Saint Martin's is a good island to visit on your own if you plan the ship, the tide and the nights. Here's how.
Travelling to Saint Martin's Island on your own is very doable. The island is small, there are no cars, and you can walk most of it. The things to plan are the ship, where you sleep, the tide and what you'll do after dark. Here's our advice, from the team at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
The island opens only in the season the government sets. Last season (2025–26) it was open from 1 November to 31 January, with day trips only in November; the 2026–27 rules weren't out when we wrote this (October 2026).
Planning the trip
- Ship ticket first: tourist ships leave Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar. Book with a known operator; see ship tickets.
- Book your bed before you sail, so you're not hunting for a room with your bag at the jetty.
- Tell someone at home your ship, your stay and when you're back.
Where to stay on your own
Prices on Saint Martin's are usually for a whole room or cottage, not per person. For one person, the cheaper options at El Marena are a single cottage (a double bed, shared bathroom) or a tent near the beach. If you'd like your own bathroom, the duplex cottage has one but costs more.
Keeping safe
- Check the tide before you walk to Chera Dip, and start back well before high tide.
- Don't swim alone, and never on the rocky shore.
- After dark, keep to paths you know and carry a torch. The south of the island is very dark.
- Keep your phone charged: bring a power bank.
- Our safety tips article has more.
Keeping costs down
- Travel Sunday to Thursday: our weekday prices are lower than Friday–Saturday.
- Walk instead of hiring a van for short trips.
- Eat simple meals: rice, dal and fish curry cost far less than a seafood platter.
Solo at El Marena
We're in the quiet south near Chera Dip, about 25 minutes from the jetty by van, rickshaw or bike. Quiet hours are 11 pm to 7 am, and you can always message us on WhatsApp if you need help on the island.
