A small island surrounded by the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Saint Martin’s is known for its clear sea, sandy beaches, rows of coconut trees, and coral formations.
At different times of the day, the island offers different views—from sunrise over the eastern shore to sunset across the western beach. Rocky areas, seashells, green vegetation, and mangrove patches add to its natural diversity.
Saint Martin’s, Bangladesh’s only coral island, lies about 120 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar city. The roughly eight-square-kilometre island is also locally known as Narikel Jinjira.
One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Saint Martin’s attracts nature lovers and travellers every year. Tourist ships began operating on the island for the current season on November 5.
A visit to Saint Martin’s is not limited to sitting on the beach, watching the sea, or drinking fresh coconut water. Several places around the island are worth exploring. Some are reachable on foot, while others require boats. Bicycles are also a convenient way to explore different parts of the small island.
Tourist ships operate with administrative approval, taking weather, sea conditions, security, and environmental protection into consideration. The tourism season generally runs from November to March.
Travel rules for 2026–27
Tourists will be allowed to visit Saint Martin’s from November 1 to March 15, 2027, during the 2026–27 tourism season.
A maximum of 3,500 tourists can visit the island each day. Each tourist is required to pay a Tk 100 environmental conservation fee.
Overnight stays are allowed throughout the season. However, tourists must follow the government’s registration requirements and travel-pass and QR-code ticketing rules.
Sunrise and sunset on the eastern and western beaches
The eastern and western beaches are among Saint Martin’s main attractions. Both offer clear blue water, sandy shores and rows of coconut trees, but the experience is different.
The western beach is particularly popular for sunset. As the last light of the day gradually disappears into the sea, the water and sky take on changing colours. Visitors can sit on the sand, watch the waves and take photographs.
The eastern beach, meanwhile, is a popular place to watch the sunrise. As morning light spreads across the sea, the surroundings take on a different character. The beach is particularly appealing to those who enjoy the early-morning atmosphere.
Chhera Dwip: Coral and blue water
Chhera Dwip, located at the southern end of Saint Martin’s, is another well-known attraction. The small coral landmass, separated from the main island, is surrounded by blue water and rocky coral formations.
The landscape changes with the tides, offering different views at different times.
Chhera Dwip is part of an environmentally sensitive area and is subject to special restrictions. During the 2026–27 season, tourist access to Chhera Dwip remains prohibited. Visitors should therefore check the latest government instructions before planning their trip.
Humayun Ahmed’s Samudra Bilas
Saint Martin’s is also home to Samudra Bilas, a cottage built by renowned Bangladeshi writer Humayun Ahmed.
Close to the sea, the cottage is one of the island’s familiar landmarks and has special appeal for readers familiar with the writer’s works.
Visitors can combine their experience of the island’s natural surroundings with a visit to the place associated with one of Bangladesh’s best-known authors.
Daruchini Dwip and its rocky landscape
Daruchini Dwip is a familiar name among the rocky areas on the western side of Saint Martin’s.
Rock formations, waves, and the surrounding natural landscape give the area a distinct character. Visitors can explore the area by boat.
Travelling by boat across the sea, with blue water on one side and rocky terrain on the other, adds another dimension to the trip. Weather and sea conditions should always be considered before travelling by boat.
The Seashell Hill
The southern part of the island has an area locally known as Jhinuk Pahar, or Seashell Hill.
As the name suggests, the area contains seashells, rocks, and other natural formations. The waves and unusual arrangement of rocks create a different landscape from the island’s more familiar beaches.
Visitors looking for something beyond the usual beach experience can explore the area. However, avoid collecting seashells, rocks, or other natural objects.
Bilair Kunda, or Cat’s Cave
A naturally formed cave-like rocky area lies on the southwestern side of the island. Locally known as Bilair Kunda, or Cat’s Cave, the site is notable for its unusual rock formations.
The naturally shaped rocks resemble sculptures in some places, making the area an intriguing stop for visitors looking for something beyond the island’s beaches and coral areas.
A small mangrove area
A small mangrove forest lies on the southern-southwestern side of the island. Its environment differs from other parts of Saint Martin’s, with greenery, natural vegetation, and the sea located close together.
Visitors interested in seeing the island’s greenery beyond its beaches can explore the area, as long as they don’t damage plants or disturb wildlife.
