Travel Guide: Reaching Saint Martin's Island, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Overview

Saint Martin's Island, known locally as Narikel Jinjira, is located in the Bay of Bengal, south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula and at the mouth of the Naf River. It is Bangladesh's only coral island and one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

Travel Routes to Saint Martin's Island

By Air

The quickest way to reach the island is by air. Visitors can take a flight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar Airport (CXB). Airlines such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, and US-Bangla Airlines operate frequent flights to Cox's Bazar.

By Bus

Alternatively, numerous bus services are available from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar. It takes approximately 10-12 hours and the buses range from economy to luxury. Notable bus services include Hanif Enterprise, Shohagh Paribahan, and Green Line.

By Train

While there is no direct train service to Cox's Bazar, visitors can travel by train to Chittagong and then take a bus or private vehicle to Cox's Bazar, which is about 4-5 hours away.

From Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin's Island

By Waterway

Once in Cox's Bazar, travelers must head to Teknaf, which is the southernmost part of the mainland. Buses and private cars can be used to reach Teknaf from Cox's Bazar, which takes around 2-3 hours. From Teknaf, the only way to reach Saint Martin's Island is by waterway.

Sea Transport

The sea crossing can be made by local boat, commonly known as "trawler", or by sea truck or ship during the tourist season (usually between November and March). The journey takes about 2-3 hours depending on the type of vessel and weather conditions. Advance booking for the sea transportation is recommended during peak seasons.

Key Points

• The best time to visit Saint Martin's Island is between November and February when the weather is more conducive for travel and the sea is calm.
• Ensure that you check the local weather and sea conditions before planning the sea trip as it can change rapidly.
• It is advisable to book your travel and accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Final Tips

Keep in mind that Saint Martin's Island is a delicate ecosystem. As a visitor, it's your responsibility to protect its natural beauty by avoiding littering and participating in environmentally friendly activities. Respect local customs and regulations to ensure a pleasant visit for yourself and future travelers.