A night in a tent near the beach is the cheapest way to stay on Saint Martin's Island. Here's what the rules allow, what's in our tents, how to stay safe and what to bring.
A tent near the beach is the simplest and cheapest way to spend a night on Saint Martin's Island: the sound of the sea, a dark sky full of stars and an early walk on the sand. It's also a little different from camping elsewhere, because the island has rules for the night. Here's what to know before you book a tent, with ours near Chera Dip as the example.
Overnight stays depend on the season's rules. Last season (2025–26) they were allowed in December and January but not in November. When we wrote this (October 2026), the 2026–27 rules hadn't been published.
What the rules allow at night
Saint Martin's is a government-declared Ecologically Critical Area. Last season's rules for visitors included no lights, loud music or barbecue parties on the beach at night, no motor vehicles on the beach, and keeping out of the keya forest.
So a party with a fire and music on the sand at night is out. A tent at a resort's own tent site keeps your night quiet and within the rules, with a bathroom, food and help close by. The full list of rules is in our article on protecting the coral.
Our tents near Chera Dip
- For 2 guests, ৳1,000–৳1,500 for the whole tent, depending on the day (Sunday to Thursday is the cheapest).
- Near the beach, at the quiet southern end of the island near Chera Dip.
- Inside: a floor mattress, pillows and bedding.
- Bathroom: a common bathroom with running water and showers, shared with other guests.
- A short walk from our open-air restaurant, barbecue spot, football ground and children's playground.
- Check-in from 1:00 pm, check-out by 12:00 pm (noon).
Who a tent suits
- Friends on a budget: a few tents side by side cost less than one big room.
- Couples who want a night under the stars rather than four walls.
- Young travellers and students who'd rather spend on food and the boat to Chera Dip.
- Not ideal for: anyone who needs their own bathroom, very young children or older parents. A duplex cottage suits them better.
Safety tips for a night in a tent
- Bring a torch or headlamp and a power bank; you can charge your phone at the resort.
- Don't walk on the rocks or far along the shore in the dark, and don't swim at night.
- Check the tide before you walk the beach early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Keep valuables with you, and zip the tent when you leave it.
- Bring insect repellent for the evening.
- If the weather turns windy or wet, tell us on WhatsApp; we'll help you plan around it.
What to bring
- A light jacket or shawl: winter evenings by the sea are cool
- Sandals or water shoes for the rocky shore
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the day
- A refillable water bottle
- Cash for vans, boats and small shops
- Any medicines you need
- A small bag to carry your rubbish back to the mainland
Nights under the stars
The south of the island has few lights, so on a clear night the sky is full of stars. Our quiet hours run from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am, so the camp stays calm and you can get up early for sunrise and a low-tide walk to Chera Dip. Our Chera Dip guide tells you how to time it.
Tent or cottage?
Choose a tent for the lowest price and the open air. Choose a single cottage for a proper bed and walls at a small step up, or a duplex for your own bathroom, a balcony and a hammock. Our article on Saint Martin resort prices compares them, and you can book a tent on WhatsApp.
