wear

Now let’s look at some outfits. Here at Outfit Trends, we have rounded up 20 gorgeous outfits, showing you how you can rock the vacation look. Keep reading for our breakdown of different styles that look best when traveling to resort locations. Be sure to let us know your favorite look in the comments below. Let’s get started!

20 – Brunch Ready

Florals look stunning especially when you are on vacation on an island. This peach and pastel blue floral maxi dress is the perfect one for a nice semi-formal look. You can wear heels or sandals with this dress, whichever one you are more comfortable in. Don’t forget to wear some jewelry with this look as it will add to the beauty of this dress. You can never go wrong with bright-colored accessories. Loving the pop of yellow in this whole look. Don’t forget to put on your favorite shades for a cool look! Here are some more of my favorite brunch outfits that you can take inspiration from.

19 – Romantic Evenings

The Maldives is the perfect destination for honeymooners and couples in love. Surprise your loved one with a romantic date night on the beach when you stay in the Maldives. The whole view and their outfits look magical. The girl has opted for an off-shoulder maxi dress with open hair. The guy opted for a basic look with a white teen and faded shorts. How effortlessly beautiful do they look? Here are some more honeymoon outfits for her and honeymoon outfits for him.

18 – Maldives Yacht Party Outfit

Yellow is the new black when it comes to beach outfits and yacht parties. This yellow beach mini dress look is a perfect look for you. A nice straw bag and classic pair of beach flip flops can enhance your look even more. Moreover, you can wear light accessories to glam this lookup.

Yellow Mini Dress $27.99

17 – Matching Set Goals

This floral skirt set is super cute. You will not regret wearing this outfit. It is summery and eye-catching. This outfit will keep you comfortable by the pool and the beach. You can wear sandals with this outfit to stay comfortable or pair them with heels if you want to spice up your outfit.

16 – Striped set

This blue and white stripe wide-leg palazzo pant is one piece of clothing you’ll never regret buying. If you don’t want to expose your body much, this is the right look for you. You can wear a pair of stylish sandals and sunglasses to make this look more fun and also carry a nice beach bag as a cherry on top. Can’t get over how beautiful this outfit looks.

15 – Rocking Slit

Slit dresses are a sensation when it comes to beachwear. This tropical slit dress look is the minimalist option and is yet able to pull off an elegant style. You can style this white slit open skirt with an all-black swimsuit. You can wear heels with this outfit if you have to wear it to a beach party or birthday otherwise you can keep it casual with some slippers or sandals. Some tinted shades will make this outfit even cooler. Lastly, don’t forget to rock some chunky chains because they will add some spice to your outfit.

14 – Beach Party Look

This outfit seems ideal for any beach party. Flats are a great choice to wear with shorts and a classic crop tube top. You can tie your hair in a simple bun or leave them open. The look is neither too casual nor too formal, making it perfect. A necklace and sunglasses are all the accessories she needs to complete the sassy look.

13 – Gorgeous Whites

Nothing beats a classic, a white swimsuit is just that. White is one of those colors that will look good no matter what.  You do not want to miss this outfit! Grab and make it yours because it will look amazing. It is super sexy. You should try wearing gladiator sandals because they will really bring out the sexiness of this outfit. You can tie your hair up in a bun to show off the stunning print on the blouse also.

12 – Diva Look

This exquisite dress seems like the perfect outfit for a vacation at a place like the Maldives. This outfit is sexy and chic both at the same time. There is no way you could go wrong with this outfit. You can pair a straw hat with this dress to complete the look. White sandals would go perfectly well with this outfit. You can wear this outfit to a beach party or just to chill by the beach.

11 – Classy and Modest

Dressing to the beach as a hijabi can be kind of hard, especially when you like swimming in the ocean. Combine trends with modesty in a few simple ways to create some effortless and fun looks. How breezy and stylish is this wrap dress that has been paired with the trendy sandals? Beige is the perfect color to accessorize with. The chunky jewelry, Hijab, and heels all look super great together.

10 – Printed Shorts Look

A pair of cool shorts can completely change your outfit. This outfit seems super simple but the shorts have a floral print on them and are colorful so they have completely changed the look of this fit. The white top goes perfectly well with these shorts. This outfit won’t take a lot of effort so if you are somebody that doesn’t like putting a lot of effort into their outfits but still want to look good, then you should try this outfit. A sunhat and sunglasses are a must for a resort vacation!

9 – Lavender Affair

The oh-so-famous floating breakfast check. One of the specialties of visiting the Maldives. It is a classic look you can carry every time at the beach or pool and slay the day. This printed floral swimsuit look is the sexiest look ever among all the options. You can choose from the variety of colors and patterns available in the market to suit your personal style. you can add that glam by wearing a delicate anklet and a matching headscarf.

8 – Fun Beach Look

7 – Crochet Coverups

Crochet coverups like this are ones we don’t mind buying no matter the price. This nude one is gorgeous. The popping blue colored bikini makes it look even sexier. You are definitely going to get tons of compliments on this outfit if you decide to wear it. This simple beach look is gonna be your ultimate favorite during your vacations.

crochet beach coverup for $16.99

6 – Watermelon sugar

This look will surely be a head-turner for you, as this gorgeous dress gives you the liberty to move around freely with that unique sense of style. It is so fresh and vibrant that u look classy. Its fresh and cool color enhances your beauty and saves you from burning under the scorching sun. Style it, the way you want. For the pop of color wear statement heels and sunglasses or just play it simple with no accessories. So, what are you waiting for? give your wardrobe a treat by adding this dress to your collection.

5 – Gorgeous Greens

Eat your greens but don’t forget to wear them too! Just love everything about this look. This is the ultimate diva look you can pull off to your fancy beach party. The hair, the makeup, the jewelry, and the outfit everything are so on point. If you are a party girl and like to be upbeat in fashion also this is the right kind of dress for you.

4 – Couple Goals

This tiger print outfit looks perfect on this couple. The striped print mini dress looks super hot at a beach. It’s very comfortable to hang out in a mini skirt. You can complete your look with open hair and wear black glasses. The guy also looks hot in shorts. His matching top with his partner gives a sweet and lovely vibe as a couple of goals. Here are some of the trendiest animal prints that you need to try this year.

3 – Sunny Day

Soak in the beautiful view looking your best in this outfit. Pair your nude pants with this funky yellow top. This outfit is really cool and makes you comfortable to enjoy the day. You can accessorize yourself with matching earrings and bracelets to complete your look. You can style yourself with open hair and wear your favorite glasses.

Yellow square neck top for $13.99

Nude Pants for $19.99

2 – Polka dots

Nothing beats cycling around Maldives islands with these beautiful palm trees and the clear blue sea on this sunny day. Minis are your best friends in summer. This mini polka dot dress is perfect for a hot day on the beach. You can always wear them on your vacations to Maldives beach and enjoy a long walk.

Polka Dot Floral Mini Dress for $22.99

1 – Pastel Pink

This Pink outfit look is a kind of special look for pink lovers. Wear this gorgeous and elegant outfit on a day at the beach and add a pair of sunglasses and statement jewelry pieces and you are ready to slay the day. Tie your hair up in a ponytail to show off the stunning neckline on the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what clothes should i take to the maldives.

The Maldives is a tropical country so you should pack some shorts . You really have to have them on hand or else, when the sun goes down and you’re still in the middle of that tropical heat, it doesn’t feel very pleasant. Have a bikini on hand if you don’t wear one every day too. In terms of other clothes I would recommend some light clothing because for me even with sunscreen (and lotion) it can get pretty hot in this season down there – which is why shorts are handy!

Q. What all should be included in my list while I pack for the Maldives?

You don’t need much! few shorts and T-shirts swimsuit, slippers, rash guard for snorkeling, snorkeling equipment, some books, a bit of music, sunblock, sunglasses ad that’s it! If you to some luxury resort you can eventually pack some fancy clothes for diner time.

Q. What are the do’s and dont’s in the Maldives?

• Don’t. Be out late in Malé City.
• Dont Touch pink corals. The local environment is very delicate in the Maldives, so do your part to help life thrive!
• Do. Dress modestly on inhabited islands.
• Check out reef locations in proximity to your resort.

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Must-Haves for the Maldives: The Ultimate Packing Guide

So you’re heading to the Maldives, hey? Lucky you! The Maldives are regularly voted the best holiday destination in the world, and are one of the most famous honeymoon hotspots around – so you made a pretty good choice. You’ve probably carefully chosen your Maldives resort, booked your flights (and maybe that seaplane ride too), have Googled the weather on a daily basis, and now there is nothing left to do but pack.

