What To Pack On a Paddling Trip To The Maldives

A trip to the Maldives is a dream for just about everyone who likes to travel. If you’ve recently decided to make this fantasy a reality and are planning a paddling vacation to this stunning archipelago, then you need to decide what to pack. Paddling in the Maldives is a fantastic way to see the coast and reach some incredible snorkel spots. To ensure you have everything you need for a paddling trip to this remote destination, there are several items you should add to your packing list.

When packing for a paddling trip to the Maldives, remember a sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and quality sunglasses to protect yourself from intense UV rays. Pack several sun shirts or rash guards and knee-length board shorts, as visitors are expected to dress conservatively in this country. Bring a dry bag to keep your belongings safe on the water, and pack an underwater action camera and snorkeling gear.

It’s easy to have an epic time in the Maldives. The pristine beaches, healthy reefs, and sapphire waters attract beachgoers, honeymooners, and paddling enthusiasts from around the world. But packing smart for a trip to this isolated island chain is crucial, as products in this tiny country can be costly, and specialty products are often very hard to find. Below is a list of items you should always pack in your suitcase if you plan on paddling on your trip to the Maldives.

11 Items To Pack On A Paddling Trip To The Maldives

1. Paddling Sunglasses

The Maldives receives strong, direct sunlight year-round. When you’re in a paddling vessel, light reflects off the water and can make it difficult for you to see as you try to navigate the unfamiliar waters. While many people like to pack resortwear when heading to this luxury destination, you should be practical with your eyewear.

Pack polarized sunglasses with proven UV protection. Paddling sunglasses help keep glare out of your eyes and protect them from sun damage.

2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen

While many coral reefs are suffering, some reefs in the Maldives are very healthy and resilient. They are a thrill to explore, and many are within paddling distance from shore. To ensure these reefs stay healthy, however, you must pack reef-safe sunscreen.

Reef-safe sunscreen is composed of minerals rather than harmful chemicals. Using this type of sunblock ensures you aren’t putting any unnecessary stress on these marine ecosystems.

3. Underwater Action Camera

In the Maldives, you can see all sorts of fascinating wildlife. Whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and endless colorful tropical fish populate the atolls that comprise the Maldives. Since there is a high probability you will see some of these magnificent creatures, you should have a way to document these sightings.

Bring an underwater action camera like a GoPro. These cameras deliver excellent-quality photos and visuals of underwater landscapes. Underwater visibility can vary in the Maldives, so you must have a high-quality camera to capture crisp visuals, regardless of conditions.

4. Dry Bag

A great dry bag is a packing essential for anyone visiting the Maldives, even if you aren’t planning on paddling. A trip to this archipelago involves lots of water voyages. While luggage is usually well protected during inter-island voyages, you should always pack valuable electronics in a dry bag.

A dry bag is essential for any paddling trip in the Maldives. Not only will it keep your phone and other electronics safe, but it will also keep your first aid kit, food, and towel dry.

5. Sun Protectant Hat

After a few days in the Maldives, you’ll likely start looking for ways to find shade. One great way to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face is to wear a wide-brimmed sun hat. While you can find sun hats in the Maldives, it's best to bring a hat that fits you well and that you like.

Outside the main island of Male, clothing retailers are few and far between. You will also likely pay a premium for a low-quality product. Packing a sun hat provides an extra layer of sun protection when you paddle or enjoy an afternoon at the beach.

6. Inflatable SUP Board

If you’re trying to take a paddling trip to the Maldives on a tight budget, then an inflatable SUP board is one of the best items you can pack. SUP board and kayak rental costs can add up fast, and some islands might not even have rental options.

Packing an iSUP gives you the freedom to paddle on any island, and from nearly any launch site. It’s a great way to provide you with flexibility on your trip, and will also help you save a lot of money.

7. Sun Shirt And Rash Guards

Packing sun shirts and rash guards is always smart when visiting a sunny destination, but it’s borderline mandatory when visiting the Maldives. The Maldives is a Muslim country, and locals and visitors alike are expected to dress conservatively.

While most local islands and all private resorts have bikini beaches, there are many launch points and coastal areas where you should have your body covered. When you wear a long-sleeve sun shirt or rash guard, you protect your skin from sunburn and also avoid offending the locals.

8. Waterproof Cell Phone Case

It’s always good to have your cell phone handy when paddling in the Maldives, but you don’t want it to get waterlogged. A waterproof phone case is a cheap accessory you can easily fit in your luggage.

These phone cases keep your phone safe even if it gets wet, and even let you bring it into the water. It’s best to pack a reliable case rather than rely on local shops, as you can’t always confirm the quality of these products.

9. Knee-Length Board Shorts

Short bathing suits might be in fashion in America and Europe, but they are frowned upon in the Maldives. Shorts that cover the knees, like longer board shorts, are generally considered acceptable on local islands. While you can certainly pack shorter bathing suits for designated bikini beaches and resorts, you should pack at least one longer pair of shorts if you plan on paddling around local islands.

10. Beach Cover-Up

Females and males alike should consider bringing some form of beach cover-up. An oversized shirt, a towel robe, or another type of cover will come in handy on a trip to this island nation. A beach cover-up will ensure you follow the conservative dress code and provide added sun protection.

11. Snorkel Gear

The Maldives is not only a bucket-list paddling destination, but is also one of the best places on Earth to snorkel and scuba dive. Some hotels offer complimentary snorkels and masks, but don’t always provide fins. Furthermore, the quality of the masks and snorkels is often subpar.

To avoid being stuck buying or renting gear on your vacation, pack your own snorkel and mask. Bringing gear you trust is always a good idea, especially when you are snorkeling from a kayak in unfamiliar waters. A snorkel and mask will occupy minimal space in your checked bag, and you’ll be glad you packed it.

12. Reusable Water Bottle

Always carrying a reusable water bottle on trips is a great way to be a more environmentally friendly paddler. While the tap water in the Maldives isn’t always drinkable, many resorts and hotels provide complimentary drinking water stations.

Bring your own refillable water bottle so you always have clean drinking water on your paddling trips, without having to constantly purchase overpriced single-use plastic bottles.