FAMILY PACKING LIST FOR 10 DAYS IN THE MALDIVES (+ My Packing Regrets)

Have you booked your first family trip to the Maldives and trying to decide what you need to bring?

Are you trying to decide which shoes to pack for you and your kids?

Have you read that sunscreen can cost $40 per bottle at resorts… and you want to make sure you pack enough?

I recently returned from a 10-day trip to the Maldives with my family (husband and three boys, ages almost 3, 6, and 9). Pre-trip, I did a ton of research because I knew it was important to pack right. I mean, it’s not like you just head to the local mall to pick up what you forgot – you’ll be on a tropical island in the middle of the Indian Ocean!

So, grab a coffee (or tropical cocktail) and read through my family packing list for the Maldives. I’ve included:

• General items to pack
• Clothing we packed for our family of five (me, husband, three boys)
• Toiletries
• Water toys and equipment
• Baby and toddler specific items for the Maldives
• Miscellaneous things to pack (like waterproof UNO and journals for the boys)
• My packing regrets from our recent Maldives family trip
• What we packed for the plane
• A few more Maldives packing tips

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General Items to Pack for the Maldives

• Sunglasses – We brought polarized glasses for everyone. These polarized sunglasses for kids are great because the temples are super flexible so they don’t get stretched out. I could even wear them (and will probably get a pair for our next trip – they stayed on better than my adult sunglasses did).
• Mini First-Aid Kit – Our resort had a medical clinic and doctor, but I was still happy to have my trusted supplies in my first aid kit (also good to have for the flights to and from the Maldives). I had fever Children’s Tylenol, Neosporin, band-aids, a thermometer, antiseptic wipes.
• Go Pro camera – It was so much fun to have this camera that we could use underwater! We also had the floating handle so we didn’t have to worry about it sinking in the ocean.
• Adapter for electronics – The Maldives uses plug type G, just like the UK. If you’re coming from the US, you can use an adapter like this. Some resorts also have USB plugs (most often USB-A) that come in handy for charging some electronics.
• Phone and charger – We used our resort’s handy app to book meals and activities and we used Whatsapp to communicate with our butler. I also took most of my photos with my iPhone.
• Kindle or book – My son and I each brought our Kindles and we used them daily. I was able to read on the beach (yes!) and my son used his in the evening before bed.
• Cash – US Dollars or Euros. Yes, you can pay for everything with a credit card, but you’ll want cash to tip the hotel staff at the end of your trip.
• Important Documents – Passports, credit card, important medical prescriptions, travel insurance documents, etc.

Clothing to Pack for the Maldives

My main questions when packing clothing for the Maldives were:

• Will I do laundry (myself or have the resort do it) or pack enough for the entire trip? I ended up packing outfits for everyone for half the trip and doing laundry when needed.
• Will I be dressing up or spending the trip in casual clothing? I mostly wore sundresses and beach coverups, and I had a couple of collared beach shirts for my boys, but we felt comfortable in casual clothing. However, I was happy to have colorful dresses with me.
• Can we go barefoot or do I need shoes? I’d read that on our island, you could go barefoot all week – and that was true! My boys were barefoot the entire time.
• Can we wear our swimsuits to lunch? We were able to have lunch at the kids pool in our swimwear and I wore a coverup if we had lunch at the buffet.
• Will we be visiting a local island? To be respectful of the local population, it’s important to cover shoulders and knees and to not wear revealing clothing while on local islands. Even though international travelers pass through the Malé airport, it’s still kind to dress modestly when you’re transiting to/from your resort.

Here’s my clothing-specific packing list for each of my kids for the Maldives for our 10-day trip (not including travel days):

• Swim trunks x 3
• Rash guard x 1 – Only brought for my youngest son but wish I’d brought them for all three kids. I ended up having them wear athletic shirts most of the time they were in the water (the sun in the Maldives is so strong!).
• Sun hat x 1
• Shirts x 5 – Mix of t-shirts and cotton collared button-up shirts. I brought a few extras for my 3-year-old.
• Shorts x 5
• Pajamas x 1
• Coat and sweatshirt – For the plane.
• Underwear x 5
• Socks x 5 – Only needed them for the plane as my boys went barefoot the entire trip.
• Sneakers x 1
• Flip flops or slides x 1

My (mamma) packing list for the Maldives:

