The whole route in one place: getting to Cox's Bazar, the 7 am ship from Nuniarchhara jetty, why there's no tourist ship from Teknaf or Chattogram, and the ride south to Chera Dip.
Saint Martin's Island sits in the Bay of Bengal off the southern tip of Bangladesh, and the only way there is by sea. The route has changed in the last few years, so old blog posts and videos often point you the wrong way. Here is how it worked last season, step by step, from wherever you start.
When we wrote this (October 2026), the government hadn't published the 2026–27 season's rules. We'll update this article when it does. For the latest, ask us on WhatsApp.
The route in four steps
- Get to Cox's Bazar by bus, train or plane from Dhaka or Chattogram, ideally the evening before.
- Take the tourist ship from Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar at about 7 am.
- Cross to the island in about 5 to 6 hours. The ship docks at the jetty at the north end.
- Go south by local van, rickshaw or bike to Chera Dip and the quiet end of the island.
Step 1: Dhaka or Chattogram to Cox's Bazar
Every trip to Saint Martin's now starts in Cox's Bazar. From Dhaka or Chattogram you can get there by bus, by train or by plane, so pick whatever suits your budget and your time.
The one thing that matters: the ship leaves at about 7 in the morning. An overnight bus can arrive too late if the roads are slow, so the safest plan is to reach Cox's Bazar the evening before and sleep near the jetty side of town.
Is there a ship from Chattogram?
Many people search for a direct ship from Chattogram to Saint Martin. Last season (2025–26) there wasn't one for tourists: tourist ships sailed only from Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar. From Chattogram, go to Cox's Bazar first by road, rail or air, then take the ship from there. If a direct route is approved for 2026–27, we'll add it here.
Why not from Teknaf any more?
Saint Martin's is part of Teknaf upazila, and for years the ships left from Teknaf. That changed: under the rules since the 2025–26 season, ships from Teknaf don't carry tourists. If someone offers you a tourist seat from Teknaf, ask how that's allowed before you pay, and check that your ticket has the official QR code.
Step 2: the ship from Nuniarchhara jetty
- Leaves Cox's Bazar: about 7:00 am
- Journey: about 5 to 6 hours
- Leaves the island: about 3:00 to 3:30 pm
Last season every ticket came with a travel pass with a QR code, and only up to 2,000 people could visit each day, so popular dates sold out early. Return fares started from ৳3,500 per person. Our article on Saint Martin ship tickets lists every ship, seat and fare.
Step 3: from the island jetty to Chera Dip
The ship docks at the jetty at the north end of the island, its busiest part. Chera Dip, the southern tip of Bangladesh, and the quiet south of the island are a short ride away by local van, rickshaw or bike. If you're staying with us, we can arrange a bike or auto for you (paid).
From the south you can walk across to Chera Dip at low tide over sand and rocks; at high tide the sea cuts it off. Check the tide times before you set out.
A sample plan
- The evening before: reach Cox's Bazar.
- Day 1, 7 am: ship from Nuniarchhara jetty.
- Day 1, around midday: arrive at the island jetty and ride south. Check-in at El Marena is from 1:00 pm.
- Day 1, evening: sunset over the rocks, seafood on the grill, the night sky.
- Day 2, early: walk to Chera Dip at low tide. Check-out is by 12:00 pm (noon).
- Day 2, about 3 pm: ship back to Cox's Bazar.
A day trip leaves only a few hours on the island, because the return ship leaves at about 3 pm. If overnight stays are allowed when you travel, stay at least one night: the sunset, the stars and the early walk to Chera Dip all happen outside the day-trip hours.
What to carry for the journey
- Your ship ticket with its QR code, and photo ID
- Cash for vans, boats and small shops
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A light jacket or shawl for cool evenings
- A torch and a power bank
The full packing list, the season and the island's rules are in our Saint Martin's Island travel guide.
Stay near Chera Dip
El Marena Eco Resort is near Chera Dip beach, at the quiet southern end of the island, away from the busy jetty. Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we'll confirm your cottage or tent, and we can book your ship seats in the same chat. More about us and the way here is on our about page.
