“Wait… you can’t buy alcohol in the Maldives?”
You saw the photos: floating breakfasts, turquoise water, overwater bungalows… but here’s the thing no one puts on the postcard: You can’t legally buy alcohol on most local islands in the Maldives.
Before you pack your beach reads and expect sunset mojitos, here’s what you need to know.
Alcohol is technically illegal on local islands.
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and by law, alcohol is not allowed to be sold or consumed on inhabited local islands (where Maldivian citizens live). That means no bars, no wine shops, no minibar surprises at your cute guesthouse in Maafushi.
You can drink, but only at resorts and liveaboards.
Tourist resorts are on private islands, and they get special licenses to serve alcohol.
So yes, your champagne sunset toast is possible—but only if you’re staying at a resort (read: $$$) or cruising on a liveaboard boat.
For example: Soneva Fushi – Baa Atoll, Maldives, costly but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Some local islands have “floating bars.”
These are boats anchored just offshore of local islands that are legally allowed to serve alcohol. You hop on a tiny boat, cruise out, and drink your overpriced beer surrounded by water… and sometimes loud music.
It’s weird. It’s kind of fun. It’s totally a loophole.
Don’t try to bring your own.
Bringing alcohol into the Maldives is strictly prohibited. Customs at Velana International Airport will confiscate it immediately—no exceptions, even for duty-free.
(Yes, they really check your bags.)
So, should you still go?
Absolutely. The Maldives is beyond stunning, and if you’re okay trading cocktails for coconut water (or splurging one night at a resort bar), it’s still pure paradise.
Bottom line.
The Maldives might not be a booze-soaked beach trip, but that’s part of the magic. Skip the bar crawl and lean into barefoot luxury, surreal beauty, and a slower pace of life. Trust us—you won’t miss the rum when you’re sipping fresh coconut under a palm tree.
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