Packing for the Maldives should be taken seriously, after all, you’ll most likely be staying on a very remote island where it can be tough to pick up replacements should you leave your favourite pair of sandals at home or forget to bring the GoPro. But fear not, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to packing for you vacation in the Maldives, so you can rest assured that nothing will be left behind.

Casual and Chic Clothing

The Maldives enjoy a lovely, warm climate all year round, with balmy evenings, and some scorching days. For this reason, it’s wise to pack a range of loose, cooling and light garments that you can convert from day to night. Think gorgeous white kaftans, sleek sarongs and oversized tees that you can wear to the beach or jazz-up with some accessories for a glam night. There will be lots of swimming and lounging by the pool, so bring a nice selection of your favourite bikinis, as well as cover ups and tropical playsuits for some serious chill time. Gymwear is a good idea as most resorts have a fully stocked fitness centre, as well as a range of classes, such as yoga, on offer. Note, these classes can often be held outside in open-air pavilions, so you may want to opt for shorts and a crop top as opposed to long yoga pants and sleeved tops that you may wear back home.

Dinners can be dressy, so bring some flowing maxi dresses, or even an island-chic cocktail dress or two for when you really want to go all out. As for shoes, many resorts have a ‘no shoes, no news’ policy’. That means that you can take your shoes off from the second you step off the seaplane, and don’t have to put them on again until you leave. Other resorts will require footwear in the restaurants, so make sure that you double check before you leave. Forget about most pairs of heels, as they will most likely get damaged by the sand or stuck in the gaps in the wooden jetty. If you can’t live without heels on your vacation, then opt for a pair of wedges.

Men have it a little easier; Think crisp white cotton tees, and a range of swim shorts, and perhaps some smart, logger pants for the evenings (just make sure that they are cool and breathable). A light sweater or two is always a good idea in case you get a slightly cool breeze one night.

If you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling or water based activities then a rash vest is a very good idea indeed. It will help to protect you from the rays of the sun, and prevent some nasty sunburn. Choose one with very high sun protection and you will be good to go.

If your vacation includes a visit to one of the local Island then it’s worth noting that you should dress modestly when wandering around these areas. It’s advised that you were very conservative clothing and cover up most of your body.

All About the Accessories

A savvy packer knows it’s all about the accessories, particularly when at an exclusive island resort in the Maldives. Pack wisely and you will be able to transform those daytime outfits into nighttime beauties with just a few accessories and a dash of lipstick. Ladies pack your favorite statement pieces like dangling earrings, bejeweled necklaces, grecian arm cuffs, and cute anklets. Also stock up on hair accessories. Sometimes, hair can get a little wild in the humidity, so pack some cute hair clips or hair bands to disguise unruly locks. These accessories will all come in handy and you can have a little fun dressing up on your paradise island.

And let’s not forget the sunnies. We suggest bringing a couple of pairs, just in case you sit on one or they happen to go missing or get dropped in the ocean while on a boat trip (it happens). Make sure that they have a high UV protection rating. Hats are fabulous and will add to your resort-chic look while also protecting your face from the sun. Leave your watch at home, you will be running on island time!

Find your perfect island resort here. 

Thoughtful Toiletries

When it comes to packing your toiletries it always pays to be eco-conscious with what to bring. The Maldives have a very delicate ecosystem which can be heavily damaged by chemicals from the products that you are using. So, if possible, always choose to take natural products which are green and eco-friendly. There are a whole range of wonderful companies that offer plant-based products – check out Weleda and Neal’s yard for some ideas. So if you can, try and take natural shampoos and conditioners.

The same applies for sunscreen: you will need to bring some high-quality sunscreen, but did you know that traditional sun cream full of chemicals that leave a toxic layer on the ocean that can affect marine life. Hawaii has actually become the first US state to ban sun cream which contains two chemicals that’s a particularly well-known for harming the ocean. So do a little research and choose to invest in a natural sunscreen that offers protection as well as a blend of natural ingredients that wouldn’t be dumping chemicals in the sea.

Also, you may need to bring some insects repellent with you. The same applies all mosquito repellent as sun cream – ditch the Deet-Laden version and go for a more natural product. Your skin and the environment will thank you for it. A good option to choose is DoTerra Terrashield, which is a blend of natural essential oils that smells great and works well.

Coconut oil is always a great thing to bring you with you just because it is so versatile. You can use it to smooth down flyaway hair, you can use it as a body lotion a moisturizer, and it even helps to nourish your nails. Regular coconut oil application after you get home will also help to prolong your tan.

Gadgets and Gizmos

The Maldives beside visually stunning that you may want to take the proper gear to capture it with. Of course smartphones will do the trick. But you if you have any sort of camera, you’ll be sure to be putting it to use while on your Paradise vacation. A DSLR camera is a great option, and there’s no better place than the Maldives to test out your photography skills. GoPros will also get much use, and they are fantastic for taking on snorkeling and diving trips. Make sure that you bring with you an adapter to plug in your electronics. T he electricity supply in the Maldives is 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC. The standard socket is the UK-style three-pin, although there are some variations, so an international adaptor can be useful.

Almost all of the resorts will have some form of watersports center where you can hire snorkels, flippers and other sea-related equipment to explore the ocean with.

For the Journey

Chances are you will probably be traveling for quite some time in order to get to the Maldives. First you’ll have to fly to the Maldives International Airport and then take a seaplane or ferry to get to your resort. So it’s a wise idea to make sure you are well prepared for the long-haul travel. Take a few snacks with you that you can take on the plane like dried fruits and nuts, bring a couple of books or magazines and stock-up your phone with new music, podcasts, audiobooks and the likes.

You will have a lot of time to rest, relax and even reflect at your stunning hotel on the island, so you may want to bring along a journal. Quite often, time on the islands away from the madness and business of everyday life can gift you with insights and inspiration. So a journal or notebook is a lovely way to capture ideas on paper and review when you get back home. It always pays to be prepared with your travel documents when you go away. So take a plastic wallet and fill it with your itinerary including flights, sea plane tickets if you have them, and use it to store your passport and other documents. Make sure you have your travel insurance sorted too, and store a printed version with contact details in your wallet too.

What Not to Pack for the Maldives

It’s worth mentioning that it’s illegal to bring any sort of alcohol into the Maldives. They do actually have a special area in arrivals where they will scan your luggage to check that you are not bringing any in with you. Don’t worry though, if you’re staying in a big resort, they will most likely have a huge selection of alcoholic drinks to choose from including fine wine, champagnes, and local and international spirits. It’s also actually illegal to bring any items that are considered to be contrary to Islam, including like other religious texts such as the Bible, as well as any pork products, so be mindful of this when you are packing for your trip.

Another thing to think about is the weight of your luggage, so always double-check and see what limits you have. Normally you will only be allowed to take up to 20 or 25 kilos of luggage because the seaplanes have a low late weight limit. This can be changed, but you may be required to let them know in advance and often pay a high fee for the privilege. If you’re traveling by speedboat then often these weight restrictions on your luggage will not apply.

Shopping in the Maldives

Shopping options are probably going to be limited when you arrive on your resort, but this does depend on where you stay. Some of the bigger and more luxurious resorts, such as the One and Only Reethi Rah do have a number of shopping options, including designer boutiques which are filled with all sorts of high-end clothes shoes and accessories with high-end price tags.

Most resorts also have some form of convenience store where you can pick up items such as toiletries, sun cream and basic medicines (headache tablets etc) should you need them. However, just be prepared to pay sky high rates for items as import rates are incredibly high in the Maldives, and of course all items have to be shipped in, so it’s always wise to double-check you have everything you need before you leave.

If you remember that you have forgotten to pack something while on your plane on the way there, then you may be able to pick something up from  Velena International Aiport when you land. There are a few simple stores located within Male International Airport. If you’re planning on staying on the main island in male for a night, then there are also a few shopping options to be had including cute bazaars, markets and an area called t he Majeedhee Magu  where you can pick up handcrafted souvenirs and clothing.

Follow these suggestions and you’ll be be packing like a pro in no time. Take a decent selection of clothes, accessories, toiletries, your electronic items and a good book or two and you’ll be all set to go. If you need more info for your trip, check our some of our other article such as ‘ Things to do in the Maldives at Night  as well as Insider Tips for Honeymooners . Wishing you the most incredible time!

Inspired by this article to pack up and go? Click here to find the perfect hotel in the Maldives. 

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Maldives Packing List: 29 Essentials for a Perfect Maldives Vacation

By Author Disha Smith

Posted on Published: February 12, 2022  - Last updated: April 21, 2022

Categories Asia , Destination Tips , Packing Lists , Travel Tips

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The Ultimate Packing List for the Maldives

The Maldives, here you come! You booked your flights and found the perfect place to stay. But, have you thought about what to add to your  Maldives packing list?

