Saint Martin TourIsland Travel Guide
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Things to Do on Saint Martin

Explore beaches, island landmarks, cycling routes, and eco-friendly activities.

Island Activities

marine life
Best Time: Early morning during low tide (check tide chart before setting out)

Chhera Dwip (Chera Island)

Southernmost tip of Bangladesh, approx. 5 km south of Saint Martin's main hub

Chhera Dwip is an uninhabited coral islet separated from the main island during high tide. It represents the southernmost land territory of Bangladesh, characterized by calcified dead corals, volcanic-like dark boulders, and crystal-clear marine pools where colorful reef fish can be observed.

Practical Travel Advice:

Engine-powered boats and motorized trawlers are strictly banned from beaching on Chhera Dwip to protect delicate corals. Visitors should walk during low tide, rent a bicycle up to the land bridge, or hire authorized eco-friendly traditional manual boats.

Environmental Preservation Rules:
  • NEVER step directly on living coral polyps or break coral rocks to take home.
  • Collecting corals, seashells, or marine organisms is a punishable offense under Bangladesh Wildlife Conservation & Environment laws.
  • Carry back all plastic wraps, water bottles, and coconut shells.
beach
Best Time: 4:30 PM – 6:15 PM for sunset and dusk

West Beach (Sunset Point)

Western coastline of the island

The West Beach is widely considered the most scenic shoreline of Saint Martin. It provides an uninterrupted horizon view of the Bay of Bengal as the sun sinks into the sea. The sand is interspersed with millions of bleached seashell fragments.

Practical Travel Advice:

The beach is vast and relatively flat. Perfect for barefoot beach strolls, evening photography, and listening to the breaking surf. In the evening, the nearby road hosts local seafood BBQ stalls.

Environmental Preservation Rules:
  • Keep artificial lights and loud music away from the beach at night to prevent disorienting nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles.
  • Do not light destructive plastic bonfires on the sand.
cultural
Best Time: 05:30 AM – 07:30 AM (Sunrise)

East Beach & Fishing Village Harbor

Eastern shoreline facing the Naf River delta and Myanmar maritime border

East Beach is sheltered from major western swell, resulting in calmer turquoise waters and a serene village atmosphere. Wooden traditional fishing trawlers painted in vivid colors line the tideline.

Practical Travel Advice:

Early risers can watch local artisanal fishermen returning from night voyages with nets laden with fresh silver fish, tuna, and pomfret.

Environmental Preservation Rules:
  • Respect local fishermen at work and ask permission before photographing people closely.
  • Avoid trampling through coastal fishing nets placed to dry on the dunes.
cultural
Best Time: Morning to late afternoon

Samudra Bilas (Humayun Ahmed's Cottage)

West Beach, Paschim Para, Saint Martin's Island

A culturally iconic seaside residence built by renowned Bangladeshi author and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, who popularized Saint Martin's Island across national literature and cinema through works like 'Daruchini Dwip'.

Practical Travel Advice:

Private property; tourists may view the building exterior and surrounding coconut garden respectfully from the coastal boundary.

Environmental Preservation Rules:
  • Maintain decorum and do not trespass private boundaries.
natural landmark
Best Time: Morning 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM or late afternoon

Village Coconut Groves & Island Trail Cycling

Central spine of the island connecting Uttar Para to Dakshin Para

Saint Martin's traditional historical name is 'Narikel Jinjira' (Coconut Island). Thousands of towering coconut palms form a lush green canopy over tranquil sandy village alleys, providing a cool contrast to the sun-drenched beaches.

Practical Travel Advice:

Bicycles can be rented affordably by the hour near the bazaar or jetty. The island is only about 8 square kilometers, making it ideal for self-paced cycling along paved brick pathways.

Environmental Preservation Rules:
  • Ride cautiously around children and village livestock.
  • Purchase coconuts directly from local tree climbers to directly support the island community.

Heads up

Saint Martin is an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA). Motorized boats to Chhera Dwip are barred to prevent reef destruction. Extracting living corals, shells, or marine wildlife is strictly illegal.

Source: Bangladesh Wildlife Conservation & DoE Guidelines

Plan Your Day:

Sightseeing Order in 1-Day & 2-Day PlansOfficial Marine Protection RulesEvening BBQ on West Beach