Photo: Niaz morshed Shovon (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons
Twelve things we tell every first-time visitor, from booking the ship early to checking the tide, so your first trip to Saint Martin's goes smoothly.
Every season we answer the same questions from people visiting Saint Martin's Island for the first time. Here are the answers in one place, from the team at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
1. It's only open in the season
The government sets the tourist season every year. In 2025–26 the island was open from 1 November to 31 January, with day trips only in November and overnight stays in December and January. When we wrote this (October 2026), the 2026–27 rules weren't out. Our article on the best time to visit explains the season.
2. Book the ship early
No more than 2,000 people could visit a day last season, so weekends and holidays sold out first. Return fares started from ৳3,500 per person. See Saint Martin ship tickets.
3. Your ticket is also your pass
Last season every ticket came with a travel pass and a QR code, and a ticket without one was treated as fake. Buy only from authorised sellers, and keep the ticket and your photo ID with you for the whole trip.
4. The ship leaves from Cox's Bazar
Tourist ships sailed only from Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar last season, not from Teknaf or Chattogram. They leave at about 7 am, so sleep in Cox's Bazar the night before. The full route is in how to go to Saint Martin.
5. Stay at least one night if you can
The ship arrives around midday and heads back at about 3 to 3:30 pm. A day trip gives you a few hours near the jetty; a night gives you the sunset, the stars and an early walk to Chera Dip.
6. The north and the south are different
The jetty end is the busiest part of the island. The south around Chera Dip is quieter, with rocky shores and dark skies. It's a short ride by local van, rickshaw or bike. Our article on where to stay compares the two.
7. Ask whether a price is per room or per person
Prices on the island are quoted both ways. Ours are for the whole cottage or tent: a duplex for up to 4 is ৳4,000–৳6,000, a single cottage for 2 is ৳2,000–৳3,000 and a tent for 2 is ৳1,000–৳1,500, with Sunday to Thursday the cheapest. More in Saint Martin resort prices.
8. Carry cash
Vans, rickshaws, boats, tea stalls and small shops expect cash, so bring enough for the whole trip.
9. Know the island's rules
- No lights, loud music or barbecue parties on the beach at night.
- No motorbikes, sea bikes or other motor vehicles on the beach.
- Keep out of the keya (screwpine) forest, and don't pick, buy or sell keya fruit.
- Don't harm or collect coral, turtles, birds, crabs, starfish or seaweed.
- No polythene bags: bring a refillable bottle.
These were the rules in 2025–26. Why they matter: protecting the coral.
10. The tide decides your Chera Dip plans
You can walk to Chera Dip only at low tide; at high tide the sea cuts it off. Check the tide times for your day, go early and come back before the water rises, or take a boat from the main jetty. Details in our Chera Dip guide.
11. Pack for sun, rocks and cool evenings
- Your ship ticket with its QR code, and photo ID
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Sandals or water shoes for the rocky shore
- A light jacket or shawl for the evening
- A torch and a power bank
- A refillable water bottle
- A bag to carry your rubbish back
12. Plan around check-in and the ship
At El Marena check-in is from 1:00 pm and check-out by 12:00 pm (noon), which fits the midday ship in and the afternoon ship out. Our quiet hours are from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we'll confirm your cottage or tent, and can book your ship seats in the same chat.
