Surrounded by blue waters, coral and natural beauty, Saint Martin’s is the country’s only coral island. After a long break and uncertainty over tourism operations, the island is welcoming visitors again. During the current tourism season, tourists may travel to and stay on Saint Martin’s until March 15.
To protect the island’s environment and biodiversity, only 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit each day. Each visitor must pay a Tk100 environmental conservation fee.
For those planning a trip to Saint Martin’s, the available transport, vessel fares, accommodation costs and travel regulations are important to know before setting out.
Visitors from anywhere in the country must first travel to Cox’s Bazar town. From there, passenger vessels leave every morning for Saint Martin’s from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara. Vessels leave the island for Cox’s Bazar in the afternoon.
This season, authorised vessels including MV Karnaphuli Express, Bay Cruiser 1 and MV Baro Awlia are operating on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route. Travellers are advised to confirm with the operators which vessels are running and whether tickets are available for their intended travel date before making their plans.
Tickets can be purchased through the operators’ official websites, hotlines and trusted travel agents. Once the travel date is finalised, booking tickets in advance is advisable. Booking return tickets together can also help travellers avoid last-minute difficulties.
Vessels offer several seating and accommodation options, including standard seats, business chairs, Mozart chairs, beds, and luxury cabins. Depending on the category and facilities, return fares range from Tk3,600 to Tk20,000.
A travel pass is mandatory for visiting Saint Martin’s under the supervision of the Bangladesh Tourism Board. However, tourists do not need to register separately, as the vessel operator completes the necessary travel-pass process during ticket booking.
More than 230 hotels, resorts and cottages are available on the island. Depending on the standard and facilities, a night’s stay generally costs between Tk2,000 and Tk12,000. Economy resorts charge around Tk2,000–Tk3,500 per night, while standard resorts cost about Tk4,500–Tk7,000. Premium resorts generally charge Tk8,000–Tk12,000 a night.
Travellers are advised to book their accommodation in advance rather than searching for a place after reaching the island. Before confirming a booking, they should check room availability, facilities and the applicable charges.
Tourists must carry their national identity cards (NIDs) during the trip. To protect the island’s fragile environment, visitors are required to avoid polythene and single-use plastic. Lighting on the beach at night, playing loud music through microphones, organising barbecue parties and using motorised vehicles, including motorcycles, are also prohibited.
For ticketing and information on MV Karnaphuli Express, Bay Cruiser 1 and MV Baro Awlia, travellers can contact 01610-051005 or 01967-670707. Tickets for MV Karnaphuli Express are available through karnafulyexpress.com.bd, while tickets and information for MV Baro Awlia and Bay Cruiser 1 are available through baroawlia.com.bd and bayone.com.bd, respectively.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said three authorised vessels would operate regularly until March 15 next year.
“The three vessels have a combined capacity of 2,300 passengers. As up to 3,500 tourists are allowed to visit the island each day, the number of vessels may be increased if necessary,” he said.
However, some tourists have expressed dissatisfaction over the long journey by vessel and the relatively high ticket prices. Tourist Rahin said fares should be reduced so that more people could afford to visit Saint Martin’s.
With advance planning and a clear understanding of vessel schedules, ticket prices, accommodation costs and the island’s rules, travellers can avoid unnecessary difficulties and make their trip to Saint Martin’s more convenient.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
