Are there cars on Saint Martin's Island?

No. People get around by local van, rickshaw, bike, on foot or by boat.

How do I get from the jetty to Chera Dip?

By local van, rickshaw or bike to the south of the island; it takes about 25 minutes to El Marena. From the south you can walk to Chera Dip at low tide, or take a boat from the main jetty.

Can El Marena arrange transport from the jetty?

Yes. We can arrange a bike or auto for our guests (paid). Tell us your ship and arrival date on WhatsApp.

Can I ride a motorbike on the beach?

No. Last season's rules didn't allow motorbikes, sea bikes or other motor vehicles on the beach.

Getting Around Saint Martin's Island: Vans, Rickshaws, Boats

Published October 21, 2026Photo: Rafio aumi (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons

There are no cars on Saint Martin's Island. Here's how people get from the jetty to the south, out to Chera Dip and around the island, and a few things to know first.

Saint Martin's Island is small and flat, and there are no cars. Getting around is slow and simple: a local van, a rickshaw, a bike, your own feet, or a boat. Here's how it works, from the jetty where the ships come in to the quiet south near Chera Dip.

Arriving at the jetty

The tourist ships from Cox's Bazar dock at the main jetty at the north end of the island, around midday. This is the busiest part of the island. From here you go on by local van, rickshaw or bike, or on foot.

The long jetty at Saint Martin's Island under a hazy sky · Photo: Rafio aumi (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons

From the jetty to the south

The quiet south and Chera Dip are a short ride from the jetty by local van, rickshaw or bike. To El Marena it takes about 25 minutes. If you're staying with us, we can arrange a bike or auto for you (paid), so someone is waiting when you arrive. Otherwise, agree the fare with the driver before you set off.

Your options on the island

Local vans and rickshaws: the usual way to go from the jetty to the south, and back.
Bike or auto: we can arrange one for our guests (paid).
Walking: the island is small, and the shore is best seen on foot, especially at low tide.
Boats: boats go to Chera Dip from the main jetty.

A small speedboat and wooden boats off the beach at Saint Martin's Island · Photo: Md. Saiful Aziz Shamseer (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons

Getting to Chera Dip

From the south of the island you can walk across to Chera Dip at low tide over sand and rocks; at high tide the sea cuts it off. If the tide doesn't suit you, take a boat from the main jetty instead. If you're staying near Chera Dip, you're already at the right end of the island and can set off on foot early in the morning. Our Chera Dip guide explains the walk.

Sandy shore and scattered rocks at low tide, looking towards Chera Dip · Photo: Rafio aumi (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons

What's not allowed

Under last season's (2025–26) rules, motorbikes, sea bikes and other motor vehicles weren't allowed on the beach. Keep vehicles to the paths, keep out of the keya (screwpine) forest, and walk on firm sand and bare rock rather than on the coral. The full list is in our article on protecting the coral.

Tips for getting around

Carry cash for vans, rickshaws and boats.
Agree the fare before you get on.
The south has few lights at night: bring a torch.
Leave enough time to reach the jetty for the afternoon ship, which left at about 3 to 3:30 pm last season.
If you're carrying a lot of luggage, ask us to arrange your ride from the jetty.

Staying near Chera Dip

El Marena Eco Resort is near Chera Dip beach, at the quiet southern end of the island. Check-in is from 1:00 pm and check-out by 12:00 pm (noon). Send us your dates on WhatsApp; we'll confirm your cottage or tent, and can arrange your ride from the jetty and book your ship seats in the same chat. The whole route to the island is in how to go to Saint Martin.