If you’re anything like me, the allure of crystal clear water and white sand beaches is too strong to resist. And, the Maldives is one of the most beautiful islands in Asia and the world!

I can’t wait for you to dive into the gorgeous waters and explore everything the Maldives offers.

With my Maldives packing list, you’ll be ready for anything – from snorkeling and swimming to sunbathing and strolling along the beach.

So, what are you waiting for? Start packing for the trip of a lifetime! 

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust.   This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.   See full disclosure here.

Maldives Packing List: Clothing and Accessories

When packing for the Maldives, it’s essential to consider both the climate and the activities you plan on participating in.

The Maldives is a tropical country, so it’s best to pack light, comfortable, and breathable clothing.

It’s also important to bring along accessories that will protect you from the sun and sand. After all, you don’t want to ruin the experience with a sunburn or an itchy back.

Here are my top recommendations for clothing and accessories for a packing list for the Maldives.

A sunhat belongs on every Maldives packing list!

A sunhat is a must-pack item for any Maldives packing list.

The Maldives is a tropical country, so the sun is intense year-round. You’ll want to protect your face and head from the sun’s harmful rays.

I recommend packing a sunhat with a wide brim to provide maximum coverage. You can also look for hats made with UV protection to keep your skin safe from the sun.

• Sandals/Flip-Flops

You’ll probably spend a lot of time walking along the beach and hanging out outside. Pack footwear that won’t weigh you down and allow your feet to breathe.

I recommend packing two pairs of sandals – one for walking around the resort and another pair to wear with your dinner outfits .

You should also pack a pair of flip-flops for when you’re beachside. That way, you won’t get your adorable sandals sandy and messy.

Pro Tip:  Buy a cheap pair because you’ll only wear them a few hours of the day, and you can toss them before you head back home.

Polarized sunglasses are an essential item on a Maldives packing list.

A Maldives packing list isn’t complete without a pair of sunglasses . The Maldives is located near the equator, so the sun is stronger here.

Pack a pair of high-quality sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and save yourself from squinting all day.

Pro Tip: Polarized glasses will be perfect for the Maldives since they block the glare and block the sun’s harsh rays.

• Rain Jacket

Depending on when you visit, you might need a rain jacket . If you visit during the rainy season, you’ll want to bring one.

The Maldives receive higher rainfall from May to December because of wind patterns and cooler air temperatures.

But, don’t worry – I visited during the rainy season, and it only rained for a few minutes throughout the day. It was pretty nice because it cooled down a bit.

You’ll also be fine if you decide not to pack one because your resort will probably have umbrellas. The rain jacket will be helpful for when you’re biking around the island in the rain.

Buy a cute swimsuit for your Maldives packing list so you can take beautiful photos on the beach!

Your Maldives packing list should include a swimsuit appropriate for your resort’s dress code.

If you’re staying in a resort on a private island, you probably won’t have any restrictions on what kinds of swimsuits you can wear (within reason, of course).

However, if you’re staying on the main island of Male, you’ll want to pack more modest swimwear .

The Maldives is a Muslim country, so you’ll need to dress conservatively on the mainland.

One-piece bathing suits are more comfortable for water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, while bikinis are perfect for sunbathing.

I recommend bringing at least two pairs of swimsuits including a white swimsuit and a bright-colored suit because they’ll contrast beautifully against the turquoise waters.

• Swimsuit Coverups

In addition to swimsuits, you’ll also want to pack lightweight and comfortable coverups for when you’re not swimming or sunbathing.

I especially used my cover up when I jumped out of the ocean to grab lunch. I didn’t have to walk all the way back to my overwater bungalow to change, and I was able to walk around comfortably.

Aim for a lightweight, breezy, and stylish cover up!

• Sundresses/Rompers

A sundress like this is perfect to wear in the Maldives.

Your getaway to the Maldives wouldn’t be complete without a few sundresses and rompers .

Sundresses and rompers are perfect for wearing to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and around the resort. They’re also great for activities like island hopping and exploring.

Your resort will probably have a few casual restaurants and a couple of more upscale ones.

If you’re having dinner at an upscale restaurant, you’ll want to be dressed appropriately.

This is where maxi dresses come in handy. They look elegant and pair perfectly with sandals.

The best part is that you’ll be dressed for the part while being comfortable.

In addition to sundresses and rompers, you’ll also want some shorts to throw on.

Shorts are perfect for lounging at the beach or poolside, boat activities, and strolls around the resort.

They’re also great for biking around your resort and pack at least one pair.

• T-Shirts/Tank Tops

Tank tops and shorts make for a cute and casual outfit.

You may want to add a few t-shirts and tank tops to your Maldives packing list if you’re a tomboy like me.

Shorts and t-shirts are my favorite outfits to wear during the day on a tropical vacation when I’m not swimming.

Plus, they’re suitable for various activities you have planned and will keep you cool and comfortable.

You can even pack a nice blouse and wear it with jean shorts for an effortless and cute look.

Clothing for Male (the Capital City)

You’ll fly into the Male airport on Hulhule Island no matter where your resort is. From there, you’ll either take a seaplane or ferry to your island resort or to the local island of Male.

The Maldives isn’t an overly conservative country – but it’s important to respect their culture and traditions.

That said, you’ll need to dress conservatively when you arrive at the airport in the Maldives and around Male as well.

A long, flowy skirt or dress and a blouse with short sleeves and covers your stomach was my go to and will be perfect to wear before you arrive at your resort.

Picturesque overwater villas in the Maldives.

Maldives Packing List: The Basics

In addition to vacation clothes and accessories, you’ll also want to pack the basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.

I’m not adding super basic items to this list like toothbrushes and body wash.

This part is more about essentials you don’t typically think about when packing for a tropical trip.

Sunscreen is an essential item to pack for any beach destination, but it’s imperative when going to the Maldives.

The Maldives has a tropical climate, and the weather is hot and humid year-round, so you’ll need sunscreen to protect your skin from getting burned.

Please pack reef-safe sunscreen! The Maldives is home to beautiful coral reefs, and non-reef-safe sunscreen will expose the reefs to harmful chemicals and hurt them.

Don’t forget to pack a suntan lotion with bronzer if you want to go home with glowing, sun-kissed skin.

Pro Tip: The sun rays can still be strong on cloudy days, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen.

Underwater Camera

You’ll want to take photos of the beautiful underwater life!

The Maldives has gorgeous turquoise waters with vivid underwater life, and you’re going to want a quality underwater camera to take pictures of it all!

Many great underwater cameras will take amazing pictures and videos, like the GoPro HERO10 or the Nikon COOLPIX W300 16MP 4k Ultra HD Waterproof Digital Camera

Don’t forget to put a drone on your Maldives packing list so you can take aerial photos like this one!

The Maldives has some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen, and I recommend packing a drone to capture the beauty from above.

But, there are several rules and regulations you need to be aware of.

For example, you have to get approval from the Maldives National Defense Force and a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority before using your drone.

In addition, you’ll also need to double check with your hotel to see if they have a no drone policy.

For more information about drone usage and to apply for your permit, check out the  Maldives CAA website .

Many resorts will have dry bags for you to use. If they don’t, you’ll want to bring one.

A dry bag is perfect for storing your camera, drone, and other electronics while swimming and snorkeling.

It’ll also be helpful if you make any boat trips to nearby local islands and other beaches.

If your hotel offers a dry bag, the odds are that they’ll probably provide you with a wet bag.

A wet bag is great for storing your swimsuit, towel, and other water or sand-covered items after you’ve used them.

It’s also good for keeping dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes.

• Snorkeling Gear

You’ll see so many cool fish while you’re snorkeling.

This is another item that most luxury resorts provide, so check with them beforehand.

If you want to explore the turquoise sea and its marine life, it’s a great idea to bring your own snorkeling equipment if it’s not provided.

Some of the marine life you’ll see is a variety of sharks, manta rays, parrotfish, seahorses, dolphins, and much more!

• Water Bottle

Another thing most resorts will typically provide is bottled water, and they want you to stay hydrated in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

If you’re taking day trips to neighboring local islands or staying in Male, you’ll want to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

A Good Book (Or Kindle)

Reading on the beach is a whole new level of relaxation.

All you’ll want to do in the Maldives is relax, snorkel and lay out on the perfect beach.

But, if you’re like me and you’re not into snorkeling too much (or you’re a total bookworm), it might be a little challenging to stay occupied.

