Dressing during visits to local island and Male'

A more modest form of dress is required when vising the capital Male or a local island, when shoulders to knees should be covered for both men and women.  Some guesthouses offer access to a 'bikini beach' where foreign visitors can wear swimwear in public, but not all local islands offer this.  If there isn't a bikini beach available on your island please be aware that even modest swimwear by western standards is not appropriate, and both men and women shouldn't wear anything more revealing than a loose t-shirt or rash-vest and knee-length shorts for swimming. 

As the beaches and pathways of local villages aren't always meticulously maintained, you'll need a pair of sandals or flipflops at all times.

Many local beaches don't yet offer umbrellas and sunloungers (although some do) so it's worth packing a hat to protect from the sun's glare.  

A note to female travellers: while Maldivian women are tending more and more to completely cover up (you may even see the occasional lady in a burqa although this is still rare) there's no expectation that you do so.  As long as you keep your shoulders covered (nothing more revealing than a t-shirt - please leave vest tops, cami-tops and strappy tops at home) and wear shorts.trousers, skirt or dress that covers your knees, you'll be perfectly comfortable.