How to reach Saint Martin’s
Tourists travelling to Saint Martin’s must first reach Cox’s Bazar. Tourists can reach Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka by bus, train, or air.
From Cox’s Bazar city, tourists can board an authorised passenger ship from the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty.
The vessels approved for the 2026–27 tourism season include MV Baro Aulia, MV Karnaphuli Express and MV Teknaf. Ship schedules may change depending on tides and sea conditions, so travellers should confirm departure times and tickets before setting out.
The sea journey from Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin’s takes several hours. The journey itself can be part of the experience, with passengers able to see the vast waters of the Bay of Bengal, waves and fishing boats from the ship’s deck.
Travellers must also follow the government’s travel-pass and QR-code requirements when purchasing tickets.
Where to stay
Saint Martin’s has hotels, resorts and cottages in different price ranges.
Travellers looking for sea views can choose accommodation around the western and southern beaches. Those looking for more affordable options can find residential hotels around the market and inner parts of the island.
Popular accommodation options include Mermaid Resort, Saint Martin Beach Eco Resort, Blue Marine Resort, Prasad Paradise, Neel Digante Resort, Prince Heaven Resort, The Atlantic Resort, Dream Night Resort and Sairi Eco Resort.
Other options include Coral Blue, Dipantor, Panna Resort, Sea Probal, Sea Inn, Hotel Sagar Par, Riyad Guest House and Shravan Bilash.
Room rates vary depending on location, room type, facilities and the tourism season. Prices may rise during holidays and periods of high tourist demand.
Travellers are advised to contact accommodation providers directly before booking to confirm room rates, food arrangements and available facilities.
Food and seafood
Food is another part of Saint Martin’s experience. Fresh coconut water is among the island’s most popular refreshments.
Seafood lovers can choose from coral fish, pomfret, hilsa, sundari poa, lobster, kalachanda, and other varieties. Many restaurants and resorts offer barbecue options based on the fish customers select.
Various types of dried fish, including loitta, churi, pomfret, and kachki, are also available. Watermelons are another popular seasonal attraction during the warmer months.
Most resorts offer meals, while several restaurants operate around the island’s market area.
Check prices before ordering, especially for seafood and barbecue. Customers should confirm the type and weight of the fish and the serving charge beforehand.
Stay at least two days
Travelling from Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin’s and returning by ship takes several hours. A same-day trip therefore leaves limited time to explore the island.
If time permits, staying at least one night is a better option.
After arriving on the first day, visitors can check into their accommodation, explore the western beach in the afternoon, watch the sunset and spend the evening by the sea.
The following morning can begin with sunrise at the eastern beach, followed by breakfast and a tour of different parts of the island. Exploring by bicycle or on foot can also be an enjoyable way to experience the destination.
However, visitors may not be able to access every attraction because of environmental and administrative restrictions. Government instructions should be checked before visiting areas such as Chhera Dwip and other protected locations.
How much can a trip cost?
The cost of a Saint Martin’s trip depends on transport, ship class, accommodation, food, and the length of stay.
According to information released when ships began operating for the 2026–27 season, the minimum ship fare starts at Tk 4,200. Fares vary by vessel class and facilities.
Including travel from Dhaka, ship tickets, one night’s accommodation, and meals, a traveller may spend several thousand taka to Tk 15,000 or more per person.
The cost can rise further for higher-end resorts, sea-view rooms, and special meals.
Travelers looking to reduce costs can avoid public holidays and peak-demand periods. Sharing accommodation with several people can also lower the cost. All charges and booking conditions should be confirmed before making reservations.
Protecting the island’s natural beauty
Saint Martin’s is an important environmental asset of Bangladesh and has been declared an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA).
Its coral, seashells, marine life, vegetation, and biodiversity are highly sensitive. Visitors should therefore avoid carrying or using single-use plastic and polythene, throwing waste on the beach, or collecting coral, rocks and marine life.
Restrictions are also in place on activities such as using bright lights on beaches at night, playing loud music, organising barbecue parties and using motorised vehicles on the beach.
Visitors must also follow government instructions when entering mangrove areas and other protected zones.
The best way to enjoy Saint Martin’s is to leave its natural environment as undisturbed as possible for future visitors.
By Tarekur Rahman
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