Ultimate Maldives Packing List
Jetting off to the Maldives? You’ll need our Ultimate Maldives Packing list!
So you’re jetting off to the Maldives. We couldn’t be more excited for you and we hope you love it as much as we do!
Soon you’ll be hopping on a seaplane or speedboat transfer to the sun-kissed shores. A symphony of azure waves and whispering palms awaits!
But before you dive into your blissful retreat, we’ve got everything you need to pack with our Ultimate Maldives Packing List.
From chic swimwear to essential gadgets, this guide is your trusty companion to curate the perfect suitcase.
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What to know about Maldives weather
As you envision your days in the Maldives, you probably imagine a world where the sun reigns supreme, painting the sky in hues of endless blue. The Maldives is graced with a tropical monsoon climate. This means nature divides the year into two dominant seasons: the dry season, known as ‘Iruvai’, and the wet season, or ‘Hulhangu’.
During the dry season, from December to April, the islands bask in the glory of clear skies and gentle sea breezes with temperatures averaging around 29°C (84°F).
Come May, the Maldives welcomes the wet season. This period is characterised by more frequent showers and slightly warmer, more humid temperatures hovering around 31°C (88°F).
While the thought of rain might seem daunting, it’s often a brief, refreshing interlude in an otherwise sunny day. Extreme weather in the Maldives is rare, so to have consecutive days of pouring rain would be incredibly unlucky. However, even the dry season can see some rainy days.
The things you shouldn’t add to your Maldives Packing List
When packing for a Maldives honeymoon, it’s just as important to know what to leave behind as it is to know what to bring.
If you’re taking a seaplane transfer, there are some limits on luggage. The luggage allowance on a seaplane is usually 20kg per person (there may be some limits on speedboat transfers, too).
Although, if you’re a little over this, they’ll just charge you around US$5 extra per kilogram, but large excess luggage isn’t recommended.
Here are a few things to leave off your Maldives packing list:
Warm clothes – Leave heavy clothing off your Maldives packing list as the tropical climate means you won’t need thick clothing. Even when it rains, it’s warm!
Heeled shoes – High heels and formal shoes are rarely needed, so leave these off your Maldives packing list. The islands’ relaxed vibe and sandy terrain make such footwear kind of impractical.
Gadgets – While your camera, e-reader and smartphone might be essential items on your Maldives packing list, avoid overloading your luggage with too many electronic devices. Embrace the chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Maldives.
As our friends at Soneva say – no news, no shoes!
Too many products – The humid climate can make heavy makeup uncomfortable, so pack your most paired back products.
Snorkelling or scuba diving gear – Unless you’re particularly attached to your own gear, most resorts and dive centres in the Maldives provide all the necessary equipment. However, some couples prefer to bring their own for hygiene reasons.
Expensive jewellery – avoid your own Kim Kardashian moment and leave valuable or sentimental pieces at home. Although of course, wear your engagement and wedding rings – just make sure they’re not loose.
Alcohol – the Maldives operates under sharia law, so alcohol is not permitted and it’s in fact illegal to bring alcohol into the country. So don’t bother with duty free on the way over and instead, wait until you get to the resort where you can order as many delicious cocktails as you like.
The Ultimate Maldives Packing List
Essentials
Most nationalities do not need to get a visa prior to arrival for the Maldives. Proof of your return flight should be sufficient for the immigration authorities.
There is a health form to fill in. Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ that is at least 6 months after the date you leave the Maldives.
Most documents are electronic now, so make sure you can have your boarding pass or e-ticket on your phone along with your transfer and hotel confirmation.
Some travel vaccinations are recommended for the Maldives. We encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.
You don’t need to bring lots of cash to the Maldives, and you can get the local currency (Maldivian Rufiyaa) at the airport. If you bring cash, US$ dollars in small bills is best and they should be fresh, undamaged notes.
You usually settle your bill by card at the end of your stay, so you don’t need to carry cash around your Maldives resort. Let your bank know you’re travelling and check if there is anything you need to do to avoid issues using your card abroad.
Tipping is not compulsory or expected as a service charge is included in your bill, but it is appreciated. If you’d like to tip a resort employee, cash in an envelope at the end of your stay is best.
