✅ Essentials Checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation (nearest hospital may require seaplane)
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF50+ (regular sunscreen is banned on many islands — protect the coral)
- Swimwear × 3–4
- Underwater camera or GoPro
- Snorkel mask and fins (resort hire is often poor quality — bring your own if serious about snorkelling)
- Rash guard for sun protection while snorkelling
- Light breathable clothing for evenings
- Power adapter (Type G — same as UK, but bring one anyway)
- Any prescription medication — pharmacy access is extremely limited
- Aftersun/aloe vera
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Swimwear × 3–4
- Rash guard
- Light summer dresses or shirts for evenings
- Sandals (you'll walk barefoot most of the time)
- One smart outfit for special dinners
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses — polarised for water glare
⭐ Nice to Have
- Waterproof phone case or pouch
- Dry bag for boat trips between islands
- Underwater torch for night snorkelling
- Star-gazing app (Maldives has some of the darkest skies in the world)
- Book or e-reader — there's little else to do in a glorious way
- Small drybag for sand-free beach bag storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is reef-safe sunscreen important in the Maldives?
Oxybenzone and octinoxate — chemicals in most regular sunscreens — are toxic to coral. Many Maldives resorts have banned non-reef-safe sunscreen, and some patrol for it. Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the reef-safe alternative. They're thicker and take longer to absorb but don't harm the coral ecosystem that makes the Maldives what it is.
How do you get between islands in the Maldives?
By speedboat or seaplane, depending on how far your resort is from Malé. Speedboat transfers are typically under an hour and included by most resorts. Seaplane transfers cover greater distances, are spectacular, but only operate in daylight. If your flight arrives late, you may need to stay one night in Malé. Confirm transfer details with your resort well before travelling.
Is the Maldives worth the cost?
For a honeymoon, milestone birthday or once-in-a-lifetime trip, most visitors say yes — the combination of privacy, marine environment and service is unique. For budget-conscious travellers, the local island option (staying on inhabited islands rather than resort islands) has grown significantly and costs a fraction of the price, while still offering access to the same ocean.