St. Martin's Island

St. Martin's is a small island in the far south of the Bay of Bengal, known locally as Narikel Jinjira, 'coconut island'. Its shores are lined with coral rubble, rocky pools and palms, and the water is clearer than anywhere else on the Bangladeshi coast. Fishing is the main livelihood, and grilled fish at the jetty is a classic island meal. The island is ecologically sensitive and protected, which is why visits are now tightly controlled. Chhera Dwip, a tiny islet at its southern tip, can be reached on foot at low tide.

How to get there

When open to tourists, ships run to the island in season; recently they have departed from Cox's Bazar town rather than Teknaf. Check current routes before booking.

Good to know

Since 2024 the government has restricted tourism here to a short winter window with a daily visitor cap, online registration and limits on overnight stays. Rules change each season, so check official notices before planning. Never touch or take coral, avoid plastic, and do not ride vehicles on the beach. Do not travel in rough weather or during cyclone signals.

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