Saint Martins Island Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Saint Martins Island with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Saint Martins Island

Saint Martins Island is a picturesque, small coral island in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 9 km south of the southern tip of Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladesh. It’s a delightful escape from city life, offering visitors stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, delicious seafood, sun-kissed sands, and numerous outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Saint Martins Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in local history and culture, there are several enjoyable things to see in Saint Martins Island.

Saint Martin’s Coral Island Museum

The Saint Martin’s Coral Island Museum showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the island, offering an excellent collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents about the island’s people, flora and fauna, and lifestyle.

Saint Martin’s Island Mosque

Located in the heart of the island, the Saint Martin’s Island Mosque is a striking piece of architecture that provides an insight into the Islamic heritage of the island.

Natural Attractions of Saint Martins Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Visitors to Saint Martins Island will be awed by the breath-taking natural scenery and outdoorsy activities like:

Chera Dwip

Chera Dwip is a stunning island located on the south of Saint Martins Island. With its attractive forests, stunning corals, and scenic sandy beaches, it’s a perfect picnic spot for nature-loving travelers.

Biorchar Dwip

Biorchar Dwip is another island situated on the west of Saint Martins Island. This secluded island is a haven for bird-watchers and animal lovers alike, offering several opportunities to observe various species of rare flora and fauna up close.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint Martins Island

The best way to explore this enchanting island is by hiking and biking along the scenic coastal paths.

Trek to the Lighthouse

The trek to the lighthouse from the jetty is a popular activity in the island. This short trek meanders through stunning views of the beach and dense forest, culminating in the spectacularly located lighthouse view point. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal, making it worth the excursion.

Best Things to Do in Saint Martins Island: Activities and Tours

Besides exploring the natural beauty and trekking to lighthouse, Saint Martins Island also offers several activities and tours.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

One of the essential activities to do in Saint Martins Island is snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters surrounding Saint Martins Island are teeming with an incredible array of marine life, including snappers, barracuda, clownfish, and manta rays, making it an excellent destination for marine sports enthusiasts.

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin watching is a popular activity that offers visitors a chance to witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat. There are several small boats available at the jetty that can take you for a fascinating dolphin watching tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint Martins Island

Here’s an itinerary that allows travelers to experience the best of Saint Martins Island’s charm and beauty.

Days Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Saint Martins Island, Relax on the beach
Day 2 Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Day 3 Trek to the Lighthouse, Biking
Day 4 Visit Chera Dwip, Biorchar Dwip
Day 5 Dolphin Watching, Kayaking
Day 6 Shopping for Souvenirs, Local Food Discovery
Day 7 Departure from Saint Martins Island

Food and Drink Scene of Saint Martins Island

Must-Try Dishes

One of the highlights of any visit to Saint Martins Island is discovering the outstanding local delicacies that the island has to offer. Some of the must-try dishes includes:

Lobster

Saint Martins Island is renowned for its delicious lobster dishes. Whether barbecued or served in curries, there’s nothing quite like fresh lobster taken straight from the ocean.

Fried Prawn

Fried prawns are another popular dish from Saint Martins Island, with the sweet, succulent taste of the prawns a perfect complement to the island’s spicy cuisine.

Local Beverages

While in Saint Martins Island, you absolutely should try the locally made beverages. The most popular local drinks in Saint Martins Island are coconut water, fresh juices, and tea made from wild herbs.

Where to Stay in Saint Martins Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Despite its small size, Saint Martins Island offers numerous accommodation choices that will give you great comfort and relaxation.

Budget Accommodation

If you are looking to save money, there are several budget-friendly guesthouses on every corner that offer comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices.

Mid-Range Accommodation

If you are looking for a bit more luxury and comfort, mid-range hotels and resorts such as “Sea Hill” and “St. Martin’s Resort” are a great option that won’t break the bank.

What to Buy in Saint Martins Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

After enjoying the natural beauty and local food of Saint Martins Island, make sure to take back a little piece of the island with you in the form of souvenirs and local products.

Handicrafts and Artifacts

There are several shops in the market area of Saint Martins Island that sell beautiful handmade artisanal products, including woven garments, handcrafted jewelry, and beautiful shell artwork made by local artisans.

Sea Shells

Sea shells are a popular souvenir to take back home from Saint Martins Island, with their beautiful natural colors and intricate shapes captivating the hearts of travelers.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint Martins Island

The island is a predominantly Muslim community, so visitors should dress modestly and respect the local culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Saint Martins Island

The best time to visit Saint Martins Island is between November and February when the weather is dry and mild, making it perfect for adventure activities like swimming, snorkeling and exploring the island’s scenic spots.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint Martins Island

Do:

  • Wear appropriate clothing in accordance with the local customs.
  • Carry plenty of drinking water to avoid dehydration.
  • Activate a data package on your phone to stay connected with your contacts and loved ones.

Don’t:

  • Don’t use plastic bags or litter on the beaches and tourist spots.
  • Don’t swim outside the horseshoe-shaped bay of the island.
  • Don’t touch or collect coral reefs or marine life as they are being protected under the government law.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint Martins Island

Although the island is generally safe and peaceful, travelers should be cautious and avoid walking alone on the beaches after dark.

Health in Saint Martins Island

Visitors are advised to take the necessary health precautions, including applying mosquito repellent, wearing a hat, and keeping hydrated to avoid catching common illnesses such as dengue fever, heatstroke, and sunburn.

Getting to Saint Martins Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint Martins Island

The nearest major airports to Saint Martins Island are the Cox’s Bazar airport, which is approximately 81 kilometers from the island. From there, visitors can take buses or cabs to reach the Teknaf jetty for connecting boats to Saint Martins Island.

Bus Stations Near Saint Martins Island

Teknaf bus station is one of the best ways to reach Teknaf jetty, which is the only way to go to Saint Martins Island by boat. From Dhaka, one can take a direct bus to Teknaf.

Other Options

If you’re looking to make the journey in style or with added comfort, private taxis and airport pickups can be booked in advance to ensure a hassle-free journey.

How to Get Around in Saint Martins Island

The best way to explore Saint Martins Island is on foot. However, you can also rent bicycles, rickshaws or taxis to get around the island.

Where to Go Next from Saint Martins Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you’ve enjoyed Saint Martins Island, consider checking out these nearby destinations and attractions:

  • Cox’s Bazar
  • Chittagong City
  • Pattenga Beach

Conclusion

Saint Martins Island is a beautiful tropical paradise in Bangladesh, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural wonders. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now have everything you need to plan a memorable vacation in this charming, picturesque island.

An algae farmer lays his crop out to dry An algae farmer lays his crop out to dry Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET at St. Martin's Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET at St. Martin's Island Sea Turtle Cages of Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET at St. Martin's Island Sea Turtle Cages of Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET at St. Martin's Island Chera Dwip, accessible at low tide Chera Dwip, accessible at low tide St. Martin's Island Crab St. Martin's Island Crab Naval Security checking at St. Martin Island's beach for visitor safety Naval Security checking at St. Martin Island's beach for visitor safety