Saint Martin's Island 2026–27: Rules, Ship Tickets & Guide

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Saint Martin's Island 2026–27 Season: Complete Travel Guide

13 October, 2026 Rabiul Karim Islam

Saint Martin's Island 2026–27: Quick Answer

Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh's only coral island, is expected to reopen to tourists from 1 November 2026 under the same rules as last season. November is usually day-trip only, overnight stays are allowed in December and January, and the island closes to tourists from 1 February. Ships sail only from the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty in Cox's Bazar, every visitor needs a QR-coded travel pass, and daily visitors are capped at 2,000.

As of 13 October 2026, the government has not published a separate notice for the 2026–27 season. This guide follows the 2025–26 rules, which closed the island on 1 February 2026. Check the Bangladesh Tourism Board or Cox's Bazar district administration before you book, and we will update this page as soon as new rules are out.

Saint Martin's Island Key Facts

Detail	Information
Location	Bay of Bengal, Teknaf, Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh
Distance from Cox's Bazar town	About 120 km by sea
Tourist season	November to January (closed from 1 February)
Overnight stay	Not allowed in November; allowed in December and January
Daily visitor limit	2,000 tourists (average)
Only departure point	Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty, Cox's Bazar
Closed routes	Teknaf and Inani (Ukhiya)
Journey time	About 5–7 hours each way, depending on ship and tide
Ticket and travel pass	Online, through the Bangladesh Tourism Board approved portal; QR code required
Ship fares (2025–26)	About BDT 3,500–20,000 return, by seat class
Protected status	Ecologically Critical Area since 1999

Sources: The Daily Star, Daily Ittefaq, bdnews24.

About Saint Martin's Island

Saint Martin's Island (locally Narikel Jinjira, "Coconut Island") is Bangladesh's only coral island, a small strip of land in the Bay of Bengal near the southern tip of the country. It is famous for turquoise water, coral-studded beaches, coconut groves and quiet sunsets.

The island is home to coral colonies, sea turtles that nest on its beaches, and the Keya (screwpine) forests along its shore. Because the ecosystem is fragile, the government declared a 590-hectare area an Ecologically Critical Area in 1999. That is why tourism now runs on a short season with strict rules.

Why Visit Saint Martin's?

Clear blue water and coral reefs, unlike anywhere else in Bangladesh
Chhera Dwip, the island's southern tip, with rocky coral shores
Fresh seafood and coconut water straight from the trees
A slow, quiet island escape away from busy Cox's Bazar

Saint Martin's 2026–27 Season Dates and Rules

The season is expected to run from November 2026 to January 2027, with access changing month by month.

Month	Tourist access
November 2026	Day trips only, no overnight stay
December 2026	Open, overnight stays allowed
January 2027	Open, overnight stays allowed
February–October 2027	Closed to tourists

In November, ships reach the island around midday and leave in the afternoon, so you get only a few hours ashore. For a proper stay, plan your trip for December or January.

The Government's 12 Rules for Visitors

The Ministry of Environment set 12 conditions for the last season, and they are expected to continue:

Only ships approved by the environment ministry and BIWTA may sail to the island.
Tickets are sold only through the Bangladesh Tourism Board approved portal, each with a travel pass and QR code.
No more than 2,000 tourists per day on average.
November: day visits only.
December and January: overnight stays allowed.
February: island closed to tourists.
No lights, loud noise or barbecue parties on the beach at night.
No motorbikes, sea bikes or other motorised vehicles on the beach.
No polythene bags.
Avoid single-use plastic such as chip packets, straws, plastic spoons, mini toiletry packs and plastic water bottles; carry a reusable flask.
Do not enter the Keya forest or collect or sell Keya fruit.
Do not harm turtles, birds, corals, crabs, starfish or seaweed.

How to Get to Saint Martin's Island

The only legal route is Dhaka → Cox's Bazar → ship from the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty → Saint Martin's. Ships no longer run from Teknaf or Inani.

Step 1: Dhaka to Cox's Bazar

Mode	Approx. time	Best for
Flight	About 1 hour	Saving time; the jetty is near Cox's Bazar airport
Train	About 9–10 hours	Comfort on a budget
Bus (AC / non-AC)	About 10–12 hours	Lowest cost

Arrive in Cox's Bazar the day before your sailing. Ships leave early in the morning.

Step 2: Buy Your Ship Ticket and Travel Pass

Book online through the Bangladesh Tourism Board approved ticket portal or an authorised agent.
Enter your NID (or passport for foreigners) and travel details. The travel pass is created automatically with the ticket.
Check that your ticket carries a QR code. Tickets without one are invalid.
Print the ticket and carry your ID. It is checked at boarding.

Children aged five and under do not need a ticket; everyone older does.

Step 3: The Sea Journey

Ships usually depart between 7:00 and 10:00 am, timed to the tide, and return between 3:00 and 6:00 pm. The crossing takes about 5 to 7 hours each way. Last season, six approved ships served the route.

Ship Fares

Return fares last season ranged from about BDT 3,500 (deck) up to BDT 20,000 (private cabin). Expect similar pricing this season; confirm on the portal.

Book early. Last December, tickets were sold out until mid-January, and brokers resold tickets at inflated prices. Buy only from the official portal or approved agents.

Best Things to Do in Saint Martin's Island

1. Walk the Coral Beaches

The west and north beaches are lined with coral stones, rock pools and coconut palms. Early morning is the best time for quiet walks and photos.

2. Visit Chhera Dwip

Chhera Dwip is the small coral tip at the island's southern end. You can walk there at low tide or take a local van or cycle part of the way. Check tide times before you go.