So, why not bring a good book or your Kindle ? They’re light and easy to throw in your carry on bag.

• Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is something that everyone should have before going on their Maldivian vacation.

You never know when you might get sick or injured on your Maldives trip, and it will also cover you if your checked luggage gets lost or if there are travel delays.

Make sure you add travel insurance to your Maldives packing list because accidents happen!

The Maldives operates on 230 volts, so you’ll need to pack an adapter .

Some resorts might provide one if you ask or check beforehand, but it’s best to bring one yourself.

You’ll need one if you’re traveling from the United States.

The perfect beach bag for your Maldives packing list!

Again, most luxury resorts will provide you with a beach bag .

It’ll be perfect for carrying your sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other travel essentials to and from the water.

You can bring your own in case you don’t like the one they provide or you already have a stylish one.

Something you might not think about adding to your Maldives packing list is cash.

The number one reason to bring cash with you is to tip the hotel staff who work tirelessly to ensure you have an amazing time beach getaway.

You can tip with US Dollars because it’s considered legal tender in the Maldives. 

Make sure you bring small notes with you if they don’t have American change to give you.

It’s best to be proactive and pack whatever medicine you might need for your Maldives vacation in case you need it.

I recommend packing Ibuprofen and Pepto Bismol, though you probably won’t need the latter.

My husband actually came down with a cold when we were there, and I didn’t pack medicine. Ooops.

We had to call the doctor on-site (so thankful there was one!), and he had to give us medicine.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with prescription medication, you should always carry the original prescription(s) if the customs authorities ask for proof.

• Medical Kit

You don’t have to bring a dozen things in your medical kit, but you should at least bring bandaids and gauze.

If there is an emergency, you might have to get all the way to the main island if you’re staying at a private island.

A few of the things in your medical kit might hold you over until you get treated.

For example, you never know when someone may get stung by a jellyfish or if they encounter another potential injury while swimming or lounging at the beach.

Insect Repellent

The Maldives islands are notorious for having mosquitoes because of the number of plants that grow there.

It’s not a good feeling when you’re getting bitten by mosquitoes while trying to relax, so make sure you don’t forget the bug spray .

Paradise on Earth

If you end up getting burnt from the sun or you get stung by a jellyfish, it’ll be beneficial to apply some soothing aloe vera to the burned areas of the skin.

Your passport is the most essential Maldives packing list item you’ll need!

It might sound silly, but I’m surprised by how many people forget their passports at home because they’re so excited about packing clothes and other must-haves.

Pro Tip: Make sure your passport is updated with at least six months validity.

• Passport Copies

I NEVER travel without copies of my passport. If I lose my actual passport or it gets stolen, at least I have a copy of it.

Maldives Packing List Helpful Tips

Now that we’ve covered what to pack for Maldives, let’s go over some helpful packing tips.

• If you’re going to be using a seaplane, be mindful of the luggage weight limits. Typically, you can have 5 kg of hand luggage and 20 kg of checked baggage. You’ll have to pay an extra cost per kilogram if you go over, and it can be pretty pricey. Save money on baggage fees by packing light and use it on experiences during your trip instead.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. Start a few days before you leave so you can add items that you may have forgotten or remove things that you won’t need.
• Save room in your luggage so you can bring home some souvenirs.

The biggest packing list for the Maldives tip is to be mindful of how much your luggage weighs. This is the size of standard seaplanes in the Maldives.

What Not to Pack for the Maldives

There are a few items that you shouldn’t bring on your trip, including:

• Alcohol: Remember that the Maldives is an Islamic country, and alcohol is prohibited.
• Pork products: Bringing items with pork products is strictly banned since the locals are Muslim.
• Heels: You’ll mostly be walking on sand, so heels aren’t needed.
• Too much makeup: Just pack a few basic make up items. The humidity will make your makeup run.
• Hairdryer and hair straightener: The hotel room will probably have a blowdryer, and it’s near impossible to have a great hair day because of the humidity.
• Warm clothes: You definitely won’t need warm clothing on your trip since you’re going to a tropical destination.

What to Pack for the Maldives Checklist

Here’s this Maldives packing list in a nutshell:

• Clothing for Male
• Underwater camera
• Book/Kindle
• Inspect Repellent

Quick Facts About the Maldives  

• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
• Language: Dhivehi
• Best time to visit: November through April (great weather = high season)
• Where to stay: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

St. Regis in the Maldives (where I stayed)

Final Thoughts About This Maldives Packing List

Packing for the Maldives can be stressful, but you won’t have to worry because you have this handy dandy guide.

Now that you know exactly what to pack for Maldives, it’s time to get going on your exciting trip!

What are you most excited to do in the Maldives? Let me know in the comments below!

Maldives Packing List Related Posts

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• Long Haul Flight Essentials: 28 Things You Must Pack in Your Carry On

What to Pack for the Maldives for a Dreamy Tropical Getaway

Disha Smith is the founder of Disha Discovers. She quit her job in 2017 to travel the world to explore new cultures and experience new adventures. She has since been to 95+ countries and counting and has lived in South Africa, Thailand, Croatia, and Australia. She has done all kinds of travel ranging from luxury to budget backpacking, and her mission is to inspire others to discover their own sense of adventure and to help them plan a life full of meaningful experiences through travel.

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• What To Wear In The Maldives While Holidaying On Your Next Trip

23 Mar 2023

The Maldives has emerged as one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world and purveyed awe-inspiring ways of holidays. From enthralling water sports to unmatchable seclusions, this tropical paradise serves as an escape for nature lovers. When it’s your perfect beach vacation, you certainly want to be dressed in the best manner and avoid missing out on any essentials! If you are looking for what to wear in the Maldives and planning an ultimate checklist for your upcoming vacation, continue reading.

Understanding Weather

Before setting up your suitcases and backpacks, it is important to understand the weather in the Maldives. The weather remains warm throughout the year and January is the coldest month with the temperature dipping down to 81°F. The hottest month is March with an average temperature of 84°F.

As the equator runs straight through the islands of the Maldives, the region experiences summer all year long. September to December are the rainy months. The least possibility of rain is between January and April.

A Detailed Post-Covid 19 Travel Guide To Maldives: Your One-Stop Solution On How To Break The Monotony

What to Wear in the Maldives

When you are setting up your bag for the Maldives, one thing that you must keep in mind is to carry light. Make sure that your attire is decent and avoid planning to visit a beach topless. The temperature almost remains constant throughout the day, so you can prefer natural and breathable fabrics, especially silk, linen or cotton. You may feel uncomfortable with synthetic fabrics.

If you are planning to spend leisure time by the beach and relaxing getaways then pack at least two pairs of yoga pants.

Clothing Suggestions for Women

• You can prefer wearing tropical dresses and pair them with a piece of elegant jewellery or accessories.
• Do carry a sarong to add a blend of ‘glam’ whenever required. You would also need it while you are in your bathing suit to cover your shoulders in the sun or going to the changing rooms etc.
• To add a perfect pinch to your Maldives holiday, carry 1 or 2 bathing suits, depending upon the duration of your trip.

Maldives In December 2022: A Guide To Explore This Tropical Paradise, The Way You Want To!

Clothing tips for men

• You can prefer hopping on some pair of cool t-shirts and shorts. You can also rely on cotton pants, cargo, track pants, etc.
• For men, it’s easy to get by with two pairs of swim trunks for the whole trip!

Shoes to pack for the Maldives

Knowing the preferred footwear is an important element while understanding what to wear in the Maldives. There are numerous islands in the Maldives that are entirely ‘shoe-free zones. So, you need to specifically check your itinerary before packing your footwear. However, if the sand is coral, you will require flip-flops.

If you have plans to go paddling, swimming or snorkelling, do pack your dive shoes or something similar, as the coral might hurt your feet.

Sandals are another possibility for those planning to stroll by the beaches with their special ones. Do opt for water-resistant sandals and pair them with your casual look.

Our Honeymoon At Hurawalhi Maldives Was All About Underwater Dining & Romantic Sunsets

Maldives Travel Essentials

The following are the travel essentials that you must know before training in the Maldives:

• You should not drink or even brush your teeth with tap water. Always prefer buying filtered water bottles.
• Apart from your main bag, do carry a backpack or beach bag that is big enough to carry your daytime essentials.
• Pack your travel adapter plug for the electrical gadgets that you are carrying.
• You can buy wood carvings that are locally made as a memory of your trip to the Maldives.
• The temperature remains relatively high during the day, so it is essential to carry a very high factor of sunscreen.
• A sun hat, insect/mosquito repellent, sunglasses, etc. are other essential items that must not be missed while travelling to the Maldives.

