How to take children to Saint Martin's Island: the ship, where a family of four can stay, what children can do at the resort, safety by the sea and a packing list for little ones.
Children love Saint Martin's: a long ship ride, sand, crabs' tracks on the beach and fish on the grill. With a little planning, it's an easy family trip. Here's what parents ask us most, from the team at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
Overnight stays depend on the season's rules. Last season (2025–26) they were allowed in December and January but not in November. When we wrote this (October 2026), the 2026–27 rules hadn't been published.
The ship with children
Tourist ships leave Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar at about 7 am and take about 5 to 6 hours. That's a long morning for small children, so:
- Reach Cox's Bazar the evening before, so nobody starts the day exhausted.
- Consider a lounge seat, or a cabin: last season MV Baro Awlia had a family cabin for four.
- Bring water, snacks, a change of clothes and something to keep children busy.
- Keep everyone's tickets and photo ID together in one bag.
Our article on choosing your Saint Martin ship compares the seats and cabins.
Where a family can stay
A duplex cottage is made for a family of four: a double bed downstairs, a sleeping loft upstairs, an attached bathroom with a shower and washbasin, a balcony with a hammock and a lookout tower. It's ৳4,000–৳6,000 for the whole cottage, with a complimentary breakfast.
The loft is reached by a wooden ladder, so keep an eye on little ones. Bringing more children or one extra guest? Ask us first on WhatsApp and we'll see what we can do. A bigger family can take two cottages side by side.
What children can do at the resort
- Children's playground: a slide, a swing and ride-on toys.
- Football ground: open grass for a game with the family.
- Barbecue evenings: watching the fish and lobster on the grill at our barbecue spot.
- Climbing the lookout tower (with a grown-up) to see the island from above.
Around the island with children
- Chera Dip at low tide: an early walk over sand and rocks. Go early, before the sun is strong, and turn back well before the tide comes in.
- The beach in the morning: shells and crabs to look at (and leave where they are).
- Getting around: we can arrange a bike or auto (paid); there are no cars on the island.
Safety by the sea
- Stay within arm's reach of small children near the water.
- Don't swim at night, and keep off the rocks in the dark.
- Check the tide before any walk to Chera Dip.
- There's little shade on the shore: hats, sunscreen and water for everyone.
- Water shoes or sandals protect small feet on the rocky shore.
What to pack for children
- Any medicines they need, and a small first-aid kit
- Sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water shoes or sandals
- A light jacket for cool evenings
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle each
- A torch for the evenings
- A bag to carry your rubbish home
Food for the family
Breakfast is included with a duplex. For lunch and dinner, our open-air restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with fish curry, fried fish and seafood from the grill, and you pay only for what you order. Want something special, or something milder for the children? Order it in advance. Our article on what to eat in Saint Martin has more.
Book a family stay
Send us your dates and how many adults and children are coming on WhatsApp. We'll confirm a cottage and can book your ship seats, including a family cabin if one's available. The duplex cottage page has the details.