3. Watch the Sunset from the West Beach

The west side faces open sea, making it the best sunset spot on the island.

4. Cycle Around the Island

The island is small enough to explore by rented bicycle. Motorbikes and other motorised vehicles are banned on the beach.

5. Taste Fresh Seafood

Try fresh fish, crab and lobster at local restaurants near the jetty and main bazaar, plus coconut water straight from the tree.

6. Enjoy the Night Sky (Quietly)

On December and January stays, the dark island sky is full of stars. Remember that beach lights, loud music and barbecues are banned at night to protect nesting turtles.

Where to Stay and Eat in Saint Martin's

Overnight stays are allowed only in December and January, so hotels fill up quickly. Book your room at the same time as your ship ticket.

Accommodation Options

Beach resorts and cottages: Simple eco-cottages and resorts near the north and west beaches, best for sea views.
Guesthouses near the bazaar: Budget rooms close to the jetty and restaurants, handy for early sailings.
Ship stays: Some Chattogram operators have offered packages where guests sleep on ships anchored near the island.

Choose places that follow the island's rules: no beach lighting at night, no loud music and proper waste disposal.

Food

Local restaurants serve rice, curry, fresh fish and seafood fry. Ask the price before ordering seafood, as rates vary by size and catch. Carry a reusable water bottle; plastic bottles are discouraged.

Saint Martin's Trip Budget and Sample Itinerary

Estimated Budget per Person (from Dhaka)

Cost item	Approx. range (BDT)
Dhaka–Cox's Bazar return (bus / train / flight)	[Update with current fares]
Ship ticket, return (deck to cabin)	3,500–20,000
Hotel in Saint Martin's, per night	[Update with current rates]
Food, per day	[Update with current rates]
Local transport (van, cycle)	[Update with current rates]

Ship fares are from last season; other costs vary by hotel class and travel dates. Add a 10–15% buffer for peak December weekends.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary (December or January)

Day 1: Arrive in Cox's Bazar, check ticket and ID, rest early.
Day 2: Morning ship from Nuniachhara jetty; reach the island by early afternoon; check in, west beach sunset, seafood dinner.
Day 3: Sunrise walk, Chhera Dwip at low tide, cycle around the island, afternoon ship back to Cox's Bazar.

For a November day trip, plan only a short beach walk and lunch before the return sailing.

Saint Martin's Travel Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Do

Book ship tickets and hotels weeks ahead for December and January.
Carry your NID or passport and a printed QR-coded ticket.
Pack a reusable water bottle, cloth bag, sunscreen, hat and light clothes.
Carry enough cash; ATMs and card payment are limited on the island.
Check sea and weather updates before departure; sailings can be suspended in rough weather.
Take all your waste back to the mainland.

Don't

Don't buy tickets from brokers or social media resellers.
Don't bring polythene or single-use plastic.
Don't use beach lights, play loud music or hold barbecues at night.
Don't touch, break or collect coral, shells, starfish or crabs.
Don't enter the Keya forest or pick Keya fruit.
Don't ride motorbikes or sea bikes on the beach.

Visa and Travel Documents: Foreign Visitors and Beach Lovers

Foreign Tourists Visiting Saint Martin's

Foreign nationals need a valid passport and a Bangladesh visa to visit. Carry your passport throughout the trip: it is needed to book the ship ticket and travel pass, and may be checked at the jetty. Because the island lies near the Myanmar border, keep your documents with you at all times.

Missed the Season? Explore Beaches Abroad

Saint Martin's is open only three months a year and tickets sell out fast. If you can't get a ticket, these beach destinations are popular with Bangladeshi travellers:

Maldives: Coral islands and clear lagoons
Thailand: Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui
Malaysia: Langkawi and Penang
Sri Lanka: Southern coast beaches

VisaFQ helps with up-to-date visa requirements, document checks and application support for these and many more countries, so your next beach holiday is hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Martin's Island 2026–27

When does Saint Martin's Island open for tourists in 2026?

It is expected to reopen on 1 November 2026, following last season's pattern. The government had not issued a new notice as of 13 October 2026.

Can I stay overnight in Saint Martin's in November?

No. November has been day-trip only. Overnight stays are allowed in December and January.

How do I get a Saint Martin's travel pass?

The travel pass is issued automatically when you buy a ship ticket through the Bangladesh Tourism Board approved portal or an authorised agent. Every ticket must carry a QR code.

Where do ships to Saint Martin's leave from?

Only from the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty in Cox's Bazar. Teknaf and Inani routes are closed.

How much is the ship ticket to Saint Martin's?

Last season's return fares ranged from about BDT 3,500 to BDT 20,000, depending on seat class.

How many tourists can visit Saint Martin's per day?

An average of 2,000 tourists per day.

How long is the ship journey?

About 5 to 7 hours each way, depending on the ship, tide and weather.

What is banned on Saint Martin's Island?

Polythene, night-time beach lights, loud music, barbecues, motorised vehicles on the beach, entering the Keya forest and harming marine life such as turtles and corals.

Do children need a ship ticket?

Children aged five and under travel free; anyone older needs their own ticket.

When is Saint Martin's closed?

From 1 February until the next season opens, usually around 1 November.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your Saint Martin's Trip Early

Saint Martin's Island is open for only three months, with just 2,000 visitors a day, so early planning is everything. Aim for December or January if you want to stay overnight, book your QR-coded ticket from the official portal, and follow the island's 12 rules to help protect Bangladesh's only coral island.

For official updates, follow the Bangladesh Tourism Board, the Department of Environment and BIWTA.

Planning a beach holiday abroad too? VisaFQ makes your visa process hassle-free.

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