• Sundresses x 5 – Cotton and linen are best. I had read this was important but didn’t listen and was uncomfortable in some of my sundresses made of synthetic material (like polyester and elastane). Next time, only light, natural materials!
• Shorts x 2 – I only wore one pair.
• Tank top x 1
• Swimsuits x 4 – Bright colors and red really pop against the turquoise sea.
• Sunhat – I debated bringing a large-brimmed floppy sunhat but ended up with a Wallaroo – it packs really well (rolls up) has UPF 50+ (but doesn’t have a chin strap).
• Beach cover ups x 2
• Workout outfit x 2 – I brought two tank tops, ¾ yoga pants, and running shorts. I only used one of the tank tops and the running shorts and just washed them out after using them.
• Coat and cashmere sweater – For flight and possible trip interruption. I had my sweater laundered by the resort for the return trip.
• Pants – For the plane.
• Compression socks – For the plane. If I fly without them, my legs and ankles swell up like overstuffed sausages. I also had these laundered by the resort for the return trip.
• Shoes – Birkenstock EVA sandals, Rainbow flip-flops, sneakers for the gym, dressy flat sandals. I have a foot problem and can’t walk barefoot, so I had to pack shoes.
• Underwear x 10 – I didn’t need this many pairs, as I ended up washing some during the trip.
• Socks x 5 – Again, I only ended up needing a couple of pairs for the gym.
• Hair ties x 3
• Shorts and tank top – Used as pajamas and lounge wear.

My husband’s packing list for the Maldives:

• T-shirts x 10
• Collared shirt x 1
• Shorts x 2
• Swim trunks x 2
• Sporty outfits x 2
• Shoes – flip-flops, sneakers for the gym
• Sweatshirt – For flight
• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap
• Underwear x 3
• Socks x 2
• Basic toiletries – like deoderant, toothbrush, toothpaste

Toiletries to Pack for the Maldives

• Sunscreen – I packed 5 bottles of sunscreen for our 10 day trip and we used almost all of them. So, as a general rule, I’d plan on using at least 1 bottle every two days for a family of five. I had four spray bottles of 50 SPF Sun Bum (two normal and two of the kids’ sprays) and one bottle of 50 SPF Sun Bum Cream. I forgot mineral sunscreen (which I use under eyes and on the nose) and was really bummed about it. Remember to pack a reef-safe sunscreen so you don’t cause any damage to the fragile coral reef ecosystem.
• Insect repellent – I brought a natural spray and a stronger spray (full of chemicals). We only applied them a couple of times, and three of us were eaten alive by the pesky sand flies. My husband only got a few bites and my 3-year-old came away bite-free.
• After bite cream – I packed After Bite, which works well but stung my boys. They prefered Autan after-bite (more soothing, less sting).
• Aloe vera x 2 – I brought two bottles of Sun Bum aloe vera. My boys didn’t like how it felt.
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash – Your resort may provide this (ours did and my boys used it and loved it), but I prefer to use my own shampoo and conditioner.
• Makeup – I only brought mascara, brow gel, lipstick and lipgloss. I didn’t use the lipstick. I don’t usually wear much makeup, but even so, the humidity and so much time spent swimming means it’s not a great place to wear makeup. I did see other women wearing makeup at dinner.
• Face cream and eye cream
• Face wash
• Lotion – Our resort provided it but I brought along a lovely monoi body cream by Elemis that’s perfect for a tropical island.
• Nailpolish and remover – Unless you’re planning on getting a manicure or pedicure, bring your nailpolish and remover wipes so you can touch up your mani/pedi while you’re in the Maldives. I ended up refreshing my polish on my toes about halfway through our trip (5 days in).
• Other toiletries – I also brought a leave-in hair conditioner, hair oil, nail clippers, tweezers. It’s worth asking if your resort has a toiletry kit in the room.
• Vitamins
• Prescription medication
• Deoderant
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
• Travel size brush
• Contact lenses and contact solution

Good To Know: Trash and recycling are complicated in the Maldives! I usually pack small containers of toiletries, or bottles that are almost finished and then leave them to be recycled. However, I ended up bringing our empty bottles home from the Maldives.

Water Toys and Equipment to Pack for the Maldives

• Water balls – We brought one of these and had a blast with it but then lost it. Bring two!
• Goggles – I brought Arena goggles for my older boys (6 & 9) and these Aquasphere goggles for my almost 3 year old. They loved having them in the swimming pool and in the sea to look at the fish and little sharks!
• Beach soccer ball – Your resort may have this. We were glad to have our own to keep and play with (without having to go check it out each time we wanted to play).
• Beach toys – Bucket, shovel, etc.
• Air mattress – The water in the Maldives is so shallow and calm – perfect for an air mattress!
• Snorkeling mask – If your kids are comfortable with full-face masks, bring them. Our resort had regular masks, which were fine for my 9-year-old, but my 6-year-old didn’t feel comfortable with it.

