No cars, few shops, a rocky shore and a ban on polythene: Saint Martin's needs a slightly different bag. Here's the full list, by what it's for.
Saint Martin's Island is small, with few shops, sharp coral rocks, strong sun by day and cool evenings in winter. Polythene bags are banned. Packing well makes a big difference, and most of it is simple. Here's the list we give our own guests at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
Ticket, ID and money
- Your ship ticket with its QR-code travel pass. Last season tickets without one were treated as fake. Keep it with you for the whole trip.
- Photo ID for everyone in your group.
- Cash for the whole trip. Vans, rickshaws, boats, tea stalls and small shops expect cash.
- Your booking confirmation on your phone.
Clothes
- Light, loose clothes for sunny days.
- A light jacket or shawl: winter evenings by the sea are cool.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- Clothes you don't mind getting wet or salty.
Shoes for the rocks
The shore in the south and at Chera Dip is covered in coral rock: sharp, uneven and slippery when wet. Bring sandals with a good grip or water shoes for everyone. Flip-flops are fine for the cottage and the bathroom, not for the rocks.
Sun and water
- Sunscreen: there's very little shade on the shore and at Chera Dip.
- A refillable water bottle. Polythene is banned on the island, and at El Marena mineral water is free for our guests.
- A small towel for the beach.
- A cloth bag for snacks and shopping, instead of plastic bags.
For the evening and night
- A torch or headlamp. The south has very few lights at night. Use it on the path, not on the beach: lights on the beach at night were banned last season.
- A power bank for your phone.
- Something warm for sitting out under the stars.
Health
- Any medicines you take, with enough for an extra day in case the weather holds up the ship.
- Seasickness tablets if you need them: the crossing from Cox's Bazar takes about 5 to 6 hours.
- Plasters and antiseptic for small cuts from the rocks.
- Insect repellent for the evenings.
With children
- Hats, sunscreen and water shoes for each child.
- Snacks and water for the ship.
- Something to keep them busy on the 5 to 6 hour crossing.
- A torch of their own: children love the dark nights in the south.
More ideas in our family trip guide.
If you're staying in a tent
Our tents come with a floor mattress, pillows and bedding, so you don't need a sleeping bag. The bathroom is a common one with running water and showers, so pack your toiletries in a small bag and bring flip-flops. A torch is a must for the walk at night.
What to leave at home, and what to take back
- Polythene bags: banned on the island. Bring cloth bags.
- Too much luggage: there are no cars, so you'll carry it to a van or rickshaw at the jetty. A backpack is easier than a big suitcase.
- Anything you'd leave behind: take your rubbish back to the mainland in a bag.
- Souvenirs from the shore: don't take coral, shells or starfish. Collecting them is banned.
These are last season's (2025–26) rules. The full list is in our article on protecting the coral, and our first-trip tips cover the rest of the planning.
