Explore Saint Martin's Island

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Saint Martin's Island is a small coral island in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, and forms the southernmost part of Bangladesh. It has an area of only 3 km². Wikipedia

Area: 3 km²

🏝️ Saint Martin’s Island Travel Guide

Known for: Crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and relaxed island vibes
Nickname: “Narikel Jinjira” (Coconut Island)
Location: Southernmost tip of Bangladesh, ~9 km south of Teknaf, near Myanmar border

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • November to March (Winter):
    ✅ Best time — calm sea, sunny skies, pleasant temps (~20–28°C)

  • April to June (Pre-monsoon):
    🔥 Very hot and humid, fewer tourists

  • July to October (Monsoon):
    ❌ Avoid — stormy seas, no boat services, island mostly shut

The island is officially open to tourists from mid-October to early April

✈️ How to Get There:

Step 1: Reach Teknaf

  • From Dhaka or Cox’s Bazar:

    • 🚌 Bus to Teknaf (Green Line, Saint Martin Paribahan) – ~10 hrs from Dhaka

    • 🚘 Private car from Cox’s Bazar – ~3–4 hrs

Step 2: Boat/Ferry to Saint Martin’s Island

  • 🛳️ Sea Truck or Ferry (Nov–Apr only)

    • Options: Keari Sindbad, Greenline Waterways, Bay Cruise

    • Duration: ~2 to 2.5 hours one way

    • Morning departure (usually 9–10 AM), return around 3–4 PM

Advanced booking is essential in peak season (Dec–Feb)

🌟 Top Attractions & Activities:

🌴 Beaches & Nature:

  • Main Beach (West side):
    Clear water, swimming, and sunrise/sunset views

  • Chera Dwip (Split Island):
    Mini-island connected by sandbar (walkable during low tide) — best for coral spotting

  • Blue Lagoon Area:
    Calm tidal pool great for floating, snorkeling

  • East Beach:
    More isolated and quiet — perfect for photography

 

🎯 Activities to Do:

  • 🐠 Snorkeling (best near Chera Dwip, with coral and fish)

  • 🛶 Kayaking and small boat rides

  • 🦀 Shell and coral collecting (do not take live coral – it’s illegal)

  • 🌅 Watch sunrise & sunset from opposite ends of the island

  • 🦐 Enjoy seafood BBQ at night under the stars

  • 🧘 Chill with coconut water on the beach and watch fishing boats go by

🏨 Accommodation:

Beachside Resorts:

  • Blue Marine Resort – Popular, sea-facing balconies

  • Coral View Resort – Cozy and basic

  • Saint Martin Resort – Budget-friendly option

  • Samudra Bilash – Humayun Ahmed’s house, now a tourist lodge

Electricity is limited and usually runs by solar or generator (especially at night)

🍽️ Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Local Dishes:

  • 🐟 Grilled or fried pomfret, coral fish, lobster, or crab

  • 🍚 Rice with dried fish curry (shutki)

  • 🥥 Fresh coconut water (Narikel) everywhere

  • 🦐 Prawn curries or seafood BBQ platters

Popular Eateries:

  • Hotel Blue Marine Restaurant

  • Sea Pearl Beach Café

  • Various local food stalls near the boat ghat and main bazaar

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

  • Population: Mostly fishermen and boatmen

  • Religion: Predominantly Muslim

  • Lifestyle: Simple, peaceful — most live off fishing and tourism

  • Language: Bengali; English is limited but basic phrases understood

⚠️ Travel Tips:

  • 🎫 Book ferry tickets and hotels at least 1 week in advance (especially Dec–Feb)

  • 🔋 Bring power bank, torchlight, and personal medicines (limited supplies on island)

  • 💸 Cash only — no ATM or card payment options

  • 📱 Mobile networks are weak — great time to unplug

  • 🚯 Don’t litter or collect live coral — it’s illegal and harms the ecosystem

  • 👙 Modest swimwear is preferred due to local customs

📌 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive via morning ferry → Check into hotel → Explore Main Beach → Sunset at West Point → Seafood dinner under the stars

Day 2:
Morning walk to Chera Dwip → Snorkeling or boat tour → Lunch at local eatery → Return to Teknaf by afternoon ferry