What to Pack for Maldives

Clothing

• Lightweight t-shirts/tanks (breathable fabrics for heat and humidity)
• 2–4 swimwear sets (quick-dry is best)
• Rash guard or UV shirt (strong sun; good for snorkeling)
• Light cover-up or sarong (for resort dining and boat transfers)
• Shorts and airy skirts/dresses (comfort in tropical weather)
• Thin long-sleeve shirt (sun protection and mosquito cover)
• Light pants or maxi dress (for modest areas or AC-heavy spaces)
• Sleepwear (lightweight, moisture-wicking)
• Underwear and socks (quick-dry options)
• Light rain jacket or packable poncho (especially May–Nov)

Footwear

• Flip-flops or slides (island staple)
• Water shoes (coral, boat decks, and shallow lagoons)
• Sandals with arch support (for walking around resorts)
• Lightweight sneakers (travel days and excursions)
• Reef-safe beach shoes (protect feet from sharp coral)
• Optional dress sandals (nice dinners at resorts)

Toiletries & Health

• Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30+ (protect reefs and skin)
• After-sun aloe gel (sunburn relief)
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (mosquitoes at dusk)
• Basic first-aid kit (blister care, bandages, antiseptic)
• Motion sickness tablets (speedboat/seaplane transfers)
• Personal medications (carry in original packaging)
• Hydration salts/electrolytes (heat and dehydration)
• Travel-size shampoo/soap (if you prefer your own)
• Lip balm with SPF (sun and salt exposure)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes (for transit days)

Electronics & Gear

• Phone and charging cable (main camera and communication tool)
• Power bank (long transfer days and excursions)
• Universal travel adapter (Maldives uses UK-style Type G plugs)
• Type G plug adapter (if your charger doesn’t fit)
• Camera or GoPro (underwater and island photography)
• Waterproof phone pouch (boat rides and beach days)
• Snorkel mask and fins (optional, if you prefer your own fit)
• Dry bag (protect valuables on dhoni/speedboat trips)
• Portable fan (helpful in humid weather)
• E-reader or book (relaxing downtime)

Documents & Money

• Passport valid for at least 6 months (required for entry)
• Return/onward ticket (immigration may request proof)
• Hotel/resort booking confirmations (transfer coordination)
• Travel insurance documents (medical and activity coverage)
• Visa/entry form details (check current Maldives arrival rules)
• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees (resort payments)
• Some USD cash (widely accepted and useful for tips)
• Small amount of Maldivian rufiyaa (for local purchases)
• Emergency contact list (stored offline and on paper)

Maldives-Specific Essentials

• Reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen (Maldives marine protection-friendly)
• Modest outfit for Malé/local islands (shoulders and knees covered)
• Light shawl or scarf (handy for mosque visits or sun protection)
• Seaplane or speedboat transfer allowance (bag weight can be limited)
• Compact soft-sided luggage (easier on boats and small transfers)
• Local SIM/eSIM plan (Dhiraagu or Ooredoo coverage is usually best)
• Offline maps and resort contacts (signal can be patchy between islands)
• Mosquito repellent clothing or wipes (especially near vegetation and at dusk)
• Small flashlight/headlamp (useful on dimly lit islands)
• Snorkeling gear bag or mesh tote (for wet items and reef days)