Weekend at Saint Martin: Complete Travel Guide from Dhaka

If you’re in Dhaka and looking for a quick, refreshing escape by the sea, Saint Martin’s Island in Bangladesh is a great choice. 

Known as the only coral island in the country, it offers crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the city's noise. It’s located in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal.

It's a perfect spot for nature lovers, beach lovers, and anyone who wants to chill in nature by hanging in the hammock. Saint Martin's quiet waves, tasty seafood, and lovely sunsets make every moment unforgettable.

This blog will guide you through the process of traveling, including the recently imposed restriction in mind, where to stay, what to do, and other essential tips to ensure a smooth trip. 

When To Travel Saint Martin Island

The best time to visit Saint Martin is from October to February. During this time, the weather is dry and the sea is calmer. Avoid the peak monsoon season (rough seas, fewer services). 

But currently the Bangladesh Government has imposed restrictions on visiting the island. To save the environment, sea-water and natural habitats of species from pollution, this decision was made. 

Saint Martin Island was first closed on February 1st, 2025 to protect the island’s ecosystem. After being closed for nine months, it first opened for tourists on November 1, 2025. But overnight stays are not allowed in November. Tourists can stay overnight for 2 months, which is from December to January. The island will be temporarily closed again from February 1st 2026 for nine months.    

How To Go To Saint Martin’s Island From Dhaka

Planning a trip is always a big headache. But it won’t be if you plan ahead, make a checklist and follow your notes. There are some ways to reach Saint Martin’s, but the most common and comfortable route is:

Step 1: Dhaka To Teknaf

You first need to go from Dhaka to Teknaf. Teknaf is the southernmost point of mainland Bangladesh. You can travel in these ways:

Taking The Bus: Several bus companies run direct overnight buses from Dhaka to Teknaf, such as Green Line, Saint Martin Paribahan, Shyamoli, Hanif, Soudia, and Relax Transport.

The journey usually takes 10–12 hours, and tickets cost around Tk 1,800–2,200 depending on the bus type (AC or Non-AC).

Buses leave from Fakirapool, Saidabad, or Abdullahpur at night and reach Teknaf early in the morning.

Taking The Plane: If you want a faster and more comfortable journey, you can take a flight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar (takes only 1 hour). From Cox's Bazar, you can rent a private car or take a local bus to Teknaf (about a 4-hour drive).

Step 2: Teknaf To Saint Martin By Ship (Sea Truck or Launch)

This is the most beautiful part of your journey. During the tourism season, numerous ships and sea trucks depart from Teknaf Jetty Ghat for Saint Martin's Island each morning. 

Some popular ships are:

• Keari Sindbad

• Keari Cruise & Dine

• MV Farhan

• MV Greenline

• MV Karnafuly Express

These ships start from Teknaf Jetty around 9:00 AM and reach Saint Martin’s by 11:30 AM.

The return trip usually starts from the island around 3:00 PM, so if you plan to stay overnight, book your hotel before you arrive.Ticket costs around Tk-800 to 1,000 for economy and Tk-1,500 to 2500, for VIP and Cabin Class depending on the ship and season.

You can enjoy the stunning view of the sea, small fishing boats, and flying seagulls during the 2–3 hour ride. It's truly a memorable experience.

Note: Ships usually run only during the tourist season (October to March) because the sea is rough during the monsoon. Always check the schedule before your trip.

Step 3: Local Transport on the Island

Once you reach the island, you’ll see there are no big cars or buses. The island is small, only about 8 km long, so most people walk or rent small van-rickshaws (locally called van gari).

You can easily walk from the main jetty to your hotel or resort. The paths are beautiful, with views of the beach on one side and coconut trees on the other.

What To Look For When Booking

As we mentioned before, planning is the most crucial part before going for a trip. Follow the checklist below so that the mood doesn’t spoil when an unexpected situation occurs which could be avoidable. 

• Choose beachfront or near-beach accommodations for the best views.

• Since electricity and services may be less steady on the island, check amenities (generator, room comfort). 

• If you stay in Cox’s Bazar or Teknaf before or after the island trip (recommended), use Travela to check convenient places in those cities.

• Book early if you plan to go during high season (Oct-Feb), rooms fill up fast.

Lastly, don't forget to take sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap and a towel. Besides, keeping additional slides will come in handy. 

How to Easily Arrange Your Trip

On the first day, leave Dhaka early by bus or flight and reach Teknaf or Cox’s Bazar in the afternoon. Check into your hotel and rest.

Take a boat to Saint Martin's Island early on the second day. Take a ride, relax, and enjoy the beach for the entire day. Spend the night on the island.

On day three, enjoy the sunrise. Visit nearby places like the little island of Chhera Dwip, which is close to Saint Martin. Return to Dhaka in the afternoon after taking the boat back to Teknaf.

You can also choose to spend one night on the island and one night in Teknaf or Cox’s Bazar if you want a slower and more relaxed trip.

Things to Do on the Island

You can walk along the wonderful sandy beach and rest in the calm waters. Watching the sunrise and sunset is both lovely and memorable. 

Coral reefs are also visible from the beach, and you can explore them by boat. During low tide, a small section of the island known as Chhera Dwip appears, which can be visited on foot or by boat. 

Don't forget to try the local seafood, like grilled fish and prawns, at the small restaurants on the island. Most of all, relax and enjoy the slow and peaceful life on the island.

Practical Tips and Things to Know

When you go to Saint Martin’s Island, make sure to carry enough cash because ATMs are hard to find there. 

Your mobile signal will work in some areas, but don’t expect it to be strong everywhere. Electricity can be limited, so consider carrying power banks to those places for emergency use. 

Also, check the boat schedule carefully so you don't miss your return, especially if you are traveling outside the main season, because there may be fewer trips. Be careful if the weather is bad, since the sea can get rough.

Remember to respect nature; the coral and the island’s ecosystem are very fragile, so please refrain from damaging the coral and avoid leaving trash behind. Pack light, but bring beach clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and sandals for walking on the coral or beach. 

And it's always a good idea to tell someone your plan, especially if you are staying overnight, just to be safe.

Use Travela to Book Resorts

The platform Travela helps you find verified and furnished rooms and apartments anywhere across Bangladesh. Not only rooms or apartments; you can book hotels, resorts and villas as well through the Travela app or website.  

Booking through Travela is easy. Go to the Travela website or app and search for the city you want to travel to. For example, Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Chittagong, Saint Martin etc. Then check availability, and book. Using the website helps you secure rooms ahead of time, giving you peace of mind for your island trip. Or, if you’re a frequent traveller, consider downloading the Travela app. 

Final Words

A trip from Dhaka to Saint Martin’s Island is a wonderful chance to step away from city life and embrace sea, sand and nature. With a bit of planning, transport, schedule and booking, you can make a memorable short holiday. 

Use a booking platform like Travela for your hassle-free stay. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the island's beauty.