Saint Martin Bangladesh
Many travel enthusiast like us always dream of getting lost on a small unknown island in the open ocean. And also, we dream of surviving there for a few days. We just want to have a proper taste of island, that’s why god placed Saint Martin Island on the Bay of Bengal. What we think as an island, Saint Martin Island nailed it in every aspect. Moreover it surrounded by coral reefs that enhance it’s beauty at top notch, making it one of the best places to must visit in Bangladesh. The beauty of Saint Martin Bangladesh is totally unmatched, nothing can’t compare with it, specially the art of coral reef. Everyone wish to travel there and I am here to make everyone travel easy to the island by providing details information about the island.
How it Looks
The first impression of the island of Saint Martin Bangladesh will fascinate you so much that you will want to travel here in every season.
It is a small island of 8 square kilometers, the front part of which is somewhat triangular in shape, the middle part has become narrow. It is so narrow that the sea on both sides of this island want to become one, this part is called Golachipa. The next part has gradually swelled but at the end there is a very shallow sandy road. The tide merges into the water, if you walk along this road during low tide, you will go to a place called Chera Dip. There is nothing around it except the sea and clear blue water.
The entire island is covered with coral reefs, which is an incomparable feature of this island, it can be said to be the main secret of its beauty. At the very beginning, when tourists were starting to come here, the island was full of coconut trees. Then it was called Narikel Jinjira, now this form is no longer there but its beauty has not faded.
The beach of this island is more attractive than any other beach in Bangladesh and here you can enjoy the most pure blue waters of the sea. You will be in a dilemma about where to watch the sunrise and sunset; on the west beach, or on the east beach or from the jetty Ghat. Overall, you will be captivated by the beauty of this island.
Location of Saint Martin Bangladesh
Who knows since when Saint Martin has been floating northeast in the Bay of Bengal. From Teknaf Dakhinpara, its distance is 14 km. A funny thing is that Saint Martin Bangladesh is closer to Myanmar (8-9 km away) rather than Bangladesh. Thankfully the beauty falls within our territorial waters.
How to go
At first I want to inform you all of about traveling to Saint Martin Island that in recent past for many reason our Govt decided to set a rule for traveling Saint Martin. At first they decided the island serve tourism only two month; December and January and maximum 2,000 tourists will be able to travel daily. The rest of the year it will be sut dowm form tourism. But now many complain against the rule, so the Govt setting rules process still ongoing. So, my friends make sure you plan to visit Saint Martin Island between December and January.
Due to the tension on the border of Myanmar’s Rakhine state, there is no ship from Teknaf to Saint Martin Island anymore. Now all the ships of Saint Martin Island leave from Cox’s Bazar, it takes about 6 hours to travel by ship from Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin. But the problem here is to get the ship tickets, you will not be able to get the tickets on a daily basis. It would be better if you try to buy the tickets 4-5 days in advance, and you will get all the information about the tickets on kite Bangladesh holiday. When buying a ticket, be sure to take a travel pass with the ticket, this is very important for traveling to Saint Martin.
Saint Martin ships leave from Nuniya Jetty Ghat in Cox’s Bazar, and you can go to this Jetty Ghat from Cox’s Bazar by auto-rickshaw (fare 150-200 BDT). And there should be no problem in reaching Cox’s Bazar because it is well connected by road, if you want, you can also come by plane.
How I used to go
First I go to Teknaf Then either I get in a ship from here or I go ‘Teknaf to St. Martin Coral Island Ferry Terminal’ (If you don’t find the terminal, ask anyone). Saint Martin’s locals use this terminal, where you can get on motor boats or speed boats to go to Saint Martin. Both ways are a little bit dangerous. But a speedboat is better than a local motorboat in terms of safety and time-saving (takes 20-30 minutes and there is also a feeling of rushing in the sea) I always choose speedboat to reach Saint Martin.
I hope the tension in Myanmar’s Rakhine state will subside soon and we tourists will be able to
use this route again, at least ships will be allowed to use this route. Then it will not take more than 2 hours to get to St. Martin’s.
Food & stay
Staying on the island will be no problem as there are plenty hotels and resorts. Even the island also known for its various outstanding beach-side resorts. If you are willing to pay upto 3000 BDT per day, you will sure get a high-end resort to stay. If you are on budget, you should stay in hotels in the area adjacent to the Saint Martin Bazar.