Baby- and Toddler-Specific Maldives Packing List

• Diapers – Bring more than you think you’ll need! I had a little bit of stress when I realized I packed enough diapers for my pre-schooler (he’s potty-trained but I still put a diaper on him when he sleeps) for nighttime, but forgot about naps (he doesn’t nap anymore at home but ended up napping in the Maldives). I had to ‘ration’ our diapers and luckily, we ended up having enough. Remember to pack for both plane trips (including possible extended layovers) plus your time at your resort. And then add a few more so you won’t have to stress about having enough.
• Diaper Supplies – Baby wipes, diaper cream, etc.
• Mattress protector – You can also request one from your resort, but I usually travel with a small disposable one that can also be used as a changing pad.
• Toiletries, medicine, or special snacks your baby likes – Don’t experiment with a new baby lotion on a remote tropical island. Bring what your baby knows and loves.
• Sunhat with a chin strap – Protect that delicate baby skin with a hat that stays on!

Miscellaneous Items to Pack for the Maldives

• Things to celebrate special occasions – My middle son had a birthday on our trip, so we brought some wrapped presents for him. Remember other occasions like anniversaries or holiday traditions (for example, Elf on the Shelf).
• Favorite snacks – If your kids love a particular snack or are picky eaters, you may want to bring a few favorites from home. I brought some raisins, nuts, and a few lollipops.
• Swimvest – We’ve used the Stearns Puddle Jumper with all three of my kids. I brought one for my almost 3-year old and he used it quite a bit during our trip. Yes, it’s a bit bulky to pack, but I’d bring it again in a heartbeat.
• Watch – I brought my Apple watch.
• Journals or sketchpads – Each of my boys got a small Moleskine soft cover journal at the beginning of the trip to use for writing or drawing. They shared colored pencils. Don’t forget a pencil sharpener!
• Computer or Tablet – If you need to do any work, you can bring your computer. We also had iPads for the plane that the boys watched on a rainy day. Our resort also had televisions and Netflix, so these aren’t a must if you don’t use them on the plane. And, the Maldives are so amazing that your kids probably won’t even ask to use them!
• Jewelry – I kept earrings in, and I wore my wedding band and a small necklace. Some women wore jewelry in the evening, but I was very happy to keep it simple (and not worry about losing jewelry in the water).
• Eyeglasses – After a day in the bright sun and saltwater, my eyes were always happy to get a break.
• Small bag – I brought a fanny pack / belt bag but ended up using a cloth bag from the resort to carry my phone, kids’ goggles, etc around the island.
• Cards or small games – We brought waterproof UNO and played it at the beach and at the pool.

My Maldives Packing Regrets

If we go back to the Maldives, I’d make sure to pack:

• Enough diapers – Enough said.
• More sunscreen – Avoid paying the hefty prices at your resort’s shop.
• Mineral sunscreen – I usually put this under my boys’ eyes and on their noses where they usually get sunburned. I forgot it on this trip and couldn’t find any in our resort’s shop. I was really bummed because my youngest kept getting red there, even with constant sunscreen application and wearing a hat.
• A few beach toys – Nice to have them to keep at your beach.
• Two water balls – They’re so much fun to play with. Bring a spare in case you lose one (like we did).
• Rash guards for each of my boys – In a pinch, you can use a synthetic athletic shirt (tighter-fitting is best).
• Water shoes for my boys – They were fine without them, but could’ve run around more freely (there’s coral that washes up on the edge of the beach) if they’d had them.
• A couple of different types of insect repellent – If one doesn’t work for the pesky Maldivian sand flies (like no-see-ums), you can try another one. I wish I’d been more diligent with insect repellent – the bites are so itchy (way worse than mosquito bites)!
• A couple more pretty, colorful sundresses (for me) – Nice for photos and variety.
• A sunhat with a chin string (for me) – I went on daily walks around the island and my hat always flew off (even if it wasn’t really windy). It also would’ve been nice for the boat trips.
• Only clothing made of cotton or linen or light, natural fibers – Synthetic materials are hot and uncomfortable.
• Only slip-on sandals – My strappy sandals kept getting sand in them. With slip-on sandals, you can just kick them off to get the sand out.
• Fewer pairs of socks – My husband and I wore socks to the gym but my boys only wore them on the plane.
• Snorkeling masks my kids are used to – My 6-year-old missed out on the amazing snorkeling trip because he didn’t like how the resort’s snorkeling mask felt. Next time I’ll be sure to bring the full-face snorkeling mask he uses and loves. Ours was purchased in Italy but it’s similar to this one.

