How to Visit Saint Martin Island | 2025

Your complete 2025–26 travel guide to Bangladesh’s only coral island

If you are looking for a relaxing escape surrounded by blue waters, soft sands, and endless sunshine, Saint Martin Island should be at the top of your list. Known as the only coral island in Bangladesh, Saint Martin is a destination of stunning natural beauty and simple island charm. Whether you love relaxing on the beach or exploring marine life, this island has something for every traveller.

To make your trip planning easier, ShareTrip’s travel guide brings you all the essential information about how to go, where to stay, what to eat, and the best time to visit Saint Martin Island. Moreover, it makes your travel planning smoother by booking their flight, hotels and resorts and even customised packages.

How to go to Saint Martin’s Island

Saint Martin’s Island is officially open for tourists for the 2025–26 season from 1 November 2025 through January 2026. The travel window has been made shorter this year to help preserve the island’s ecosystem and ensure sustainable tourism for Bangladesh’s only coral island. It is a conservation approach similar to Thailand’s island tourism model, where seasonal closures protect marine biodiversity.

Currently, all authorised vessels operate from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar, as the traditional Teknaf route remains closed due to security and sedimentation concerns. The Nuniachhara jetty is located approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Cox’s Bazar Airport, making it convenient for travellers arriving by air.

Ships to Saint Martin depart from Cox’s Bazar between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., depending on tide schedules, and usually return in the afternoon between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The scenic voyage takes around 5 to 5.5 hours, depending on sea conditions and ship type. Only authorised passenger vessels are permitted to operate, while smaller boats, trawlers, and speedboats are restricted for safety and environmental reasons.

Before boarding, tourists must purchase tickets through the official Bangladesh Tourism Board portal, which includes a built-in travel pass and QR code. These measures ensure that all trips follow regulated schedules and approved eco-tourism standards.

For a smoother experience, you can book your flight to Cox’s Bazar, hotel, and ship tickets together through ShareTrip, making your entire journey to Saint Martin completely hassle-free. To stay informed about the latest travel updates and government guidelines regarding Saint Martin’s Island, follow ShareTrip’s official page for the most up-to-date information.

Picture: The beauty of Saint Martin captured in a view

Current Staycation and Overnight-Stay Restrictions in Saint Martin

Saint Martin Island has specific rules to preserve its ecosystem while allowing tourism. Here is the latest information for visitors:

Day Trips Only in November 2025: During the opening window in November 2025, overnight stays are not permitted. Visitors must complete their trip the same day and return to the mainland.
Overnight Stays in December and January: From December through January, overnight stays will be allowed under strict supervision. This allows tourists to fully enjoy the island while following environmental and safety guidelines.
Visitor Limit: Only 2,000 tourists per day are allowed on the island. This limit helps maintain safety and preserve the natural environment.
Updated Water Transport Routes: The traditional route from Teknaf to Saint Martin is suspended indefinitely due to security and sedimentation concerns. Currently, all authorised tourist ships operate only from Cox’s Bazar.
Eco-Friendly Regulations: According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s guidelines (“Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem and Biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island and for Eco-Friendly Tourism, 2023”, SRO No-165/Law/2023):
- Only vessels with prior approval are allowed.
- Each ticket must have a QR code for verification.
- The number of tourists and travel schedules are tightly regulated to minimise environmental impact.

In summary, visitors planning to stay overnight should plan for December and January, while those visiting in November must complete a day trip. The daily quota of 2,000 tourists ensures a safe and eco-friendly experience for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Saint Martin

The best time to visit Saint Martin is from November to January. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the sea remains calm, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing.

Avoid the monsoon season (June to September), as most ship services remain suspended due to rough sea conditions.

Picture: Enjoying views of Otithi Pakhi while standing on the ship’s deck

Top Tourist Attractions in Saint Martin

Saint Martin may be a small island, but it is filled with natural wonders and peaceful spots to explore. Here are some of the best places to visit in Saint Martin:

Chhera Dwip

Located at the southern tip of Saint Martin, Chhera Dwip is a must-visit spot for adventure lovers. During low tide, you can even walk to the island. It is known for its quiet beaches, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters.

Picture: A view of Chhera Dweep

West Beach

The West Beach is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy sunset views. As the sun goes down over the horizon, the sky glows in golden and pink hues, creating a picture-perfect moment.

Picture: A pleasant morning in the West Beach

Coral Reefs and Marine Life

Saint Martin is famous for its colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Snorkelling here gives you the chance to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. Always use eco-friendly gear and avoid touching the corals to protect the island’s ecosystem.

