Saint Martin's is a narrow island with sea on every side, and its beaches feel very different from one end to the other. Here's what each side is like, and which one suits what you want.
Saint Martin's Island is long and narrow, so wherever you stay, a beach is never far. But the beaches don't all feel the same. The north beach by the jetty is busy from midday, the west side is where the sun goes down, and the south around Chera Dip is rocky, quiet and dark at night. Here's a side-by-side look, from the team at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
Beach names vary from one guide to the next, so we describe them by side of the island. The island opens only in the season the government sets: last season (2025–26) it was open from 1 November to 31 January, with day trips only in November. The 2026–27 rules weren't out when we wrote this (October 2026).
The north beach, by the jetty
The tourist ships from Cox's Bazar dock at the main jetty at the north end of the island, around midday. That makes the north beach the busiest part of Saint Martin's: day-trippers, stalls, boats and most of the crowd between the ship's arrival and its return at about 3 to 3:30 pm. It's handy if you only have a few hours, and it's lively. It isn't where you go for a quiet beach.
The west side, for the sunset
The west side of the island looks out over the open Bay of Bengal, so this is the side where you watch the sun go down over the water. Fishing boats are often pulled up on the sand, and the evenings are calmer once the day-trippers have left. Our article on sunrise and sunset on Saint Martin has the times.
The east side, for the sunrise
The east side faces the mainland coast across the water. Early in the morning the sun comes up on this side, and the beach is at its emptiest. If you're up for the sunrise, it's also the best time to set off for Chera Dip, before the ships arrive.
The south, near Chera Dip
The southern end is the quietest part of the island. The shore here is rocky, with coral rock, tide pools and fewer people, and at night there are very few lights, so the sky fills with stars. Just off the southern tip is Chera Dip, the southernmost point of Bangladesh. At low tide you can walk across from the south over sand and rocks; at high tide the sea cuts it off. Our Chera Dip guide explains the walk.
The rocks are sharp and slippery, so wear sandals or water shoes, and walk on firm sand and bare rock rather than on the coral. El Marena Eco Resort is at this end of the island, near Chera Dip beach.
Which beach suits you?
- A few hours on a day trip: the north beach by the jetty. You won't have time for more.
- Sunsets: the west side, in the late afternoon.
- Quiet, stars and Chera Dip: the south. Stay a night here if the season allows it.
- Children: sandy stretches in daylight, an adult within arm's reach, and no rocks after dark. Our family trip guide has more.
Looking for a hotel near the beach?
On a narrow island most places are close to some beach, so the better question is which beach, and how far. Ask how many minutes' walk it is, which side of the island it's on, and whether that beach is sandy or rocky. Our cottages and tents are near Chera Dip beach in the south; the tent is the closest to the beach. More on choosing in where to stay in Saint Martin.
Getting between the beaches
There are no cars on Saint Martin's. From the jetty to the south takes about 25 minutes by local van, rickshaw or bike, and the island is small enough to explore on foot, especially along the shore at low tide. Carry cash and agree the fare first. Our article on getting around Saint Martin has the details.
Rules on every beach
- No lights, loud music or barbecue parties on the beach at night.
- No motorbikes, sea bikes or other motor vehicles on the beach.
- Don't touch, stand on or collect coral, and leave shells, crabs and starfish where they are.
- No polythene bags: bring a refillable bottle and take your rubbish back.
These were last season's (2025–26) rules. The full list is in our article on protecting the coral, and swimming tips are in is Saint Martin safe?.
