After a long wait, St. Martin, the only coral island in the country, has been reopened for tourists. Tourists will have the opportunity to travel and stay overnight on the island until March 15. However, due to environmental concerns, a maximum of 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit every day.

Estimated Cost for a One-Night Stay

This season, a one-night trip to St. Martin from Dhaka might cost a minimum of 9,000 to 10,000 taka per person. Out of this, the non-AC bus fare from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar is estimated at 2,400 taka, the round-trip ship ticket is 3,600 taka, and a one-night stay in an economy hotel or resort is calculated at 1,500 taka.

Additionally, the cost of six meals is estimated at 1,200 taka, along with an environment conservation fee of 100 taka and local transportation costing 500 taka. Calculating the lowest ship fare, the total cost comes to about 9,300 taka. Personal shopping and other expenses are outside of this calculation. Depending on the type of hotel, food, and transport, the overall cost may increase.

9 Essential Things to Know Before You Travel:

  1. Book Ship Tickets in Advance: Once your travel dates are fixed, book your ship tickets first. This will minimize the risk of not getting tickets at the last minute.

  2. Which Ships Are Operating: Currently, MV Bar Awlia, MV Karnaphuli, and MV Teknaf have started operating on the Cox's Bazar-St. Martin route. A few more ships are waiting for permission.

  3. How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased from the websites of the approved ships, by calling their customer service numbers, or through travel agents. If your dates are confirmed, it is convenient to buy return tickets together.

  4. Ship Fares: Ships heading to St. Martin offer various seating categories, including normal seats, business chairs, mojarat chairs, beds, and cabins. Depending on the class, return tickets can cost anywhere between 3,600 and 25,000 taka.

  5. Environment Fee and Travel Pass: Every tourist must pay an environment conservation fee of 100 taka and obtain a travel pass. The ship operating companies will handle the registration process after you book your ticket.

  6. Book Resorts Early: To avoid wasting time searching for accommodation upon arrival, it is highly recommended to book from the island's 230+ hotels and resorts in advance.

  7. Resort Fares: A one-night stay in a premium resort ranges from 8,000 to 12,000 taka, standard resorts cost between 4,500 and 7,000 taka, and economy resorts charge between 2,000 and 3,500 taka. Fares may increase during weekends and peak tourist seasons.

  8. Ship Departure Time: Tourists must first reach Cox's Bazar. Ships depart for St. Martin in the morning from the Nuniarchhara BIWTA Jetty and return to Cox's Bazar in the afternoon.

  9. Things to Remember: Always carry your National ID card. To protect the island's environment and biodiversity, strictly avoid polythene and single-use plastics. Activities like lighting fires on the beach at night, making loud noises, hosting BBQ parties, and riding motorcycles or sea-bikes are strictly prohibited.