Saint Martin Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Hill at the northern end of the island offers a panoramic view of the entire area. It’s a great place for photography and to soak in the beauty of the Bay of Bengal.

Local Seafood and Beach Cafes

Saint Martin is also known for its mouthwatering seafood. Try grilled lobsters, coral fish, and octopus at small beachside cafes. Freshly caught and cooked right on the sand, it’s an experience every traveller should try.

Picture: Delicious local seafood sourced straight from the island’s markets

Best Things to Do in Saint Martin

Wondering what to do in Saint Martin besides relaxing on the beach? Here are some of the best activities to enjoy:

Snorkelling and Diving to explore marine life up close.
Cycling around the island to enjoy scenic coconut groves and sandy paths.
Beach camping under the stars, organised by local resorts.
Boat rides to Chhera Dwip during low tide.
Watching bioluminescent plankton glowing along the shore at night.

Each of these experiences adds something unique to your trip and helps you connect deeply with the island’s calm atmosphere.

Picture: Snorkelling in crystal-clear blue waters

Where to Stay in Saint Martin

Saint Martin offers a variety of accommodation options for all budgets. Whether you want a beachfront resort or a cosy cottage, there are many choices available.

Popular resorts include:

Blue Marine Resort – Perfect for families and couples.
Coral View Resort – Known for its ocean-view rooms.
Neel Digante Resort – Offers open-air dining and a peaceful setting.

You can book your Saint Martin hotels through ShareTrip to get verified listings and exclusive deals for your stay.

Travel Tips for Saint Martin

To make your trip comfortable and enjoyable, here are a few quick tips:

Carry cash, as mobile banking and card payment options are limited on the island.
Take sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Respect the natural environment by not collecting corals or shells.
Always pre-book your transports (flights & ships) and hotels through ShareTrip during the busy season.

Picture: Fishermen catching fish with boat

Plan Your Saint Martin Trip with ShareTrip

Saint Martin is a tropical paradise that captures your heart with its simplicity, beauty, and calmness. The sound of the waves, the soft sand under your feet, and the peaceful island life make it a destination you will never forget.

For flight bookings, hotel reservations, and cruise tickets, ShareTrip is your trusted travel partner. Plan your island adventure easily by downloading our app (Android or iOS) or contacting us at ???? strooms@sharetrip.net or call ☎️ +88 09617617617.

Experience the best of Bangladesh’s only coral island with ShareTrip, the country’s first travel superbrand – your ultimate gateway to Saint Martin.

Saint Martin Island Travel FAQ (2025–26 Season)

Q1: Is Saint Martin Island open for tourists in 2025?
A: Yes. The island is open for the 2025–26 season from 1 November 2025 to January 2026. During November, only day trips are allowed, while overnight stays are permitted in December and January under regulated supervision.

Q2: How can I travel to Saint Martin Island?
A: You can reach Saint Martin by boarding an authorised passenger ship from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara, Cox’s Bazar. Ships depart in the morning between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and return in the afternoon. The journey takes around 5 to 5.5 hours, depending on tides and vessel type.
For a seamless experience, you can book your flights, hotels, and ship tickets together with ShareTrip, Bangladesh’s first travel superbrand.

Q3: Can I travel from Teknaf to Saint Martin?
A: No. The Teknaf route is currently suspended due to security and sedimentation issues. Only the Cox’s Bazar route is operational for authorised vessels.

Q4: How many tourists are allowed per day?
A: A maximum of 2,000 tourists are allowed per day to help preserve the island’s fragile coral ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism.

Q5: What documents are required for boarding?
A: Tourists must purchase tickets through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official portal, which includes a QR-coded travel pass. Unauthorised boats or vessels without approval are strictly prohibited.

Q6: When is the best time to visit Saint Martin Island?
A: The best time to visit is November to January, when the sea is calm, the weather is pleasant, and the beaches are ideal for snorkelling, sightseeing, and relaxation. Avoid June to September, as it’s monsoon season.

Q7: What are the top attractions on Saint Martin Island?
A:

Chhera Dwip – A small island connected at low tide
West Beach – Perfect for watching sunsets
Coral reefs and marine life – Great for snorkelling and underwater photography
Saint Martin Lighthouse – Offers panoramic island views
Local seafood & beach cafés – Enjoy fresh catches and local delicacies

Q8: Where can I stay on Saint Martin Island?
A: Overnight stays are allowed in December and January. Popular and verified resorts include Blue Marine Resort, Coral View Resort, and Neel Digante Resort. You can book them directly through ShareTrip for the best rates and reliability.

Q9: Are there eco-friendly rules for visitors?
A: Yes. Saint Martin follows the “Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem, and Biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island (2023)” issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. These include: