The Maldives is a renowned beach vacation destination. The islands that make up the Maldives are packed with luxurious resorts, fantastic restaurants, and a wealth of activities. Regardless of when you visit the Maldives during the year, you can expect gorgeous, warm weather.
Now that you have booked your flight and accommodation to the Maldives, it is time to pack your bags. You are going to need plenty of beachwear, but there are other items needed to make a trip to the Maldives fulfilling. You don’t need to worry about snorkel gear or beach towels, your hotel will have those. While your resort is bound to have some of the items you need, there are some things that may be difficult to locate.
So, what should you pack for your dream vacation to the Maldives? Let’s explore our list of what to pack/bring to the Maldives.
1. Sun hat/Cap
The Maldives receive hour upon hour of sunlight per day. Due to the amount of sun that you are likely to enjoy, you will need some protection. A large sun hat is ideal for ladies and gentlemen to keep the powerful sun off of their face and head. The Maldives straddles the equator meaning the sun’s rays are very powerful all year-round. A sun hat with a wide brim is perfect for keeping the sun off of your face.
2. Suntan Lotion
In addition to a good quality sun hat, you shouldn’t forget the suntan lotion. While you may be able to find suntan lotion in the Maldives, it may not be the same strength you need. Whether you are relaxing around the swimming pool at your resort or at the beach, having a strong suntan lotion will prevent you from burning.
We recommend environmentally friendly sun lotion that will keep both you and the reefs safe. This every day, clinically-tested SPF 30 is reef safe, fragrance-free, silicone-free, and non-irritating.
3. Rash Guard/Rash Vest
The Maldives is perfect for surfing during the dry season. Snorkeling is popular as well and can be done throughout the year. If you plan to do any water sports, then don’t forget to bring along a rash guard/rash vest. A rash guard allows you to do all of the water sports and beach activities you want, while providing protection from harmful UV rays. A rash guard/rash vest is an essential piece of beach clothing for anyone that spends a lot of time in and around the water.
4. Flip Flops/Sandals
There is a good chance much of your vacation in the Maldives will be spent on the beach. Even when you are inside at your resort, you will want to be cool and comfortable. Flip flops and sandals are the footwear of choice for travelers to the islands. You will want your footwear to be compatible with the hot weather and the beach activities you plan to explore.
5. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a very important accessory to bring along with you. The bright sun can damage your eyes and protection is needed throughout the day. A high-quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection is ideal to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Sun glasses come in many shapes and forms. We recommend buying high-quality sun glasses as you are likely to get exposed to more (reflecting) light than you are used to.
6. Appropriate Swimsuit
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Therefore, your clothing in the Maldives should be conservative. Even if you are staying on a resort, the dress code is conservative and your swimsuit will need to abide by regulations. A modest swimsuit will be needed if you are staying around the city of Male.
If you have booked a resort on a private island, the dress code will be more relaxed. At nighttime around your resort, you will want laid-back beachwear. It will be too hot to dress up, so stay relaxed on your vacation.
7. Dry Bag
A dry bag allows you to protect your phone, electronics, and other items while splashing in the water. If you plan to snorkel or swim at the beach, a dry bag keeps all of your valuables safe. Some resorts will have dry bags available. However, not all resorts will have them for you. You may want a dry bag for any boat trips you make in the Maldives. There is no telling when you could get wet.
8. Drone
A drone is a bit of a cheeky toy to bring along with you to the Maldives. Having a drone with you allows you to take amazing pictures of the Maldives’ natural scenery. The islands are breathtaking and a drone allows you to photograph or video the incredible views from upon high.
Be aware that many resorts and/or local authorities might not allow drones due to privacy or safety concerns. Before buying a drone, we recommend researching regulations.
If you decide to buy a drone, we recommend buying a smaller, lighter and therefore safer, less regulated, drone. Like the DJI Mini.
9. Underwater Camera
Sure, you probably have a great iPhone or Android that takes brilliant photos; but what about adding an underwater camera to your picture-taking arsenal? An underwater camera could be worth the price for a vacation to the Maldives. The water around the Maldives is crystal clear, making it perfect for snapping great images. Any time you explore the beach you will want to use your underwater camera to see the incredible sea life.
We would recommend the GoPro Hero 10. You can safely dive for 33 feet without any additional tools. If you go deeper, you will need a diving case for your GoPro.
10. Plug Adaptors
If you plan to charge your electronic items, you will need a plug adaptor. The Maldives uses two types of plugs, the D and G plug. The standard voltage on the Maldives is 230V. The voltage is the same as you find in the United Kingdom, but not the United States. The plug sockets in the Maldives are all similar to the ones you find in Britain. Therefore, if you are traveling to the Maldives from outside of the UK, buy yourself a travel adaptor or two to charge your electronics.
11. A Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic drinking bottle waste is a crisis. So, rather than add to the problem, bring along a reusable water bottle. You will need to stay hydrated during a trip to the Maldives. If you are at the pool, beach, or on a boat trip, you will need to take on water to prevent being dehydrated. You will find plenty of bottled water at the resorts, but sipping from a reusable water bottle is ethical and helps to reduce the world’s plastic problem.
12. Travel Insurance
Regardless of where you travel to on your next vacation, travel insurance is vital to purchase before leaving. You never know if you will get sick or injured, and travel insurance can keep you from paying out thousands of dollars for treatment.
