A simple budget for Saint Martin's Island: last season's ship fares, what our cottages and tents cost, what's free, what's extra, and how to bring the cost per person down.
Most of the cost of a Saint Martin's trip comes from three things: the ship, where you sleep and what you eat. Getting to Cox's Bazar depends on where you start and whether you go by bus, train or plane, so we leave that out. Here are the parts we know well, with real numbers.
The ship fares are the operators' 2025–26 fares, and the stay prices are our current prices. When we wrote this (October 2026), the 2026–27 fares weren't out yet; we confirm the current fare when you book.
The ship
Tourist ships sail from Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar. Last season return fares started from ৳3,500 per person for deck and economy seats. Lounges cost a little more, and cabins are priced per cabin, up to ৳20,000.
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.
For most people a deck or economy seat is fine on a calm winter crossing. Lounges are more comfortable for families with small children.
Where you sleep
Our prices are for the whole cottage or tent, not per person, and depend on the day: Sunday to Thursday is half our regular price, and Friday and Saturday 25% off.
- Duplex cottage, up to 4 guests: ৳4,000–৳6,000, from ৳1,000 each when four share it
- Single cottage, up to 2 guests: ৳2,000–৳3,000, from ৳1,000 each for two
- Tent for 2, near the beach: ৳1,000–৳1,500
Check-in is from 1:00 pm and check-out by 12:00 pm (noon) the next day, which fits the ship times.
What's free
- With every cottage: a complimentary drink, mineral water and 24-hour room service
- With a duplex cottage: a complimentary breakfast
- For every guest: the barbecue spot (you pay only for the food), the football ground and the children's playground
What costs extra
- Restaurant meals: lunch and dinner, and breakfast unless you're in a duplex
- Seafood barbecues: you pay for the fish, lobster or chicken
- A candlelight dinner on the beach
- Bike or auto rides around the island
- Self-cooking, if you buy fresh fish at the market
- The ride from the island jetty to the south by van, rickshaw or bike
Ask us on WhatsApp for the current price of any extra before you order.
Two example budgets
These count only the ship (the cheapest return seat last season) and the stay, on a Sunday to Thursday date. Add food, local transport and your trip to Cox's Bazar.
- Four friends in a duplex cottage: ৳3,500 each for the ship, plus ৳1,000 each for the cottage.
- A couple in a single cottage: ৳3,500 each for the ship, plus ৳1,000 each for the cottage.
Ways to spend less
- Travel Sunday to Thursday, when our prices are lowest.
- Fill the cottage: a duplex shared by four costs much less per person.
- Choose a deck or economy seat on the ship.
- Book the ship early, especially for weekends and holidays, so you get the seat you want.
- Bring a refillable bottle; mineral water is free with every cottage.
Want the whole trip planned around these numbers? Our Saint Martin's Island travel guide covers the season, the rules and what to pack.