Now, that you know what to wear in the Maldives, it’s time for you to pack your bags for an enthralling vacation! You can also plan your holiday to the Maldives with TravelTriangle and experience the best escapes of this tropical paradise residing in the Indian Ocean.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions about What to Wear in the Maldives

What is the best time to visit the Maldives?

The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. The climate is warm with the average temperature ranging between 29°C to 31°C throughout the year and average lows rarely falling below 24°C. January to April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts.

Is it safe to visit the Maldives during Covid?

Make sure that you have completed both doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.

What shall I wear in the Maldives?

Carry light clothes, and you can wear T-shirts and short-sleeved cotton shirts, and occasionally vest tops, which on some islands are seen as inappropriate for the evening. Ladies can prefer wearing everything from smart shorts and T-shirts to long floaty dresses, skirts or trousers.

What are the best places to visit in the Maldives?

Malé Atoll, Sun Island, Banana Reef, Alimatha Island, Artificial Beach, HP Reef, Fihalhohi Island, Utheemu Ganduvaru, Biyadhoo Island, Veligandu Island Beach, Baros Island, Emboodhu Finolhu Island, etc. are the best tourist attractions in the Maldives.

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What to Wear in Maldives

Maldives style tips.

• When choosing what to wear in the Maldives the basic rule of thumb is relaxed dress, although the islands vary slightly.
• Modesty is expected and nudity – including females going topless – is an absolute no-no, so be conservative and you won't offend.
• The temperature doesn't drop very much at night so take your lightest weight clothes in natural, breathable fabrics such as silk, linen or cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they are just too uncomfortable in the heat.
• Many of the islands are booked on an all-inclusive basis so your laundry will be done for you as standard, meaning that you can pack very light.
• Temperatures absolutely soar during the day, so it is essential that you take a very high factor sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) to be safe.
• Don't forget a wide-brimmed sunhat, insect/mosquito repellent and good quality sunglasses too.

Shoes to pack for the Maldives

• Many of the islands are entirely ‘ shoe free zones' , so your bag can be very small.
• Having said that do check your island because if the sand is coral you will need flip flops , and they are much cheaper to bring with you. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
• For paddling, swimming or snorkeling pack dive shoes or similar, as the coral will hurt your feet.

Clothing tips for women

•  A few well-chosen pieces of costume jewelry or accessories will transform any outfit.
• And a pashmina or sarong is a versatile piece that will add a bit of ‘glam' when you need it, cover your shoulders in the sun, or keep off a chill from air conditioning.

Clothing tips for men

• Check out our Men's Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe for a complete packing list for your Maldives vacation.
• If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear , try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.

Pack for the weather

• Temperatures remain constant at around 30c all year round
• May, June, July, August, September and October is the rainy season but you do still get lots of sunshine and August and September are the best times to see manta rays
• November, December, January, February, March and April being the driest period is high season for European visitors.
• We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Maldives travel essentials

• Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle .
• Combine your main bag with a backpack or beach bag that will carry your daytime essentials .
• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug , and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V) .
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Lacquer works and wood carvings are good buys, but make sure they are locally made and not cheap imports.

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What To Wear In Maldives: Our Maldives Packing List And What To Pack For Maldives

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on August 31, 2023

Categories Maldives

What to wear in Maldives and our Maldives packing list. Maldives is one of the places in the world that jumps in the minds of people when they hear about luxurious and relaxing vacation? It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, that we have been very grateful to travel and come back to a few times and witness its amazing beauty – both local islands and some of its luxury resorts.

Today, we write about a complete Maldives packing list and what to pack for Maldives . The right time to travel and how to enjoy a trip in the Maldives depending on what time of the year you are planning to visit the islands. If you are headed on a holiday to Maldives , packing smart is something that we love to share. So here’s the post for you what to wear in Maldives. Read here Maldives travel tips and floating breakfast in Maldives

Read here  Maldives tourist sim card ,  Maldives itinerary , Maldives food  and 5  Local islands  in Maldives

Read here reviews of luxury resorts  Kuramathi Island  and  Park Hyatt Hadahaa !

Read here travel guide of local islands in Maldives:  Dhiffushi ,  Thulusdhoo ,  Maafushi ,  Gulhi Island ,  Male ,  Hulhumale  and  Omadhoo Island .

Table of Contents

MALDIVES PACKING LIST (WHAT TO PACK FOR THE MALDIVES)

Let’s look at the weather details of our Maldives packing list and what to wear in Maldives.

WEATHER FOR MALDIVES AND BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT

Packing for a Maldives holiday is probably one of the most exciting packing plans you could ever do. Maldives is one of those places at least you dream visiting once in your life, something you see in commercials as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Luckily enough, by the time of writing this article, we’ve done quite a few packing for Maldives because we’ve visited it at least once a year. We do a mix of local island travel and luxury resort travel when we are in the Maldives. If you can do both, we entice you to do it this way too.

Weather wise, to properly enjoy a Maldivian holiday, the best time to visit is between the months of November and April. This is the time in Maldives when the weather / climate is warm and tropical. Average temperature is between 29 to 32 degrees Celsius. The average low doesn’t go below 24 degrees Celsius very often during these months. Click here to know more about the weather in Maldives!

For the driest months in the Maldives , with very little rain and low humidity, this will be during the months of January to April. This is the peak season in the Maldives resorts. Expect to pay premium prices during this season. If you want to cut back on these prices, choose to travel outside the peak season, usually from May to December.

Rain does happen usually during these months, and there sometimes is a risk of storms, however there is also a considerable amount of sunshine during the day that you’ll still be able to enjoy really good days in the Maldives with a little bit cut on the prices. Check for price offers in the Maldives during off season.

Click here to know when is the  best time to visit Maldives !

WHAT TO WEAR IN THE MALDIVES LOCAL ISLANDS: CASUAL CLOTHING AND RESORT WEAR

What do you actually wear when packing and visiting the Maldives? Now you’ll be surprised to hear that this will actually depend on where in the Maldives you want to go.

When we first planned to pack for the islands, we were surprised (or at least Rachel was) to realize that despite all the bikini commercials you might have seen for the Maldives, the Maldives is actually a Muslim country . That means locals do not really wear bikinis or drink alcohol.

However, most of the visuals in our minds about these beautiful islands is coming from the luxury resort commercials, which is why you don’t really see so much restrictions. Resorts have special licenses to sell alcohol in their islands, and you are of course allowed to wear your chosen swimming attire when you are in a resort.

Maldives has started to open its local islands to tourists, so hotels and small vacation houses and rentals have opened up in the local islands. A local island means that it is not a private island resort, and that there are locals living in the island.

In these places, there will be designated “bikini” beaches . These are the only areas in the local island in the Maldives that you will be allowed to wear a conventional swimming suit or a bikini.

When you are swimming in other beaches, and most especially when walking in the local part of the island where you are expected to meet locals, or walk around the residential areas and houses, you are expected to wear clothing that covers your body.

And this is a very important part of the Muslim community , and since you’ll be walking and expected to meet locals, you should be abiding to these rules.

SWIMWEAR IN THE MALDIVES PRIVATE AND LUXURY RESORTS AND ISLANDS

A good pair of sandals  or slippers will be enough for a travel packing for a trip to  Maldives. Now there are also other activities to do in the island, like golfing, hiking, walks and other sight seeing, so having extra pairs of going out clothes that are not exactly bikinis and coverups, but thin and comfortable enough for the hot sunny weather will sure come in handy.

Make sure not to overpack these, because  Maldives vibes will sure force you to stay lounging most of the time! However, if you’re expecting a few sit down dinners, or maybe hitting  a few clubs, or parties , you can pack extra shoes.

But make sure they are comfortable enough and know whether you’ll be walking on the sand with them, or just walking in the resort or clubs. We have our favorite foot wear that can double up as  underwater wear , so these might be good to have too!

WHAT TO WEAR IN MALDIVES: CLOTHES FOR ACTIVITIES

Now there are also other activities to do in the island, like  golfing, hiking, walks  and other sightseeing, so having extra pairs of going out clothes that are not exactly bikinis and coverups, but thin and comfortable enough for the hot sunny weather will sure come in handy. Make sure not to overpack these Maldivian vibes will sure force you to stay lounging most of the time!

SKIN PROTECTION FROM HEAT AND THE SUN

In addition to proper summer outfits and clothes, packing for protecting your skin will be imperative. A sunblock with protection for  UVA and UVB  (for the best brands, choose a sunblock with triple +++) is very important. You’ll have to re-apply your sunblock every 20-30 minutes, especially if you’ll be staying under the sun for a long time, so make sure you pack enough for your trip.

