Sonadia Island, a picturesque stretch adorned with mangroves and coastal forests, lies about 15 kilometers northwest of Cox’s Bazar and southwest of Maheshkhali in the Bay of Bengal.
According to local legend, centuries ago, a Portuguese pirate ship laden with gold sank near this island, and the remains of that wreck are believed to have contributed to the formation of this captivating area.
Accessible mainly by boat—known locally as a Gam Boat—the journey to Sonadia takes about 30 minutes via the Bakkhali River, where it meets the Bay of Bengal.
Rows of red crabs greet visitors along the shore, quickly disappearing into the sand at any movement.
The island’s main appeal lies in its serene ambiance, with only the sound of the wind sweeping across the coast.
Encircled by the blue sea on three sides, Sonadia’s scenery features vibrant red crabs, keora forests, and a variety of migratory and aquatic birds.
The sunsets here are especially enchanting, creating an awe-inspiring sight amid the island’s natural grandeur.
By Rajin Saleh