Photo: Rafio aumi (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
From the main part of the island it's about 2½ hours on foot at low tide, or a boat ride from the jetty. From the south end you can simply set off on foot. Here's how to choose.
Chera Dip is the southernmost point of Bangladesh: a cluster of small islets just off the southern tip of Saint Martin's Island. How long it takes to get there depends on two things: where you start, and the tide.
The short answer
- On foot from the main island: about 2½ hours at low tide, if the path isn't under water (Bangladesh Tourism Board).
- By boat: boats go to Chera Dip from the main jetty at the north end of the island.
- From the south end: you're already at the right end of the island and can simply set off on foot at low tide.
It all depends on the tide
At low tide you can walk across to Chera Dip over sand and rocks; at high tide the sea cuts it off. Check the tide times for your day before you set out, and leave enough time to come back before the water rises. Early morning is the best time: it's cooler and quieter before the day-trippers arrive from the ships around midday.
Starting from the jetty side
The full walk from the main part of the island is long, so start early and bring water and a hat. A quicker way is to ride south first: a local van, rickshaw or bike takes about 25 minutes from the jetty to our end of the island, and you walk across from there. Our article on getting around Saint Martin explains the rides.
Taking a boat
If the tide doesn't suit your day, or you'd rather not walk, take a boat from the main jetty. Agree the price and the time back before you set off.
On Chera Dip itself
- Walk on firm sand and bare rock, and don't step on living coral.
- Leave coral, shells, starfish and crabs where they are.
- Polythene is banned on the island: bring a refillable bottle and take your rubbish back with you.
- Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet; the rocks can be sharp and slippery.
The rules and the reasons behind them are in our article on protecting the coral, and the walk itself is in our Chera Dip guide.
Staying near Chera Dip
El Marena Eco Resort is near Chera Dip beach, at the quiet southern end of the island, so an early low-tide walk is easy. Send us your dates on WhatsApp, and ask us about the tide when you're here.