The sun will most likely affect your hair too, so best if you pack hair products and conditioners that will be good for protecting your hair.  For your makeup , make sure that you have the right sunscreen and foundation for your skin. Don’t forget your moisturizers and lotions, because skin can get dry pretty easy in this weather. If you choose to bring makeup in this trip, choose lip balms, lipsticks and chapsticks that are light colors or good for very sunny weather.

These will likely be lighter than darker. Just like your skin and body, your face will most likely  need to stay hydrated , so mist sprays can be very helpful to keep your face refreshed all day long.

If you have hair dye or hair color, make sure you bring the appropriate products or consult your stylist on what products to bring to prepare your hair for the weather!  Heat protectants  will be very important especially if you will use a lot of blow dryers or iron in the trip, or even just for extra lounging time under the sun!

WATER BOTTLES

Keep your body hydrated ! Instead of expecting to buy multiple water bottles for the duration of your trip, try to have a water bottle handy with you at all times so you can keep yourself hydrated and also be mindful of waste!

ACCESSORIES

What to wear in the Maldives  unless you’re looking to attend high end parties where it’s important to be bringing a lot of bling and jewelry, best to keep accessories at a minimum on your Maldives holiday. Most of what you’ll need will be sunglasses, and hats and caps to protect your face and to add to your outfit during your stay.

A day bag  will also be good to have, to bring with you on some activities on the island. In any trip, we suggest to keep your valuables – money, credit cards, passports, identification cards, and other valuables in secure containers to avoid any theft — a general rule for any travel.

BAGS, CONTAINERS, LUGGAGE

What to wear in  Maldives talking about  bags and luggage , depending on how long you’re planning to stay in Maldives, a small hand luggage or small suitcase should be enough. This, a day bag, packing cubes, and water proof protectors are all you’ll need.

What are packing cubes you say? One of the  biggest packing hack  that we swear by is dividing your luggage in packing cubes so you can go from packing to unpacking, to packing again in no time. Organization will be a breeze, and you will minimize stress when you’re trying to look for your things on a holiday.

Usually, what we do is have a bigger packing cube for clothes, and casual outer wear. A separate one for underwear and swimwear. A separate packing cube for gadgets and devices (make sure that these are actually in water proof containers), and a separate packing cube for  toiletries and makeup .

PRE-TRAVEL PREPARATION

Ahh, the struggles of  being a woman ! Now, there are definitely a lot of ways for you to prepare, but since you can expect that you’ll spend a lot of time in bikinis and short wears, have your waxing appointments ready before your trip. If you shave yourself, or you have your own shaving kits, make sure you bring these, with your creams to not have the stress later on during your trip.

You want to be  swim ready at any moment ! If you need some nail work done, brows, lashes, make sure you have these prepared too before your trip!

MEDICINE KITS AND OTHER EXTRAS

In addition to  sunblocks, lotions, moisturizers, heat protectants , and tanning products, emergency supplies will always come in handy. Have some mosquito repellent and bug spray ready, in case the places you’ll stay at have these in the cooler evenings and your clothes make you more exposed to them. Medicines, vitamins, and essentials are always good to have in any trips too.

WHAT TO PACK FOR MALDIVES IF YOU’RE A CONTENT CREATOR..

Water proof bags  are definitely a must. You may want to bring your phones and camera gear near the water, or even in the water during this trip, so bring the appropriate water proof day bags, and water proof cases for your gear. Even if you’re not a content creator, it is now very usual to bring your phones out with you in the water, so having protective cases and covers are a must!

Don’t forget your underwater or water proof cameras if you’re planning to do a lot of shooting in the water! A  snorkeling mask  is always a great idea to enjoy. Bring yours from home and you will have available all the time to see the underwater life in the Maldives.

Make sure you are bringing the British adapter with the 3 pin. A few places make it possible to fit your European/American adapter in the plug because they provide adapters. If you are coming from European/American countries, we recommend you to  bring an adapter  to be able to charge everywhere.

I´m bringing my  camera  and  phone  with their respective  chargers  and  powerbank

I´m bringing my  laptop  and charger and a universal  adaptor

I´m bringing my  passport , and  Travel Insurance   with Safetywing

OUR FAVORITE BACKPACK

The Nomatic Navigator backpack is designed for travelers and commuters and features multiple compartments and pockets for organization and storage. Navigator Travel Backpack has a laptop compartment and a built-in USB charging port. Read our Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack Review

PROTECTION FOR GADGETS AND FOR THEFT

Anti-theft bags, locks for luggage , keeping important numbers and identifications with you, and spare money are all necessities in any travel. It will always be in handy to have these ready with you when you travel, even in a holiday destination like Maldives.

INSURANCE AND GENERAL THINGS TO HAVE WHEN TRAVELING

Insurance is very important  to have when you travel. For us, if you’re traveling a lot in places that expose you to water, in a destination like the Maldives, having insurance for important gears is good too. Double check that you are protected the best way you can.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

BASICS AND TOILETRIES

Finally, making sure you are covered with the basic needs in our Maldives packing list like your  personal toiletries  are good to have when packing for a trip. When you are staying in high end resorts you will most likely have the best toiletries available, but just prepare any special products and knick knacks that you always want to have with you. Have your perfumes, deodorizers.

For the women, since a lot of the time will be spent in water, and lighter and thinner clothing, check if the trip will come during your time of the month. You don’t want to not be ready or to be stressed of having the special products you want to have during your special week, so have your  feminine products with you .

If you haven’t tried  menstrual cups , you might want to try or have these with you, if you are expecting to have your period and will still want to be in your cute, scrimpy bikinis all day long!

A COMPLETE MALDIVES PACKING LIST FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

Want to see a complete Maldives packing list of things what to wear in Maldives. Here you go:

Airport Wear  (can be work for both flights to and from  Maldives, and can double as longe wear on cooler evenings)

2 pairs of Casual Wear  – Light enough that can be worn on day time activities and can double as evening for evening casuals or drinks

2-3 pairs of bikinis  and bathing suits or swimming trunks and shorts (depending on how long your trip will be)

4-5 pairs of underwear

One cover up , something you can wear on top of your swim wear or bikini or a short sleeve shirt for men (light colored and light fabric)

Toiletries  (ones you’ll need)

Water proof bags  and  packing cubes

Medicine , vitamin kit,  sunscreen , lotions and other skin products

A pair of sunglasses  and a hat or cap

A pair of sandals and slippers , and an extra footwear for day time activities (hiking or sport); extra special one if there are any special event or parties

Refilled Water bottle  for bringing all the time!

WHERE TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES

We stayed in a few places luxury resorts and local islands in Maldives. You can read here our thoughts:  luxury resorts Vs local islands in Maldives . There are  cheap hotels in Maldives starting from $30-50 USD  depending on the season to luxury resorts starting from  $200-300 USD . You also need to check how to get there since it can be extra cost for the speed boat or seaplane.

Click here to book your accommodation with Booking.

FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL IN THE MALDIVES

Prices of Maldives food were on a budget and very affordable in local places but not in luxury resorts. You can get  snacks for 2-3 MVR ($1=15.4 MVR).  It´s very common for locals have tea with these snacks. You can have rice with  fish curry for 25 MVR  where they will give you a kind of chips for free, perfect for sharing the food.

Most of the dishes have fish and curry but you can also find chicken here A  bottle of water costs 10 MVR  while cookies and small snacks go for  5-10 MVR . Ice cream can be bought when the summer gets too hot at  20-25 MVR  each.  Foreigners’ meals cost $7-10 usd in local islands.  It’s mostly just pizza and pasta, though. There is also Chinese food for around  $5-6 USD  per dish.

But a meal in a luxury resort can cost  $50 USD  and a bottle of beer  $8-10 USD . So when visiting Maldives and book your package make sure what it’s included with food and transportation.

CASH AND ATM IN THE MALDIVES

After you arrive at the airport in Maldives, there are ATM machines that you can use, but it is not advisable. It will give you Maldivian rufiyaa which is the currency in Maldives  $1 USD is 15 MVR . But   US dollars is a more famous and better way of paying especially if you’re a foreigner or a tourist.

Most resorts and other stores prefer US dollars for payment, but be sure to bring smaller bills like  $1, $5 or $10 . Use it to local transportation and small shops too.

Click here to know the exact exchange rate before you visit .

Hope you loved our Maldives packing list blog post guide! And can’t wait to hear about what to pack for Maldives and if we forgot anything what to bring to Maldives.

Feel free to use our links for discounts. By using our links, you will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys. 

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Ultimate Packing List For Maldives – What To Pack For Maldives (2024)

(This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.)

