If you’re looking for books to read before your family trip to the Maldives, I’ve got you covered. These books aren’t about the Maldives, because I’ve yet to find one that I like for my kids. However, these books are on topics that will relate to your Maldives trip (coral reefs, islands, oceans, etc.). I hope you find a special book for your family’s trip!
We’re a family of five (kids ages 4, 7, 10) and we’re hooked on the Maldives as a family-friendly destination. We stay on island resorts, and while they’re fairly cut off from local culture (minus local island visits), the abundant nature (especially in the ocean) keeps my kids interested in where we are, and always learning.
Let’s take a look at some books you can read together (or your kids can explore on their own) before your trip.
I’ve linked books below, but remember to check your local library too!
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Tip: Look for sales! I saw some of these books on Amazon for over 40% off.
Books to Read with Your Kids Before Your Maldives Trip

The Animal Book: Our World in Pictures – A beautiful, hardcover book that’s gotten plenty of use in our household. There are pages on sea life, bats, lizards, and birds. If a photo catches your child’s interest, you can learn more about it (the descriptions are short).
Keepers of the Reef – A hardcover children’s book with gorgeous illustrations. While it’s focused on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, there’s still plenty that applies to the Maldives.
Knowledge Encyclopedia Ocean! (DK) – We have many books in this DK series, and my kids all enjoy the illustrations and photos. I notice that my 10-year-old is the only one who reads the text (it’s kind of small).
Earth’s Incredible Oceans (The Magic & Mystery of the Natural World) – A hardcover book with beautiful illustrations and shorter sentences / smaller blocks of text. Interesting facts, life cycles, and keeps the attention of pre-schoolers (with the photos).
Coral Reefs (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2) – I can’t tell you how many books we have from this thin paperback series. They work for young kids through early readers, and you can even have older kids read them to your younger children. Besides this one on coral reefs, there are others on the ocean, sharks, fish, and more.
Ocean Animals for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Whales, Sharks, and Other Marine Life – A paperback book with fun facts, clear photos, and experiments. My boys enjoyed seeing some of the creatures they’ve seen in the Maldives (and learning more about them).
Peek-a-Flap Ocean – Great option for little ones who want to have their own book about the ocean.
Maldives Fish Guide – I’ve got a laminated hard copy of a Maldives fish guide that has gotten a lot of use (mostly by me, if I’m being honest, but sometimes my kids look at it). I’ve linked a Maldives fish guide, but it’s a Kindle version, so not really practical for the beach or on the boat while you’re in the Maldives. Still, I like it because it has silhouettes and photos, which are very helpful. You could study this one pre-trip and while you’re in your room, and pick up a hard copy of a fish guide in the Maldives (I got ours in our resort’s shop).

Be sure to check out all of my 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
Books to Read Before Heading to the Maldives (for Kids)
What to Do on a Rainy Day in the Maldives
Reef-Safe Sunscreens for the Maldives