As it is one of the best places in Bangladesh to tourism, so for food tourists don’t need to rush anywhere. The only problem about food on the island is tourists have to pay more than usually. Like a half liter of water bolte usually cost 20 BDT but on the island tourists have to pay 30 BDT. My friends don’t forget to taste the sea food, Saint Martin Island has the freshest sea food in all of Bangladesh.
Activities
1. Trekking and Exploring: This island is filled with unmatched beauty, nothing there disappoint tourists. Only trekking can give best opportunity to enter those canvas. It is really possible to explore the whole island by trekking.
2. Cycling and Biking: Many tourists use cycles and bikes to roam around the island. But I always prefer trekking through the island to witness it unmatched beauty
3. Scuba Diving: Recently, at a short range, an organization is serving scuba diving in Saint Martin. Notable fact is this activity cannot be done anywhere else in Bangladesh except Saint Martin Island. In this activity, tourists will get two attempts. First attempt, they will teach you about the Scuba diving and the second attempt will be enjoy by yourself. Scuba diving on the island cost 4000 BDT per person. And I really appreciate the respective one for taking a revolutionary step and making Saint Martin more interesting to tourists.
Budget
Sorry to say, Saint Martin island trip will cost you much money. I will give you an overview of how much it might cost to travel from Dhaka to Saint Martin.
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar bus ticket-1000×2 = 2000 BDT
Cox’s Bazar to Nuniya Jetty Ghat auto-richshaw fare-200×2 = 400 BDT
Nuniya Ghat to Saint Martin Island-1250×2 =2500 BDT
A good resort cost per night- 2500-3000 BDT
For food per person will be cost-1000-1200 BDT
Also add 1000 BDT for unknown cost on the island
If you add everything up, it will cost 7000-8000 BDT per person for a group of 4-5 people. My friends money is not everything, it can be earn anytime but your youth and time once gone, gone for forever.
Marine life
Saint Martin Island and its coral reef is home of several sea species and the island is really meant to sea turtles. Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback. Hawksbill, loggerhead, and leatherback turtles are very rare on the island. Among them, hawksbill nests are occasionally found, but loggerhead and leatherback are completely absent. Olive Ridley and Green Turtle are common turtle species, they always come to island, built their nest, and leaving their future generations on the island. But over-tourism and pollution turn their easy survival to a complex. Therefore, many species are moving away from the island, resulting in the destruction of the island’s marine life. Even on the island I found Horseshoe crab which is very rare in Bangladesh and it has great importance in Bio-Medical because of blue blood. As a Zoology student, I humbly request everyone to be responsible during their trip to the island.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Saint Martin Bangladesh only coral reef island of our country?
Yes, you heard right.
2. How many ships are there to Saint Martin?
Four; Baro Aoulia, Karnaphuli, Bay one cruise, and Keyari. Among them Baro Aoulia and Karnaphuli are famous.
3. Biggest ship of Saint Martin?
Baro Aoulia.
4. What causes the most damage to marine life in Saint Martin?
Plastic, it damage the coral reef. As a result the ecosystem get destroyed.
Saint Martin is not for reading, it’s for enjoying and exploring. Then why are you still here, pack your bag, hop on the bus, get on the ship, come Saint Martin, and enjoy your life fullest!
What a great read! Saint Martin Island is truly a hidden gem. I had the chance to visit last year, and I was blown away by the crystal-clear waters, the peaceful atmosphere, and the unique blend of cultures. Whether you’re into beach relaxation, snorkeling, or simply soaking in nature, Saint Martin Island offers something for everyone. I’m already planning my next trip back!
Arif, thanks for your compliment. But I want to remind you that recently, many new rules have been added for traveling to Saint Martin Island. Now, Saint Martin Island is only for tourists for 2 months, December and January. There are many more protocols to follow to travel the island. I will update my content very soon. Again, thank you for your nice compliment, bro.
Thanks for sharing this insightful post! Saint Martin Island has been on my travel bucket list for a while, and your content just reignited my excitement. From what I’ve heard, the island’s natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and fresh seafood make it a must-visit destination. Can’t wait to experience Saint Martin Island in person someday!
A place were i truly left a part of my heart.
Safe to stay with your love ones and also safe to explore at night, the time when the sky is so clear and full of stars.
No word can express the meaning of my last two visits at saint martin.
May Allah help us to protect it and enjoy it’s beauty.