Saint Martin’s Island Travel Guide: Resorts, Ships, and Itineraries

Saint Martin’s Island is the only coral island in Bangladesh, located in the southernmost part of the country’s mainland in the Bay of Bengal. Situated about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the famous coastal city of Cox’s Bazar, this tiny 17-square-kilometer island is affectionately called Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) by the locals.

With its endless blue skies blending into the turquoise ocean and long stretches of coconut groves, this island is a premier destination for travelers looking for untouched natural beauty. Here is everything you need to know as an international traveler planning to visit this tropical gem.

When to Visit (Crucial Eco-Regulations for 2025-2026)

Because of weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and local eco-tourism regulations, the island is only accessible to tourists when the local administration permits passenger ships to sail.

To protect the fragile coral reef, the Bangladesh government has introduced strict environmental regulations. Saint Martin’s Island is no longer open year-round.

• The Official Travel Window: The island is strictly open to tourists only from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Overnight stays are highly regulated during this period.
• Daily Visitor Cap: To prevent overcrowding, only 2,000 visitors are allowed on the island per day.
• Closed for Regeneration: From February through November, the island is completely closed to tourism to allow the environment and marine life to heal and regenerate.

How to Get There

Your journey to Saint Martin’s Island will begin in Cox’s Bazar. If you are arriving from the capital, Dhaka, you can reach Cox’s Bazar via domestic flight, train, or long-distance bus.

From Cox’s Bazar to the Island:

1. Head to the Jetty: You need to go to the Nuniachhara Jetty (BIWTA Ghat) in Cox’s Bazar. You can take a local auto-rickshaw, CNG (tuk-tuk), or jeep from Dolphin Moor (about a 3 km/40-minute ride).
2. Board the Ship: This year, ships like MV Karnafuli and Baro Awlia run daily routes. Other vessels like Keari Sindabad or Atlantic may also operate depending on permits.
3. The Journey: The scenic cruise takes about 4 to 6 hours. Ships usually depart Cox’s Bazar between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and return from Saint Martin’s between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
4. Ticket Costs: Depending on the ship class, round-trip tickets range from 3,500 BDT to 20,000 BDT (roughly $30 to $170 USD/EUR).

Mandatory Pre-Registration

Because of the new 2,000-visitor daily limit, getting to the island requires more planning than in previous years.

1. Mandatory Pre-Registration & QR Codes: You can no longer just show up and buy a ticket. You must pre-register and secure a mandatory QR-coded ticket before your trip. Your QR code will be checked upon entry to enforce the daily capacity limit.
2. The Route (Cox’s Bazar Only): The historically popular Teknaf route is currently suspended. All access to the island is now strictly via authorized ships departing from the Nuniachhara (BIWTA) Jetty in Cox’s Bazar.
3. Boarding the Ship: From Cox’s Bazar town, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the Nuniachhara Jetty. The scenic cruise across the Bay of Bengal takes about 4 to 6 hours.

Where to Stay (Resorts & Hotels)

The island offers a variety of eco-resorts, hotels, and cottages. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends or during peak holiday seasons. (Note: Prices are approximate and in Bangladeshi Taka – BDT).

• Blue Marine Resort: Located near the ferry ghat. Double AC rooms are 15,000 BDT; Non-AC double rooms are 5,000 BDT. Larger rooms for groups are also available. (Contact: +880 1713399000)
• Praasad Paradise Resort: Just past the main market area. Offers 16 different room types ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 BDT. (Contact: +880 1556347711)
• Neel Digante Resort: Located on the South Beach (Konapara), a bit further from the jetty. Cottage-style rooms run between 1,500 and 5,000 BDT. (Contact: +880 1730051005)
• The Atlantic Resort: Situated on the West Beach with 43 rooms. Prices range from 3,500 to 12,000 BDT. (Contact: +880 1700 969 212)
• Sayari Eco Resort: A beautiful, aesthetically pleasing eco-resort on the South Beach. Rooms range from 2,000 to 6,500 BDT. (Contact: +880 1711232917)

Other notable mentions include Coral Blue, Mermaid, Panna Resort, Sea Probal, and Sunset View.

Food & Dining: What to Eat

Most resorts have their own dining facilities, so it’s best to check if meals are included or available.

• Seafood: The island is a seafood lover’s paradise. Try local delicacies like Coral fish, Pomfret (Rupchanda), Lobster, and Ilish (Hilsa).
• BBQ: Almost all resorts offer evening fish BBQs. You can pick your fresh catch and have it grilled right on the beach.
• Local Specialties: Don’t leave without drinking water from the island’s famous sweet green coconuts (Daab). There is also a massive variety of dried fish (Shutki) available in the local markets.

What to Do & See

Since the ferry journey takes up most of the day, an overnight stay is highly recommended to truly experience the island’s charm.

• Beach Hopping: The West Beach is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, while the East Beach is perfect for quiet sunrises.
• Chhera Dwip: Set aside a morning or afternoon to visit Chhera Dwip, an extension of the island that gets separated during high tide, known for its pristine corals.
• Explore on Wheels: Rent a bicycle or hire a local motorcycle guide to tour the entire island.
• Evening Barbecue: Spend your evening enjoying a beachside BBQ under the stars at your resort or a local market restaurant.

Estimated Travel Budget

Your costs will vary based on your travel style, but here is a rough baseline per person to help you plan:

• Transportation: Bus from Dhaka (Non-AC round trip) ~ 1,800 BDT. Ship round trip ~ 3,500 BDT. Local island transport ~ 200 BDT.
• Accommodation: Standard double rooms range from 2,000–4,000 BDT/night. Premium sea-view resorts can cost 4,000–12,000 BDT/night. (Traveling with a group of 4 reduces per-person room costs significantly).
• Food: Breakfast ~ 100-150 BDT. Lunch/Dinner ~ 200-400 BDT per meal. Evening Beach BBQ ~ 400-600 BDT per person. Eating at local market restaurants is much cheaper than dining at premium resorts.

Essential Tips for International Travelers

• Strict Plastic Ban: There is a total ban on single-use plastics. Do not bring plastic water bottles, polythene bags, or disposable wrappers to the island. Pack a reusable water bottle instead.
• QR Code Ready: Keep your QR-coded travel pass downloaded on your phone or printed out, as authorities will check it to verify you are part of the daily 2,000-visitor allowance.
• Night Curfews: Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) patrols the island regularly. For safety and eco-conservation, tourists are generally prohibited from roaming the beaches or jetty areas late at night.
• Ocean Safety: Always be cautious when swimming, pay attention to high and low tides, and never step on, touch, or take pieces of live coral.

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