What To Pack For Maldives – Maldives is a destination that is high up on every travel lover’s bucket list. If you are heading to this wonderful destination, be sure that you are going to have the best time ever. You would be spending most of your time at the incredibly picturesque islands, so along with summer outfits, flip flops and bikinis I have included a few essentials you should be carrying with yourselves.

If you have just started to plan your trip to Maldives, don’t miss out our Ultimate Maldives Guide consisting of travel tips, things to do and best accommodation options.

What To Pack For Maldives

What not to carry with you for maldives, some fast facts on maldives, what to pack for maldives checklist, 1. sunscreen.

Maldives is a tropical destination, this means you would be exposed to the sun rays for the time you are spending on the island. A good quality sunscreen would come really handy while you are relaxing on the sunbed or enjoying an adventurous water activity. Sun Bum is my most preferred and favorite water resistant moisturizing sunscreen that I always carry to such sunny destinations.

Carry a sun hat having a good coverage to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays. Don’t make the mistake of buying it from the local stores in Maldives because you would find it very expensive there and even less worthy in terms of sun protection. The Furtalk Wide Brim Straw hat has adjustable bands, is very comfortable, pack-able and looks stylish too. You could crush it and easily settle it into your carry on bag.

3. Sun Glasses

A great pair of sunglasses are a must haves. You can stay under the sun comfortably as long as your eyes are protected from those harsh UV rays. Check out these gorgeous wayfarer sunglasses from Rayban .

4. Dry Bags

While you are heading towards the beach, going for a boat trip, snorkeling or any other water activities a dry bag would prove to be a very convenient essential to store your valuable items. I love to carry my things in the Freegrace Waterproof Dry bags which are very reliable, inexpensive and come in a set of three dry bags – a full size dry bag, a waterproof waist pouch and an IPX8 certified waterproof case.

5. Wet Bags

Wet bags come handy when you need to carry your wet clothes, towels and muddy slippers back to your resort. This way you can manage to keep them away from the other dry clothes and stuff that you have carried with you to the beach. The wet bag from Planet Wise is very useful as it comes with two pockets so that it’s easy to organize things into it.

6. Underwater Camera

Capturing stills and thrilling moments while enjoying the water activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, etc would be one of the best things you could do in Maldives. The clear waters of the sea give you immense opportunities to take pictures of the variety of marine life and yourself too in action.

I would recommend the Akaso Action camera if you are looking for a budget friendly option and a very reliable waterproof camera. You can also invest in the GoPro Hero 12 Camera which is undoubtedly one of the best waterproof action cameras. It would be totally worth your trip to Maldives.

7. Snorkeling Gear

Although many resorts offer free snorkeling gears or at reasonably small rental costs that have already been used by others, you can still carry your own snorkeling masks with you. I have been using Greatever snorkeling gear for a while and it’s amazing with a crystal clear vision underwater.

8. Mosquito Repellent

When you are traveling to any tropical destination, you need to pack a mosquito repellent for yourselves to stay safe from mosquito/bug bites. Try mosquito repellent patches or bracelets instead of sprays. They work wonders for both kids and adults.

9. Swimwear

Pack multiple pairs of swim suits depending on the days you are going to spend on the beaches of Maldives. I would suggest taking bright colored or tropical printed bikinis with you for picture perfect shots besides the turquoise sea. Men would be sorted with a few pairs of swim trunks and shorts .

10. Kaftans or Cover Ups

I love to pack Kaftans as beach cover ups whenever I am on a tropical vacation. They keep me covered up from the sun after I come out from the sea. There’s no hurry to change my swimwear and I could just walk around in it comfortably even to the dine in area of the resort.

11. Summer Dresses

Light, comfortable and airy summer dresses are what you should be wearing in Maldives. You can pick long flowy dresses, rompers, mini dresses, stylish tank tops and shorts to keep you comfortable while exploring the islands as well as look beautiful while you go for dine-ins.

12. Clothing For Male, The Capital City Of Maldives

Maldives is a Muslim country and if you are planning to take a tour of Male, which is it’s capital city you should dress conservatively covering your knees and shoulders. Pack a scarf, casual pants and top for this purpose.

13. Footwear – Sandals, Flip Flops & Dive Shoes

You could be spending most of your time barefoot in the islands of Maldives. Just pack a casual pair of sandals, flip flops  and  dive shoes . Dive shoes are very comfortable to put on for water activities such as diving, snorkeling or swimming. Avoid bringing heels because they won’t be of any use there.

Alcohol is strictly banned in Maldives. Do not purchase it from the duty free or else it would be withheld by the airport authorities.

Unless you are a blogger or need to stay online for work even during your vacations avoid bringing your laptop with you. A Maldivian vacation is meant to relax, unwind yourself and admire the dreamy islands. You shouldn’t be missing out on this.

Warm Clothes

Maldives is a tropical destination and also humid, so you should not be bringing warm or heavy clothes with you.

Heels or Stilettos

Heels are a big no for the beaches. You might be spending most of the time barefoot. So leave those uncomfortable heels at the bay.

Too much Jewelry

You don’t need to stuff your bags with too much jewelry. Just bring in some light and basic jewelry to accessorize your outfit during the evenings when you won’t be at the beach.

Where To Stay : Paradise Island Resort

Best Time To Visit : November Till April

Currency : Maldivian Rufiyaa (1 USD = 15.35 Maldivian Rufiyaa approx.)

Capital City : Male

Language : Divehi

• Sun Glasses
• Underwater Camera
• Snorkeling Gear
• Mosquito Repellent
• Kaftan Or Cover Ups
• Summer Dresses
• Clothing For Male City Tour

I am sure you are going to have an amazing time at this beautiful paradise, Maldives and also be worry free by following the mentioned essentials packing list. This packing list can be used for any of your tropical vacations.

Found the post helpful? Click on any of the below images to save this post on Pinterest for reference;

Have we forgotten anything? Let us know in the comments section below.

Note: This post contains affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. Cheerful Trails is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com  and affiliated sites. Find more information in our Disclaimer

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cheerfultrails

Anjali Wadhwa (cheerfultrails) is a travel consultant and enthusiast who has traveled to 15+ countries. She shares about her explorations through her writings. You will find detailed itineraries, best travel tips and well experienced recommendations for food, transportation and hotels on her blog.

13 thoughts on “ Ultimate Packing List For Maldives – What To Pack For Maldives (2024) ”

Great post 😁

Great list! That wet bag is a wonderful idea- we’re headed to Hawaii this summer and that’s something we’re going to need. Thanks for the idea!

Great suggestions. I went to the Maldives about 15 years ago and loved it!

Firstly, how beautiful is the Maldives? I can only dream! Secondly, I love your packing list especially some of the clothes, great choice!

Maldives look amazing, dreaming of visiting there one day. The packing list is great – how many times have I forgotten to pack a hat! I would maybe also include a UV-shirt if doing lots of watersports.

Another location on my travel list to experience. So beautiful. Who takes heels to a beach resort? Lol

This is a great list of things you should pack to visit the Maldives. I thought it was really interesting that alcohol is banned from the Maldives. I didn’t know that!

Excellent selection of things to pack not just for the Maldives, but any beach vacation. Using a list like this makes it so much easier to pack.

Maldives is a pretty hot destination with Indians and a list like this is helpful. I had heard a lot about alcohol ban in Maldives, thanks once again for reiterating this important fact

Pingback: Maldives for everyone: Best beach resorts in Maldives - Zest In A Tote

Excellent list! Preparing for my trip next month and wanted to check I have everything I need… topped up on what I didn’t have. Thank you!

Maldives was the first destination we visited last year. The only thing we didn’t pack was the underwater camera. We realized our mistake and next time we won’t repeat it since Maldives offers a stunning underwater world to explore by snorkeling.

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What to Pack for Maldives?

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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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Honeymoon Clothes that are Practical and Pretty (Plus Maldives Packing List)

FASHION , Reviews , Travel Clothing

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Just a few weeks ago I spent two glorious weeks in the Maldives celebrating my honeymoon. One week was spent on the marvelous Adora Scuba Diving Liveaboard and the other in the Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Resort  – my dream of an over the water bungalow with a seafloor window came true!

I was lucky enough to find out about Vacay Style  just in time for this trip. My goal was to pack light but also flaunt pretty honeymoon clothes, too. Keep reading to find out if Vacay Style is TFG Approved as I share my honeymoon packing list and pics with you!

Honeymoon Clothes and Maldives Packing List

Since I was departing from cold and rainy England I couldn’t wear beachy honeymoon clothes to travel to and from the Maldives. Making my way on a train to London in sandals was not my idea of fun – especially with a lunch time reservation at the michelin star Benares.

