Overnight stay at St. Martin’s allowed from Dec 1

After a long wait, ship operations on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route will begin from December 1, allowing tourists to stay overnight. However, no more than 2,000 tourists per day will be permitted to visit Saint Martin’s, and 12 directives must be followed.

Ships will depart from Nuniarchhara Jetty Ghat in Cox’s Bazar at 7am. The return trip from Saint Martin’s will leave at 3pm the following day. Tourists will be able to travel for two consecutive months until January 31.

Additional District Magistrate Md Shahidul Alam said that four ships—MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Baro Aulia, Keari Sindabad and Keari Cruise and Dine—have received permission from the district administration to operate on the route.

He added that the district administration would strictly enforce the 12 directives issued by the government to protect Saint Martin’s biodiversity. Previously, tourist vessels operated from Teknaf, but for safety reasons they will now sail from Nuniarchhara, crossing the Bay of Bengal to reach the island. Preparations at both district and upazila levels have been completed.

To protect the island’s unique natural beauty, ecosystem and biodiversity, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification containing 12 directives on October 22.

According to the notification, no vessel may operate to Saint Martin’s without approval from BIWTA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Tourists must purchase tickets online only through a Bangladesh Tourism Board–approved portal. Each ticket will include a travel pass and a QR code, without which it will be considered invalid.

Tourist schedules and the number of visitors on the island will also be strictly controlled. In November, tourists may only visit during the day with no overnight stay allowed. Overnight stays will be permitted in December and January. In February, all tourist travel to the island will be completely suspended. No more than an average of 2,000 tourists per day may visit.

To preserve the environment, lighting, loud noise and barbecue parties on the beach at night have been banned. Entry into Kewa forests, collecting or trading Kewa fruits, and harming sea turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, shells and other biodiversity are strictly prohibited. Motorcycles, sea bikes and any motorised vehicles are completely banned on the beach.

Carrying banned polythene is not allowed, and the use of single-use plastics, such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap and shampoo packs, and 500ml and 1,000ml plastic bottles has been discouraged. Tourists are advised to carry their own water flasks.