- Passports
- Travel Documents / Confirmations
- Tickets, Boarding passes + Vouchers
- Visa & Entry Requirements Information
- Travel insurance details
- Travel Vaccination Certificate
- Padi Scuba Diving Certificate (if relevant)
- Emergency contact numbers
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Driver’s licence
- Local currency (if necessary)
- Money wallet/belt
Clothing & Accessories
You’ll spend most of your time in swimwear, so pack an array of swimsuits, bikinis and some chic beach cover-ups like kaftans.
More than one pair of your favourite sunglasses is an essential addition to your Maldives packing list.
Add some light summer dresses or shorts and tops such as vests / tank tops and t-shirts for lunches and cute dresses / playsuits to your Maldives packing list for evenings.
For men, some long linen style trousers are ideal for night time dining.
We mentioned that you should leave the heels at home, but some cute flip flops/thongs, sliders and sandals are a must.
Include at least one sun hat and a chic beach bag (we love this monogrammed one)
You may want to cover up with a rashguard during the day when you’re out in the lagoon and don’t forget to pick up some water shoes / aqua shoes for snorkelling adventures.
Pack some comfy clothes for the plane – athleisure wear, sneakers, scarves, socks.
Gym lovers may want to bring their gear. Although, we’d recommend a barefoot jog along the beach and sunrise yoga or pilates instead of hitting the gym!
You may decide to visit a local island. To be respectful of local customs, pack some modest clothing such as a dress with longer sleeves and length or light trousers.
Bring your own chic beach towel. We love our Dock and Bay quick-dry towels which are compact and come in an array of cute colours. However, resorts provide beach towels, so if you need to leave behind because your Maldives packing list is already overflowing, that’s OK!
- Evening Dresses
- Summer Dresses
- Skirts / Shorts
- Leggings
- T-shirts
- Blouses / Shirts
- Vests / Tank Tops
- Swimwear – bikinis / swimsuits
- Beachwear – kaftans / cover-ups
- Light knitwear / cover-ups
- Flat evening footwear
- Flip Flops / Thongs / Sliders
- Sandals
- Trainers / Sneakers
- Socks / Tights / Hosiery
- Bras
- Briefs / Panties
- Shapewear
- Other lingerie
- Nightwear
- Scarves
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Belts
- Day bag
- Evening bag
- Necklaces / Chains
- Bracelets / Bangles
- Rings
- Earrings
- Watch
- Beach Bag
- Beach Towel
- Activewear
Personal Care
Personal care is just that, personal! So take what you need from this section to add to your Maldives packing list.
For example, you may love your own hair dryer, but your villa will have one, so there may not be a need to bring your own.
One of the most important things to add to your Maldives packing list is reef friendly sunscreen. Sun Bum is our top pick.
If you haven’t got a hanging toiletries travel bag, then now is the time. These handy bags are simply the best.
- Reusable cotton pads
- Cotton buds / Q-tips
- Face Cloths / Body Cloths or Brushes
- Cleanser
- Toners / Serums / Face masks / Oils
- Moisturiser
- Face SPF
- Body Wash / Shower Gel
- Body Lotion
- Body SPF
- Aftersun Lotion
- Deodorant
- Perfumes
- Shampoo
- Conditioner / Hair Masks
- Styling products
- Hair Dryer
- Hair Straightener / Curlers
- Hair Brushes / Combs
- Hair ties / pins / clips
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss / Interdental brushes
- Mouthwash
- Razors / hair removal products
- SPF lip balm
- Hand Lotion
- Nail File
- Nail clippers
- Nail Oil
- Tweezers
- Eyedrops
- Feminine hygiene
- Tissues
- Massage Oils / Lubricant
- Toiletries Bag
- Clear travel liquids bags
Healthcare
Healthcare is another personal aspect of packing for the Maldives, so add what you need.
Some resorts will have a resident medic or one on call nearby if you need treatment for something relatively minor.
It’s essential to have travel insurance in place when you’re travelling. We don’t want to sound gloomy, but you need cover in case you fall seriously ill.
If you don’t have travel insurance, check out World Nomads to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
Most Maldives resorts will spray the island to minimise mosquitoes. However, we’d still recommend packing some anti mosquito protection such as DEET, Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil and a Bite Pen.