To solve this issue I traveled with my new favorite, feminine cold weather merino wool dress  paired with tights, ankle boots, and nice jewelry. It turned out to be a great choice especially since it seemed almost every other woman in the restaurant was wearing a similar outfit!

Read my full review for the merino wool dress !

distressed jeans worn with  versatile scarf

Arriving into the Maldives was a warm welcome from rainy England and I was eager to get back into beachwear. However, the Maldives is a muslim country and modest clothing is encouraged if you’re spending any time on the local islands, which I was the first two days.

With this in mind, during my time on the local island of Hulhumale I combined a pair of beach friendly Pull & Bear distressed jeans with the Vacay Style  Maui Kaftan  long sleeve tunic over one of my must have travel essentials: this  bra-friendly camisole .

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

I was originally concerned the fabric of the top might be too warm for the humidity but my outfit turned out to be perfect for the first few days which were warm but breezy.

I also had a spa day before jumping on the liveaboard and wore the jeans and cami plus kaftan to get me to and from the local island to the resort. Once I got to the resort I simply removed my jeans and cami and was ready to go without the need to have a massive outfit change or bring many items on my day trip.

The key to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!

Maui Kaftan  with packable hat

In the second half of the trip the humidity soared and the weather was over 90 degrees so I limited the kaftan’s use to breakfast time or sunset drinks which worked out well with my wardrobe rotation. The kaftan’s versatility was definitely a bonus for this type of trip since I was able to wear it as a top on the local islands.

When you spend a week on a dive boat the dress code is ultra-chill and comfortable which meant that the majority of my honeymoon clothes had to be functional. The days tend to consist of the same itinerary: dive, eat, sleep, repeat – meaning that most of the time you’re in a bathing suit and dive gear.

Read more about dive gear for a liveaboard !

Body Glove bikini top

This was what I wore for a one week liveaboard:

• Two bathing suits: one for diving, one to wear in between dives
• Two cover ups: Vacay Style Antigua tunic, Kooshoo versatile garment
• One top: Vacay Style Maui max dress top
• One jean: distressed Pull & Bear denim
• One Roxy black board shorts
• No shoes allowed on a boat

You might be surprised to see denim on here but they were actually kinda perfect since I could wear them off the boat in the local islands and casually on the boat in the evenings when I wasn’t diving.

I paired the jeans with either of the above mentioned tunics when I wasn’t wearing the cover ups alone over a bathing suit.

Antigua tunic  with packable hat , Ipanema sandals  (beige/bronze)

I also wore the jeans with the Vacay Style Maui max dress top , which I then paired with the Roxy board shorts (as shown in the below image). This ensemble was suitable for breakfast at the resort and liveaboard when things were extra casual.

Rotating between all these items and two bathing suits I had plenty to wear all week without the need for laundry. It was airy and cool throughout the day so humidity wasn’t an issue with the clothing.

Maui max dress top  with jeans and  Roxy board shorts

One of the best and most unexpected of my honeymoon clothes to wear on the dive boat was actually the Vacay Style  Antigua tunic  shown below. I could’ve worn this every single day. Not only was it super pretty but more importantly it was so comfortable and ultra-light even when the temperature increased. It was the next best thing to not wearing anything at all.

As an added bonus the fabric’s crinkle design perfectly creased even after being rolled and packed away into my slim packing cubes . It is now a permanent staple in my long term travel wardrobe (and so is that cute hat too)!

Antigua tunic  with polarized sunglasses ,  packable hat

After a fabulous time in the beautiful semi-luxury dive boat we made our way to the Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Resort where we spent five days, four nights to end our trip in a relaxing setting. It really was the dreamy Maldives you see in the pictures. Absolute perfection!

Maui max dress (top and skirt)  

I didn’t wear all my clothing on the dive boat. I saved the Vacay Style Maui kaftan ,  Maui Max dress skirt , and Antigua black halter top which I wore at the resort along with the Antigua tunic and kooshoo garment.

I wore the Max pieces as a dress and alternated between the Fiji halter and Maui Max tops for two dinners. The fabric really is wrinkle-resistant as it claims and was lightweight and comfortable even in the heat.

I felt resort-ready, comfortable, and lovely with the max dress outfits shown below – just as any girl should feel on her honeymoon!

  Maui Max dress  (skirt, top) on left / with the Antigua black halter  on right

I do have a secret to share with you. I did pack two “splurge” honeymoon clothes: a beige crochet detailed tunic and a third, sexier swimsuit by Lady Lux to lay out on my private bungalow deck. It was nice to have the extra items in my rotation. This totaled my capsule wardrobe to ten pieces including the “splurge” tunic (minus swimsuits and underwear). Not too bad for two weeks!

For shoes, I brought one pair: the Ipanema Maya thongs in a metallic beige/bronze color. I added bohemian silver and turquoise jewelry plus makeup to dress things up at night for dinnertime.

I was extremely pleased with the final results of my Essentials-sized Packing List I chose for my honeymoon. By carefully rotating pieces I made ten clothing items work for a two-week seaside adventure!

So are the Vacay Style pieces TFG approved?

The Vacay Style pieces were the perfect honeymoon clothes and would work for any beach, resort, or poolside vacation. They’re easy to wear, comfortable, wrinkle/resistant, and pretty, too. They’ve even made the trip with me down to Mexico where I’ve just relocated for the winter. I am happy that I learned about this line and I’m sure you will be happy with the pieces, too. Read this to learn more about their beach vacation clothes !

Get 10% off your purchase with the code TFG10%.   Visit VacayStyle.com and discover your stylishly simple beach vacation travel wardrobe!

Scroll down for even more honeymoon pics!

For this trip I chose my honeymoon clothes based on a capsule wardrobe with blue hues to shine with the sea. Vacay Style designs are inspired by a sailing trip around the world so you’re sure to find a lovely color combination for your next trip!

What are your favorite beach vacation clothes? Share in the comments below!

  For more beach vacation packing tips, please read:

• Beach Vacation Packing List
• Honeymoon Packing List
• Hawaii Packing List
• Playa del Carmen and Cancun Packing List

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Hope you liked this post on my honeymoon clothes and Maldives packing list. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Please note: This has been a product review on behalf of Vacay Style. However, all opinions are my own.

12 Comments

This post is full of great advices. I’m a scuba diver too and I have a collection of pareos (sarongs) that I pair with a t-shirt and havaianas.

Thank you! I love diving 🙂

Great photos. LOVE the hat – is it really packable? I’m bummed it’s UK and won’t ship to the States. I’m looking for just this kind of hat for my Cancun trip in 5 weeks.

Hi Joan, YES it was packable and I am still loving it! Actually brought it with me to Playa del Carmen too. Here are a few packable hats in the USA: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packable-travel-accessories/

Thanks, Alex! My aunt ordered it for me from the UK, so I hope to have it with me on my Cancun trip in February.

Hope you love it! Try to visit Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox when you’re in Cancun – they’re out of this world 🙂

I have those sandals! I love them and have taken them all over the world. So comfortable, thin to pack, and dressier than flip flops. I tend to not pack so much jewelry but I really like how your jewelry dresses up and changes your outfits…might need to try that!

The sandals are absolutely perfect! You should definitely take at least certain jewelry. Makes such a difference and even the smallest bit of sparkle can make an outfit dressier if needed.

Wow, how beautiful this pictures are… Love them very much. I spent my honeymoon on the Maldives too. Your honeymoon clothing just looks fantastic. What a perfect style! Congratulations on your wedding.

Thanks Chrissy!

So how was the diving in the Maldives? Where else would you compare it to?

Hi Sarah, great question! It was pelagic season in the North and South Male Atolls so the water wasn’t as clear as I expected BUT I do love pelagics so that was okay 🙂 The dive that made the entire trip for me was the Manta Night Dive. OMG it was one of the happiest moments of my life, possibly second to my wedding day! I think that’s a feeling only a diver could understand. Throughout the week we had mantas and whale sharks, rays, several sharks on each dive, not much macro, but an abundance of sea life. In a way it reminded me of Raja Ampat. I would do another liveaboard in another area or different time of year to see more of it for sure!

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Travelfornoobs

The Ultimate Maldives Packing List

Maldives packing list – all the things you should not forget, what to take in your bag for maldives.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Maldives. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Maldives gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Maldives.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Maldives will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important things to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance (Worldnomads is simple & flexible – more info here )  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Book your activities (check those activities with Viator ⬇️)

 Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Maldives:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Maldives will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Maldives now on Booking.com

Book your activities now with Viator :

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