Photo: Muntasir du (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons
Last season's ship times from Cox's Bazar and back, which months the ships actually ran, and what to check before you book for 2026–27.
The 2026–27 schedule wasn't out when we wrote this (October 2026). Below is how it worked last season; we'll update this article when the new rules are published.
Departure and return times
- Leaves Cox's Bazar: from Nuniarchhara jetty. The ship operators listed about 7 am; news reports last season gave a window of 7 to 10 am, set by the tide.
- Journey: about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and the sea.
- Leaves the island: the operators listed about 3 to 3:30 pm; news reports gave 3 to 6 pm, also set by the tide.
Check the exact time on your ticket, or ask us when we book your seats.
Which months the ships ran
In 2025–26 the island was open to tourists from 1 November to 31 January. But November was for day trips only, and the ship operators said nobody wanted to make the long crossing without a night on the island, so no tourist ships ran in November 2025 (The Business Standard, 1 November 2025). From 1 December, when overnight stays were allowed, the ships were set to run until 31 January (Prothom Alo, November 2025).
The ships, their times and fares
These are the times and fares the operators listed for last season. A comparison of the two ships is in Karnafuly Express or Baro Awlia.
MV Karnafuly Express
Leaves about 7:00 am · back about 3:00 pm
| Seat | Return (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy (Lavender, Marigold) | ৳3,500(৳1,800) |
| Open deck | ৳4,000(৳2,100) |
| Gladiolus | ৳5,000(৳2,600) |
| Lilac Lounge | ৳5,300(৳2,700) |
| Chrysanthemum Lounge | ৳5,600(৳2,900) |
| Single cabin (1 person) | ৳6,500(৳3,300) |
| Twin cabin (2 people) | ৳13,000(৳7,000) |
| VIP cabin (2 people) | ৳16,000(৳8,500) |
| VVIP cabin (2 people) | ৳20,000(৳10,500) |
MV Baro Awlia
Leaves about 7:00 am · back about 3:00 pm
| Seat | Return (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Main deck, Sun deck | ৳3,500(৳1,800) |
| Riviera, Panorama business | ৳4,000(৳2,100) |
| Mozarat chair | ৳4,300(৳2,200) |
| Bunk bed (2 people) | ৳8,000(৳4,100) |
| Deluxe cabin (2 people) | ৳13,000(৳7,000) |
| Family cabin (4 people) | ৳16,000(৳8,500) |
| VIP cabin | ৳16,000(৳8,500) |
| VVIP cabin | ৳20,000(৳10,500) |
Per person for the return trip, one-way fare in brackets; cabins are per cabin. The operators' 2025–26 fares, checked October 8, 2026.
Tickets and the travel pass
- Last season tickets were sold through the Bangladesh Tourism Board's authorised online portal, and every ticket came with a travel pass and a QR code.
- No more than 2,000 people could visit a day, so popular dates sold out early.
- Children aged 5 and under didn't need a ticket, according to news reports.
Our article on Saint Martin ship tickets explains the portal, the travel pass and how to spot a fake ticket.
Planning around the schedule
- Sleep in Cox's Bazar the night before, so you don't miss the morning ship.
- Check-in at El Marena is from 1:00 pm, which fits a midday arrival.
- Check-out is by 12:00 pm (noon), in time for the afternoon ship.
- A day trip leaves only a few hours on the island; if overnight stays are allowed, stay at least one night.
What to check for 2026–27
In October 2026 the government said it's reviewing the season length, the daily visitor limit and where the ships leave from. Until the new rules are out, check the season dates, whether November allows overnight stays, the departure jetty and the fares. We'll confirm the latest when you message us.
