Trip To St Martin’s Island, Bangladesh – Travel Guide

Winter – The best time to visit St. Martin Island is between October – February when the weather is dry and cool, and the sea is calm. During this period, the day temperature is not so high, so it’s comfortable on the island. This is the high tourist season so expect crowded beaches and sold out accommodations.  

Summer – It is too hot and humid on the island, and the sea is rough due to frequent storms and rain. Therefore the island is closed to visitors between Many and August.

There are several ways to get to St. Martin Island. First, you need to go to Teknaf, the southernmost part of Bangladesh, and then get on a ‘sea truck’ or small ship to continue to Saint Martin.

By Bus to Tekanf from Dhaka

There are many bus services from Dhaka Saydabad & Fakirapul that goes to Teknaf. Most of the overnight bus arrives Teknaf early morning to make it a smooth transfer to the 9:00 AM Ferry. Get off at Teknaf port. Don’t forget to tell the bus staff before to let you down at the Teknaf Port Jetty from where all the ships leave.
Or you can take a bus to Cox’s Bazar stay overnight. Enjoy the famous beach town, and then continue your trip towards Tekanf Ferry Terminal early next morning.

From Dhaka by Air to Cox’s Bazar then by Road to Teknaf

There are daily flights available from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, and the flight time is about 65 minutes. From Cox’s Bazar airport, hire a Car or microbus with a driver to get to Teknaf Ferry Terminal.

Public buses are starting at 6:00 AM onwards from Cox’s bazar Bus Terminal to Teknaf. You need to get on one of these buses before 7:00 AM to catch the 9:00 AM ship from Teknaf to St. Martin. The bus will drop you off right at the Teknaf Ferry Port.

Tekanf to S. Martin’s Island

The only way to get to Saint Martin’s Island is by sea. You can hire a speedboat that is faster but definitely unsafe to cross the deep sea.

Small safer ships (Sea Trucks) are available, which leaves Teknaf at 9:00 AM and returns at 3:00 PM daily. The distance from Teknaf Port to St. Martin’s is about 31 km, and it takes about 3 hours by Sea Trucks.

Getting Around On The Island

It’s a small island about 8 sq km in low tide and reduces to about 5 sq km in high tide so. The tiny island can be explored on foot. There are not motor Vehicles on the island, not even motorcycles, flatbed the wheels cycle-rickshaws are the only mode of transportation apart from walking.

St. Martin’s is a tiny island that can be explored in a day if you plan not to spend overnight on the island. But I highly recommend staying overnight. There are many hotels on the island to choose from. Also, most of the day-trippers leave the island by the 3 pm ferry so you can enjoy the rest of the day peacefully. The beautiful sunset and the sunrise are one of many things that will bring add up to your stay.

So, my recommendation is 3 days trip from Dhaka. One night at Cox’s Bazar, one night on the island and one night in Teknaf.

I was there for two days and found it more than enough to cover my interest. 

Here Are Some Tips

1. Keep plenty of Cash you many not have access to ATM or Money Exchange at all the places.
2. If you are getting off at Teknaf port. Don’t forget to tell the bus staff ahead to let you down at the Teknaf Port Jetty from where all the ships leave.