Things to Pack When Travelling to Maldives: Island Getaway Essentials

This seems like an obvious necessity when travelling to the Maldives, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Given that the Maldives is a Muslim country, you may be required to wear modest swimwear. It is best to check with your hotel or resort for any dress codes they may have. If you’ve chosen to stay on the main island of Male, then you’ll likely need to keep your swimwear modest. 

Similarly, it is best to pack modest clothing if you plan to venture into public areas away from your hotel. Make sure that your shorts extend to your knees and that your top clothing covers your shoulders, chest and stomach. You’ll also want to consider appropriate clothing for dining, especially if you plan to enjoy a meal at an upscale restaurant. Above all, make sure that you pack light, airy and comfortable clothes.

Maldives beach villas may or may not provide dry and wet bags so it is best to be prepared with your own. Dry bags are essential for storing your camera, phone and other electronic devices, when you’re out in the water, while wet bags will help you store your swimwear, towels and other, used clothes.

Since you’re most likely to make at least one trip to the beach, a good pair of flip-flops is essential for walking along the sandy shorelines. It is best to have a separate pair of comfortable sandals for walking around in public areas outside the hotel and which you can wear with your dinner outfits. 

Maldives is a tropical country which means that the sun shines bright year round. Having a sunhat is essential to protect your face and head from the intense heat and the sun’s harmful rays. A sunhat with a wider brim is your best bet as it offers better protection. A pair of sunglasses with UV protection would be a good addition to keep your eyes safe. 

A sunhat and sunglasses can only go so far in keeping you safe from the sun. Packing a good sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the strong UV rays. Make sure to bring a reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on diving or snorkelling. The Maldives waters feature plenty of stunning coral reefs that will be damaged by harmful sunscreen chemicals when you dive below the surface. Moreover, certain establishments like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are committed to sustainable practices and the protection of coral reefs, so it is best to comply with these efforts as much as possible.

Because the Maldives features vibrant marine life and spectacular underwater environments, you’ll likely want to capture as much of it as you can! Make sure to bring an underwater camera that takes good-quality photos and videos of everything you discover below the surface. 

Don’t forget to pack all your electronic essentials from phone chargers to camera equipment, to headphones or earbuds. Do note that the Maldives runs on 320 volts so you may need to pack an adapter as well. Some resorts may have these available but it is always best to check beforehand or come prepared with your own.

Because of its lush greenery and abundance of plants and vegetation, you’ll likely encounter mosquitoes and other insects. It is best to pack an insect repellent so that your island vacation isn’t plagued by mosquito bites and buzzing insects. 

Exploring the outdoors can be fun but also comes with its risks, so it is always good to be prepared for an emergency with a simple medical kit. Make sure to pack bandaids, gauze and an antibacterial cream at the very least. Additionally, if you are carrying prescription medication, it is best to have the original prescriptions in case they are required at the airport.