What to be careful of in Maldives?

The Maldives is widely considered one of the safest and most tranquil destinations on earth. However, even in paradise, there are specific local laws, environmental risks, and cultural norms that travelers need to navigate.

If you are planning a trip in 2026, here is everything you need to be careful of to ensure your dream vacation remains stress-free.

1. Respecting Local Laws and Islamic Culture

The Maldives is an Islamic nation, and laws outside of the private resort islands are quite strict.

• Alcohol and Pork: It is illegal to import alcohol or pork into the country. While these are available at private resorts, they are strictly prohibited on "local" (inhabited) islands like Maafushi or in the capital, Malé.

• Modest Dress Code: When visiting local islands, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Bikinis are only permitted on private resort beaches or designated "Bikini Beaches" on local islands.

• Public Displays of Affection (PDA): Be careful with physical affection in public on inhabited islands; it is generally frowned upon and can be considered offensive.

• Drug Laws: The Maldives maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drug offenses. Penalties are severe and include heavy fines or lengthy imprisonment.

2. Ocean Safety and Water Currents

The Indian Ocean is beautiful but can be unpredictable. Water-related accidents are the most common safety issue for tourists.

• Strong Currents and Rips: Many islands have strong tidal currents, especially near the "house reef" edge. Always check with your resort or dive center about current conditions before entering the water.

• Marine Life Protection: It is illegal to collect coral, shells, or sand. Be careful not to touch or step on the coral reefs, as this damages the ecosystem and can cause painful stings from stonefish or urchins.

• Supervised Swimming: Only swim in designated areas. If you are not a strong swimmer, always wear a life jacket, even when snorkeling.

3. Health and Environmental Hazards

• Sun Protection: Located near the equator, the sun in the Maldives is exceptionally strong. Sunburn can occur in minutes. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the coral.

• Water Consumption: Tap water is typically desalinated seawater and is generally not safe to drink. Most resorts provide glass-bottled water; always stick to purified options.

• Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: While rare in resorts, instances of Dengue can occur on local islands. Be careful to use repellent, especially during the wetter monsoon months from May to November.

4. Avoiding Common Scams

While crime is very low, a few opportunistic scams target tourists in high-traffic areas like the capital.

• The "Friendly Guide" Scam: In Malé, individuals may offer a "free tour" of the city, only to lead you to specific shops where they receive high commissions, often causing you to overpay for souvenirs.

• Booking Scams: Ensure you book through reputable, verified platforms. Be wary of "Liveaboard" or guesthouse deals that seem too good to be true on unverified social media pages.

• Taxi Overcharging: In the capital, always confirm the fare before starting your journey, though most trips within Malé have a fixed standard rate.

5. Transportation and Logistics

• Seaplane Timing: Most seaplanes only fly during daylight hours. If your international flight arrives after 3:30 PM, you may be required to stay overnight in Malé or Hulhumalé before transferring to your resort.

• Medical Evacuation: Many resorts are hours away from a major hospital. Ensure your travel insurance specifically covers emergency medical evacuation by sea or air.

Summary Checklist for a Safe Trip