Buy fish from the boats and cook it yourself? Here's how self-cooking works on the island, what to bring and how our shared kitchen works.
Some groups like to cook for themselves on Saint Martin's Island: it saves money, and fish bought fresh from the boats tastes better when you cook it your way. At El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip, guests can use our shared kitchen. Here's how it works.
Kitchen access is a paid extra. Ask us on WhatsApp for the price when you book. The island opens only in the season the government sets; the 2026–27 rules weren't out when we wrote this (October 2026).
How self-cooking works at El Marena
- Shared kitchen: guests who'd rather cook use it in turn. Tell us when you book so we can plan the times.
- Bring or buy your food: you buy your own fish, rice and vegetables.
- Barbecue instead? Our BBQ spot is another paid extra, and we can grill your catch for you.
- Not in the mood to cook: the resort restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (paid extra; breakfast is free with the duplex cottages).
Buying fresh fish
Fish is landed on the island's beaches and sold near the main jetty. Go early, ask the price per kilo before it's weighed, and ask how fresh it is. If you're not sure what to choose, ask us: we can tell you what's in season. Our seafood and food article has more.
What to bring from the mainland
- Spices, oil and rice: cheaper and easier to find in Cox's Bazar.
- Reusable containers and bags: single-use plastic isn't welcome on the island.
- A cool bag: if you're carrying anything fresh on the 5–6 hour ship ride.
Good to know
- Take all your rubbish back to the resort's bins, and nothing onto the beach.
- Cooking for a big group? Tell us the number of people so the kitchen isn't double-booked.
- Fires and barbecues on the beach at night weren't allowed last season (2025–26), so cook at the resort.
