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It is recommended to utilize the in-room safe for storing cash and important documents while staying at Maldives hotels. While generally secure, be mindful of personal equipment left unattended, such as snorkeling gear, as minor incidents like theft of accessories can occur.

Theft from hotel rooms, safes, and luggage is a known issue in tourist destinations, including the Maldives. Standard hotel safes and luggage locks (including TSA locks) may not offer full security against determined thieves, as universal keys exist, and common zipper luggage can be opened with a pen. A reported incident at Lily Beach Maldives involved theft from a room, with the hotel declining responsibility and referring guests to local police, resulting in no recovery of items. It is advised to distribute valuables, avoid leaving them unattended, or carry them on your person, especially during travel. Some travelers opt for luggage with double zippers or rigid, zipper-less designs for enhanced security.

When snorkeling in the Maldives, assess the security of leaving valuables like phones and keys unattended on the beach. On less crowded islands (e.g., Kendo, Maalos), it may be relatively safe. For added security, use a waterproof phone case or leave electronics and keys in your accommodation. Be aware that on busier islands or when accessing the beach from non-beachfront accommodations, leaving belongings unattended carries higher risk.

Maldivian house reefs often show coral bleaching; better snorkeling is typically found at the reef drop-off (the edge of the underwater mountain). Safety warning: swimming outside the lagoon poses risks due to currents and marine life such as sharks.

If a drone falls into saltwater, avoid immediate power-up or charging. Rinse it with distilled or fresh water as soon as possible, followed by thorough drying (up to 24 hours). A burning smell, particularly near the camera, may indicate significant damage.

Theft incidents can occur in Maldives guesthouses and on beaches. While some guesthouses (e.g., Tropicana Villa on Thoddoo) have trustworthy staff, caution is advised. There have been reports of items stolen from beaches (e.g., a mattress). More seriously, a guest reported a significant cash theft from their room at the Nala hotel, where hotel management was unhelpful, and a sales director attempting to assist was fired. To prevent theft: keep cash in waterproof pouches, especially during activities like snorkeling; secure valuables in locked bags or suitcases (though combination locks are not foolproof). Safes in rooms may not always be reliable for highly valuable items like jewelry.