Saint Martin Travel FAQ

To reach Saint Martin's Island, first travel to Cox's Bazar by highway AC/non-AC bus, the Cox's Bazar Express train, or direct domestic flight. From Cox's Bazar town, take a local auto/taxi to Nunirchhara BIWTA Ghat where authorized tourist ships depart daily at 07:00 AM. In past seasons, ships also sailed from Damdamia Ghat in Teknaf, but operations currently depend on seasonal security and river clearances.

Authorized tourist vessels predominantly depart from Nunirchhara BIWTA Ghat in Cox's Bazar. Passengers report between 06:15 AM and 06:45 AM for 07:00 AM departures. Always verify your departure point on your confirmed ticket stub before heading to the jetty.

Standard round-trip tickets range from 1,800 to 2,000 BDT for Economy/Main Deck, 2,200 to 2,500 BDT for Open Deck, and 3,200 to 3,500 BDT for VIP Lounge cabins. Tickets can be booked online through official vessel operator websites (e.g., Karnafuly) or purchased at physical counters in Dhaka (Motijheel, Panthapath) and Cox's Bazar (Kolatoli point). Avoid buying from unauthorized street touts.

For a 1-day trip from Cox's Bazar, expect 2,800 to 4,500 BDT per person including ship fare, lunch, and local transport. For a 2-day / 1-night trip starting from Dhaka, total expenses typically range from 6,500 to 12,000 BDT per person depending on bus/train tier (AC vs Non-AC) and hotel selection.

Overnight stays are subject to active government seasonal notifications. During full operational winter months (typically December and January), overnight stays are permitted provided visitors have a confirmed, pre-registered hotel booking. In preliminary trial months (such as November), vessels may run day-trips only. Always check the active seasonal rules on our Travel Rules page before booking non-refundable rooms.

The tourist season runs during the dry, calm winter months, roughly from November to February/early March. During the monsoon and summer months (April to October), the Bay of Bengal becomes turbulent, and maritime authorities suspend all passenger ship sailings for safety.

Pack adequate physical cash (ATMs frequently run out of money), government National ID / Passport copies, personal prescription medicines, motion-sickness tablets for sea travel, power banks, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and a reusable aluminum/steel water bottle to comply with the single-use plastic ban.

Yes, but with strict environmental precautions. Mechanized engine boats are prohibited from anchoring directly on Chhera Dwip to protect live corals. Tourists can walk along the rocky connecting strip during low tide, rent a bicycle up to the land bridge, or hire authorized traditional wooden country boats. Never collect corals or shells.