Planning a trip to Saint Martin? Keep these things in mind before you prepare.

BanglaPress Desk: Tourist vessel operations have resumed to St. Martin’s Island, a destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty. This opens up the opportunity for tourists to visit the country’s only coral island—with the added possibility of staying overnight.

However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it is essential to be well-informed about ferry tickets, travel costs, accommodation, and relevant regulations.

Book your ferry tickets in advance

Once your plans to visit St. Martin’s are finalized, it is best to book your ferry tickets without delay. To avoid last-minute shortages, secure your tickets as soon as you have set your travel dates.

Tickets can be purchased through the official websites of the ferry operators, their customer service hotlines, or authorized travel agents. Before booking, confirm the departure schedule and ticket availability.

Available ferry options

For the current tourist season, approximately 10 vessels have been granted permission to operate on the route from Cox’s Bazar to St. Martin’s. These include the MV Karnaphuli Express, Bay Cruiser 1, MV Baro Aulia, and Keari Sindabad. Before finalizing your travel dates, check which vessels have tickets available.

Estimated travel costs

The price of a ferry ticket depends on the type of seat and the amenities provided. Options range from standard seats to business-class chairs, premium seating, beds, and private cabins.

Round-trip ticket prices can vary significantly—from approximately 3,500 BDT to as much as 15,000–20,000 BDT. Therefore, before making a purchase, carefully review the seat features, pricing, and availability.

No need to worry about the travel pass

A travel pass is mandatory for tourists visiting St. Martin’s Island; however, there is no need to go through a separate, cumbersome registration process. Once your ship ticket is booked, the vessel operator will handle the necessary registration and travel pass procedures in accordance with the guidelines set by the Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Book your hotel or resort in advance

If you plan to spend the night on the island, it is best to secure your accommodation beforehand. St. Martin’s Island offers over 230 hotels, resorts, and cottages. Booking your preferred accommodation before arrival will save you both time and unnecessary hassle. Rates vary depending on the type of accommodation and the amenities provided.

Premium hotels and resorts: Approximately 8,000 to 12,000 BDT per night.
Standard hotels: Accommodation is available in the range of 4,000 to 6,000 BDT.
Economy hotels and resorts: Options are available for approximately 1,500 to 3,500 BDT.
Before booking, check the establishment’s website for any ongoing offers or special discounts.

Things to keep in mind before your trip

To protect the environment and biodiversity of St. Martin’s Island, tourists are required to follow certain rules. Upon arrival, every visitor must pay an environmental conservation fee of 100 BDT. Additionally, it is essential to carry your National ID card for identification purposes.

Please refrain from any activities that could harm the environment. In particular, avoid using polythene and single-use plastics. Do not play loud music on the beach, keep bright lights on for extended periods at night, or host barbecue parties on the beach.

Furthermore, to help preserve the beach environment and its biodiversity, consider using a bicycle instead of a motorized vehicle.

While enjoying the beauty of St. Martin’s Island, every tourist also bears the responsibility of protecting its natural environment. It is important to ensure that your enjoyment does not come at the expense of nature.