- Contraception / Birth Control
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Bandaids
- Pain relief – aspirin/paracetamol
- Hand Sanitiser/Antibacterial wipes
- Insect repellent / DEET / Bite Pen
- Travel sickness medication
- Antihistamine
- Anti-diarrheal
- Prescription medications
- Contact lenses/glasses
Cosmetics
We mentioned to just pack your most ‘barely there’ look as the Maldives is hot and you’ll be spending a lot of time in the Indian Ocean or taking a dip in your private pool!
However, for our gals who like to get glam and who need to bring their essentials, here’s our handy list so you don’t forget your favourite makeup products.
- Make-up Bag
- Micellar Water
- Primers
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Highlighter
- Contour
- Powder
- Blushes
- Eyeshadows
- Eye Liners
- Mascara
- Brow products
- Lip Liner, Lipsticks & Lipgloss
- Make-up Brushes
Electronics
Most Maldives resorts use UK style plugs and the voltage is 230V. A universal travel plug adapter is an essential addition to your Maldives packing list. This one with handy USB connections is our top pick.
Many couples just use their smartphone for photography but the Maldives is one of the most picturesque honeymoon destinations in the world so if you have a camera, bring it. We have the Sony ZV1.
A waterproof phone cover or full underwater camera casing will be one of the best things to add to your Maldives packing list, too. You can catch those amazing underwater shots.
Thinking about bringing a drone or living your best influencer life? For beginners, the DJI Mini drone is best.
If you are bringing your drone for recreational use, it’s worth checking with your resort if you need permission to use it. With seaplanes flying above, plus privacy concerns, there may be limits on their use. Send a quick email to your resort and ask them about their drone policy.
Pack your Apple AirPods or your favourite headphones (and don’t forget to make your own honeymoon playlist!).
Physical books are our favourite so bring at least one must-read. However, if you’re voracious readers like us, then load up your Kindle with all the books you’ve been meaning to read.
Check out our curated list of the best books to read on your honeymoon!
If you have a lot of cables, then consider this chic travel case to keep them tidy.
- Universal plug adapters
- Camera + SD cards + battery/ charger
- Drone + SD + battery / charger
- Smartwatch + charger
- Phone + charger + power bank
- Headphones
- Laptop or Tablet + charger
- E-Reader + charger
- Travel speakers + charger
Miscellaneous
All the other things you may or may not need!
We love classic luggage from Samsonite. Don’t forget an Apple AirTag, the best luggage tracker to add to your Maldives packing list (in case the worst happens!).
We’re total overpackers but if you’re planning a multi-destination honeymoon, to stay organised, consider TikTok favourite, packing cubes. They’re great if you don’t want to unpack everything. Don’t forget TSA approved locks for your luggage.
You could bring an iron or steamer but why spend your time in the Maldives ironing clothes? The resort’s housekeeping service should be able to provide this service if you’re really in need.
A dry bag can be handy to keep any essentials away from the water.
- Suitcases
- Air Tag / Luggage Tracker
- Packing Cubes
- Luggage locks
- Sewing kit
- Fans
- Pens / Notebook or Honeymoon Journal
- Dry Bag
- Wet bag
For the flight
You’re likely travelling from afar to get to the Maldives so make sure you’re comfy, particularly if you’re flying economy.
- Travel blanket / Pillow – we have this 2 in 1 blanket and pillow which we love and it handily slips on to your cabin suitcase.
- Eye Mask
- Ear plugs
- Flight Socks – want to prank your love? get their face on your flight socks
- Deck of cards
- Books or Magazines
- Snacks
Sustainable Maldives packing list tips
In an effort to preserve the pristine environment of the Maldives and make your honeymoon sustainable – consider reducing the number of single-use plastic in your packing list for the Maldives.
Some useful things to pack:
Want to get our full downloadable packing list bundle which includes an outfit planner and a checklist? Visit the shop add code MALDIVES to get our full honeymoon packing list bundle for just $5!
We hope our ultimate Maldives packing list has made getting ready for your dream honeymoon a lot easier. Is there anything we’ve missed? Let us know!
Happy Packing x
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Ultimate Maldives Honeymoon Guide
The Best Time To Visit Maldives by Month
How To Combat The Post-Honeymoon Blues
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