Which ships sail to Saint Martin's Island, what each seat cost last season, the timings, the QR-code travel pass and how to avoid fake tickets.
The only way to reach Saint Martin's Island is by sea, so the ship ticket is the first thing to sort out. Here's what you need to know from last season: which ships sailed, what each seat cost, the timings, the travel pass and how to avoid fake tickets.
When we wrote this (October 2026), the government hadn't yet published the 2026–27 season's rules or fares. We'll update this article when it does, and you can always ask us on WhatsApp for the latest.
Where the ships leave from
Under the rules since the 2025–26 season, tourist ships sail only from Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar. Ships from Teknaf don't carry tourists. If someone offers you a tourist seat from Teknaf, ask how that's allowed before you pay.
Getting to Cox's Bazar is the easy part: bus, train or plane from Dhaka or Chattogram. The ships leave early, so plan to be in Cox's Bazar the night before.
Timings
- Leaves Cox's Bazar: about 7:00 am
- Journey: about 5 to 6 hours
- Leaves the island: about 3:00 to 3:30 pm
That timing matters. If you go and come back the same day, you get only a few hours on the island. If overnight stays are allowed when you travel, stay at least one night: the sunset, the night sky and an early walk to Chera Dip all happen outside the day-trip hours.
The ships and last season's fares
These are the fares the ship operators listed for the 2025–26 season. Return fares start from ৳3,500 per person. The 2026–27 fares may be different: we confirm the current fare when you book.
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.
Which seat? Deck and economy seats are the cheapest and fine for most people on a calm winter crossing. Lounges are more comfortable for families with small children. A cabin makes sense if you want privacy or a proper rest on the 5–6 hour trip.
The travel pass and the QR code
Last season, Saint Martin's ship tickets were sold through an online portal authorised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board. Every ticket carried a travel pass with a QR code, and a ticket without a QR code was treated as fake. No more than 2,000 people could visit each day, so popular dates sold out.
- Buy only from authorised sellers.
- Check that your ticket has the QR code before you travel.
- Keep the ticket with you for the whole trip, including on the island.
- Book early for weekends and holidays.
When can you go?
Saint Martin's is a government-declared Ecologically Critical Area, so the government sets a tourist season each year. In 2025–26 it ran from 1 November to 31 January: November was for day trips only, and overnight stays were allowed in December and January. For 2026–27 the government said in October 2026 that it plans to allow more overnight stays, with the detailed rules still to come.
Our Saint Martin's Island travel guide has the season, the island's rules and a packing list.
From the island jetty to the south
The ships dock at the jetty at the north end of the island, its busiest part. Chera Dip, the southern tip of Bangladesh, and the quiet south are a short ride away by local van, rickshaw or bike. If you're staying with us, we can arrange the ride (paid).
Let us book it with your stay
If you're staying at El Marena Eco Resort, near Chera Dip, we can book your ship seats along with your cottage, all in one WhatsApp chat. Send us your travel date, the ship and seat type you'd like, and how many people are travelling. We'll confirm the current fare before you pay.
