Following is a list of essential, not so essential and recommended items.
One thing to be aware of, but definitely not overly concerned about, is that the Maldives is a Muslim country, although moderate as a whole, one needs to be respectful of both their religion and laws.
Its also important to note that alcohol is not allowed to be bought into the country, so no duty free booze. Alcoholic beverages are not available to be purchased on the atolls, and can only be purchased and consumed on resorts and safari boats.
If and when visiting atoll villages, be mindful of dressing appropriately. You can speak with the crew onboard if you are unsure of how to dress ... board shorts and t-shirts are fine most of the time.
TRAVEL:
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months from date of departure.
- Visa is issued on arrival into Maldives
- Tickets and airline itinerary.
- Photocopies of travel documents, passport, drivers license etc
- Travel insurance policy.
- Money: USD is king so bring a couple of hundred in greenbacks.
- Ziplock bags for liquids ... international airport departure protocol.
- Reusable drink bottle (save the planet)
- Manners, patience and a smile
SURFING EQUIPMENT:
- Surfboards X 2 (or 3 if you feel the need)
- Travel Board-bag
- Leg-ropes 2-3
- Fins, same as leg-ropes 2-3 sets.
- Tropical surf wax
- Reef booties
- Rash-shirts X 2 (short & long sleeve)
- Surf hat (optional)
- Board shorts X 2
- Sunscreen !!!
- Ding Repair Tape, ie: duct tape (also good for taping up board bags)
- Ding repair kit (optional) sun cure resin, glass mat & wet dry will get you by for small dings.
CLOTHING:
You won’t need much but, you’ll want to stay warm during flights.
- Board shorts x 2
- Shorts X 1
- Light weight long pants X 1
- Lightweight sloppy-joe or similar for flights.
- T-shirts X 3
- Long sleeve shirt or t-shirt X 1
- Underwear & socks
- Thongs or sandals and light weight shoes for flights;
- Sun glasses
- Hat (sun protection)
- Towel (quick-dry or otherwise)
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Small backpack or waterproof roll-top bag. (something to put a camera and other essential in when going ashore etc)
- Electrical Adaptor: Electricity supply is 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC. The standard socket is the UK- style three-pin, type G or D. (google is your friend here)
- Double adaptor or small power-board for charging/using multiple items, or multi USB charger.
- Toiletries (deodorant, soap, shampoo, shaving gear, toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturiser etc)
- MEDICATION ! ... any essential medication you require. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
- Insect repellant
- A good book
- Snorkelling Gear (optional)
- Fishing Gear (optional)
- CAMERA (optional)
- Chargers and leads for your devices
- PHONE
- Local Sim card on arrival in the Maldives, you can purchase a local sim card for approximately $50 USD this is by far the best was to communicate on social media etc. International roaming really isn’t an option in the Maldives.
- Torch (optional)
FIRST AID:
I like to carry a small first aid kit containing items that may be required for small injuries etc. There’s lots of information on the interwebs in regards to recommendations for first aid kits. The following list is a guide of basic requirements.
FIRST AID KIT:
- Bandages
- Antiseptics
- Water-resistant plasters
- Steri-strips
- Pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Medication to treat dehydration
- Medication to treat indigestion and diarrhoea
- Ear drops
- Eye drops
- Elastic support bandage
- Insect repellent
- Prescription medication