A Maldives resort holiday needs less luggage than most trips. Days are warm all year, life is barefoot, and resorts supply many of the basics. The trick is to bring the few things that make island life easier and leave the rest at home.
This is a practical packing list for a resort stay. It is grouped so you can tick things off as you go.
Start with a light bag
Many resorts are reached by seaplane or a small domestic flight. These often have tighter baggage allowances than international flights, and soft bags are easier to load onto boats and planes.
Before you pack, check the baggage allowance for your transfer with your resort or with us. Soft-sided luggage is a good choice.
Clothes for the day
The weather is warm and humid, so think light and breathable.
- Light cotton or linen tops and shorts
- Two or three swimsuits, so one can dry while you wear another
- A cover-up, sarong or light shirt for walking to breakfast or the bar
- A sun hat with a brim
- Sunglasses, ideally polarised for looking into the lagoon
Most guests live in swimwear and a cover-up during the day. Laundry service is available at most resorts, so you do not need an outfit for every day.
Clothes for the evening
Resort evenings are usually relaxed but a little smarter. Some restaurants ask for smart casual dress.
- A few light dresses, skirts or linen trousers
- Collared shirts or smart short-sleeved shirts
- A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and boat rides after sunset
Shoes
You will be barefoot more than you expect. Paths are often sand, and some resorts are shoes-optional.
- Sandals or flip-flops
- One pair of smarter sandals for dinner
- Water shoes or reef shoes for entering the sea from the beach or jetty
Heels and heavy trainers rarely leave the suitcase. If you plan to use the gym or tennis court, bring light trainers.
Snorkel and beach kit
Resorts usually lend or rent snorkel equipment. Bringing your own can still be worth it.
- Your own mask and snorkel, if you have a comfortable fit
- A rash vest or long-sleeved swim top for sun cover in the water
- A dry bag for boat trips and sandbank days
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A reusable water bottle
Fins are bulky and are usually available at the resort dive or water sports centre. Ask the resort if you are unsure.
Sun care
The sun is strong all year, and reflection from white sand and water makes it feel stronger.
- Reef-friendly sunscreen in a high factor
- After-sun lotion
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Insect repellent for evenings
Resort shops usually stock sun care, but choice can be limited. It is easier to bring what you know you like.
Health and personal items
Bring any personal medicines you take in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription. Pack them in your hand luggage.
A small kit with plasters and the everyday items you normally use on holiday is handy. Resorts have clinics or can arrange medical help, but a small kit saves a trip for small things. For anything specific to your health, speak to your doctor before you travel.
Contact lens wearers should pack spare lenses and solution. Water and sun can be hard on eyes.
Tech and power
- A plug adapter. Ask your resort which sockets its rooms use, or bring a universal adapter
- Chargers and a small power bank for boat trips
- A waterproof or action camera if you like underwater photos
- Headphones for flights and seaplanes
Most resorts offer wifi. If you want mobile data outside the room, the Maldives Tourism website notes that prepaid SIM cards are sold at the airport, or you can use an eSIM.
Documents and money
Keep these in your hand luggage, never in a checked bag.
- Passport, with enough validity
- Return or onward ticket
- Resort booking confirmation
- IMUGA Traveller Declaration confirmation for every traveller
- Bank cards, and a small amount of cash in small notes
Our visa and entry guide explains the documents in detail, and our money and tipping guide covers cards and cash.
For children
Families can pack lighter than they think, as many resorts provide cots, high chairs and kids' club activities. Ask before you travel.
- Swim nappies, if needed
- Child-sized rash vests and sun hats
- Favourite snacks for the journey
- A few small toys or books for the transfer
What to leave at home
Some items cause problems at customs or simply are not needed.
- Alcohol, including duty-free bought on the way. It is not allowed through Maldives customs
- Pork products
- Vapes and e-cigarettes, which are banned
- Large beach towels. Resorts provide them
- Hair dryers. Most rooms have one
- Too many smart outfits
Our customs guide lists what you can and cannot bring in more detail.
A simple packing checklist
- Swimwear (two or three)
- Cover-up and light day clothes
- Smart casual evening outfits
- Sandals, dinner sandals, reef shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Reef-friendly sunscreen, after-sun, lip balm
- Mask and snorkel (optional), rash vest
- Dry bag and waterproof phone pouch
- Medicines in original packaging, small first-aid kit
- Adapter, chargers, power bank
- Passport, tickets, booking, IMUGA confirmations, cards
Packing tips from our team
Roll clothes rather than folding them; they take less space in a soft bag. Put a swimsuit and sun cream in your hand luggage, so you can enjoy the beach even if your bag arrives later.
If you are unsure about anything, ask your resort team before you travel. They know their island best.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear at a Maldives resort?
Light, breathable clothes and swimwear in the day, and smart casual outfits in the evening. Most resorts are relaxed.
Do I need reef shoes in the Maldives?
They are useful for walking into the sea from the beach or jetty, and on coral rubble. Many guests bring a pair.
Should I bring my own snorkel gear?
Resorts usually lend or rent equipment. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want a perfect fit.
What plug adapter do I need for the Maldives?
It varies by resort. Ask your resort which sockets its rooms use, or bring a universal adapter.
Can I bring duty-free alcohol to the Maldives?
No, not even from duty-free; see our customs guide.
How much luggage can I take on a seaplane?
Usually less than on your international flight; see our transfers guide.