Our Packing List for the Plane

Our journey to the Maldives took awhile, but it wasn’t too bad (the flight from Italy to/from the US feels harder). Our travel included:

• Drive to Rome (3 hours)
• Fly Rome to Doha (5 hours 45 min)
• Layover Doha (2 hours)
• Fly Doha to Malé (4 hours)
• Transfer to seaplane terminal at Malé airport and wait for seaplane flight (1 hour)
• Fly (seaplane) Malé to Iru Fushi (45 min)

Our carry-on bags were small and light. My boys each had a small backpack with:

• a water bottle
• a toy (like a monster truck)
• a lollipop
• a package of candy
• a new sketchpad
• colored pencils
• their coat
• noise-cancelling headphones

I had my small roller-bag with:

• my computer
• fleeces for each of the boys
• change of clothing for my youngest son and extra t-shirts for the other two boys
• diapers and wipes
• hand sanitizer
• small first aid kit (mentioned above)
• medicine and contact lenses
• eye glasses
• extra snacks (nuts, beef sticks)
• a beach cover up that I changed into when we got to the hot Maldives (I kept my pants on underneath)

A Few More Maldives Family Packing Tips

Know the weight limits for all of your flights. If you’re planning on taking a seaplane, know that flight allowances may be different from your normal flights. For example, our Qatar Airways baggage allowances were 25 kg (checked bags) and 7 kg (carry-on bags) but on our seaplane flight with Trans Maldivian Airways the allowances were 20 kg (checked bags) and 5 kg (carry-on bags). And, on the seaplane flight, lap infants don’t have a baggage allowance.

Know what your resort provides. If yours provides shampoo, conditioner, lotion, snorkel gear, etc. – don’t bring yours from home!

Pack insect repellent – just in case. Even if you’re not normally bitten by bugs or your resort sprays for insects, it’s still a good idea to be prepared.

If you think you may need it, bring it. When you’re at a resort in the Maldives, you’re on a small tropical island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. You can’t just run to Target to get something you’ve forgotten or wish you’d packed. So, make a list of what you may need, and bring it! I wish I’d brought more diapers, rash guards for everyone, and mineral sunscreen.

Have a backup plan in case it rains. If your kids are likely to go stir-crazy if they’re stuck in the hotel room, bring some activities they love – coloring books, books to read, music to dance to, or movies downloaded onto an iPad. We had occasional showers and one entire morning of rain.

Laundry dries quickly in the Maldivian sun. I did some quick washes and dried clothes in the sun. Overnight (or in the shade), our clothes and swimwear didn’t dry quickly.

Check the forecast for your atoll. The islands of the Maldives span more than 500 miles from north to south and about 80 miles from east to west – that’s a lot of territory! The forecast for Malé (most commonly shown in weather apps) may be nothing like the weather you’ll experience in your atoll. Ask your resort which weather app they use. For our atoll (Noonu), the best app (according to resort staff and locals) is the Apple Weather app (for Noonu Atoll).

You probably don’t need an external charger for your phone. I always travel with an external charger on our family trips. I love taking photos, I use map apps on my phone, and I Google things while we’re out and about. In the Maldives, you don’t need your phone. And if you’re taking photos and the battery gets low, you can just walk back to your room and recharge. I never even came close to having a low battery on our trip.

And that’s my Maldives family packing list! It’s a long one, and you may not need everything on it for your family, but hopefully it will help you as you pack for your trip to the Maldives. Have an amazing trip!

Be sure to check out all of our Maldives with Kids posts:
Maldives with Kids – How to Plan the Perfect Trip
7 Reasons to Book a Family Trip to the Maldives
6 Helpful Tips for Your First Visit to the Maldives with Kids
30+ Maldives Family-Friendly Resorts – Compared by a Mom (Includes Table & Notes)
How Many Days to Spend in the Maldives
Family Packing List for the Maldives
Maldives with a Baby – Yes or No?
Maldives with Teens
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Review – Family Paradise in the Maldives
Where to Eat at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi with Kids
Overwater Villa or Beach Villa – Choosing One for Your Maldives Family Trip
Family-Specific Questions to Ask Your Maldives Resort – Before You Book
Taking a Seaplane in the Maldives
Tips for Taking a Seaplane with Kids
Maldives Regrets – From Resort Choices to Packing Mistakes