1. Saint Martin’s Island
Bangladesh
By
Name – Rajeshwari Wagh

2. Introduction
St. Martin's Island, also known as Narikel Jinjira, is a small coral island located in the
northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, approximately 9 km south of the tip of Cox's
Bazar in Bangladesh. It is the only coral island of Bangladesh and one of the most
popular tourist destinations in the country.
St. Martin's Island has an area of about 8 square kilometers, and it is famous for its
pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a wide range of marine life. The island is
home to around 7,500 people, most of whom depend on tourism and fishing for their
livelihoods.

3. Attractions
The island has several attractions for visitors, including the beautiful
sandy beaches, the natural coral reefs, and the colorful marine life.
Tourists can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving,
and can also take a boat ride around the island.
One of the unique features of St. Martin's Island is that it is the only
place in Bangladesh where the sunrise and sunset can be seen from the
same spot. Visitors can also explore the local village, which has a laid-
back atmosphere and offers an opportunity to experience the local
culture and way of life.

4. Map of Saint Martin Island
Bangladesh

5. History of Saint Martin’s Island
• According to the website of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, the island is
named after a Christian missionary Martin.
• Some fishermen settled on the island in 1890, some of them were Bengalis
and some were from the Rakhine community.
• Gradually, it became a Bengali inhabited area.
• Over time, the island became one of the most attractive tourist
destinations in Bangladesh.

6. How to Reach St Martin’s Island
To reach St. Martin's Island, visitors need to take a ferry from
Teknaf, a small town located on the southern tip of Bangladesh.
The ferry ride takes around 2-3 hours and offers stunning views
of the Bay of Bengal. The island is open to visitors year-round,
but the best time to visit is from November to February when
the weather is dry and pleasant.

7. Accommodations at St. Martin’s Island
• Sunset Serenity Resort, St. Martin’s Island
• Hotel St Martin Limited
• Dreamer’s Paradise Beach Resort
• Blue Marine Resort
• Josnaloy Beach Resort
• Dwipantor Beach Resort
• Shayari Eco Resort

8. USP’s of Saint Martin’s Island
• Saint Martin’s Island is a beautiful and unique destination located in
Bangladesh
• USP’s
– Pristine Beaches: Saint Martin’s Island is known for it’s stunning and pristine
beaches, with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. The island is
surrounded by Bay of Bengal, which gives the visitors the opportunity to enjoy a
range of water sports activities including swimming, snorkeling, diving and more.
– Unique cultural experience: Saint Martin’s Island is home to a diverse range of
people, including the local fishermen. Visitors can experience the unique culture
and way of life of the island’s inhabitants including their traditional cuisine, music
and dance

9. USP’s of Saint Martin’s Island
• Biodiversity: Saint Martin’s island is known for rich biodiversity, with
variety of rare and endangered species found on island. Visitors can
explore the island’s natural beauty, and wildlife including its’ Coral reef,
Mangrove forest and Sea turtle.
• Relaxation and Serenity: Saint Martin’s island is a peaceful and serene
destination, offering the visitors the change to escape from hustle and
bustle of city life. Relax in a peaceful and tranquil environment

10. Tourism at Saint Martin’s Island
• Tourism is the main industry on St. Martin's Island, and visitors can
enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The island has a few
small hotels and restaurants, and visitors can also stay with local
families in homestays. The island is also famous for its seafood, and
visitors can enjoy fresh fish, crab, and lobster.
• St. Martin's Island is a popular destination for both domestic and
international tourists, and it is a must-visit place for those who love
nature and want to experience the beauty of the Bay of Bengal.

11. Suggestions
• There should be many tour packages along with Dhaka to St Martin Island
and also from other country to this virgin Island of Bangladesh.
• Cleanliness campaign should be done regularly in Saint Martin Island.
• Blue Flag Beach along with Island should be considered here.
• Budget hotels are there, Star Category Hotels are required
• Beach Activities like Parasailing, Motor Biking, near the shore of the sea
Beaches and other activity should be promoted in Saint Martin Island

12. Government Initiatives
• Cleaning Drive has been sanctioned by the Bangladesh Government
and also being taken place to keep the biodiversity clean from
getting destroyed.
• Bangladesh Government has limited the number of people
travelling to Saint Martin’s Island.
• Bangladesh Government has also advised tourist to not use
Motorized vechile near Saint Martin Island due to prevention and
exploitation of erosion and also the loss of Sea animals and corals.

13. Itinerary of Saint Martin’s Island
• Day 1:
– Fly from Kolkata to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
– Take a connecting flight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar.
– Upon arrival at Cox's Bazar airport, take a private car or shared taxi to Teknaf,
which is approximately a 3-hour drive.
– Board the afternoon ferry to St. Martin's Island, which takes around 2-3 hours.
– Check in at your hotel or guest house on the island.
– Have dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the island's laid-back atmosphere.

14. Itinerary of Saint Martin’s Island
• Day 2:
– Wake up early to catch the sunrise from the eastern end of the island.
– Have breakfast at your hotel or guest house.
– Visit Chera Dwip, a small island located a short boat ride away from St. Martin's
Island. It's a beautiful place for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
– Return to St. Martin's Island for lunch.
– Visit the local village and explore the island's culture and way of life.
– Take a walk around the island and enjoy the scenery.
– Watch the sunset from the western end of the island.
– Have dinner at a local restaurant.

15. Itinerary of Saint Martin’s Island
• Day 3:
– Have breakfast at your hotel or guest house.
– Relax on the beach or take a swim.
– Take the ferry back to Teknaf and drive back to Cox's Bazar.
– Spend some time exploring Cox's Bazar, which is known for its long sandy beach
and a range of activities.
– Take a flight back to Dhaka.
– Explore Dhaka in the evening, and have dinner at one of the many local
restaurants.
– Take a late-night flight back to Kolkata.

16. Travel Cost Estimate
Here is a rough estimate of the cost:
• Transportation:
– Flight from Kolkata to Dhaka (round trip): approximately $150-$250
– Private car or taxi from Dhaka to Teknaf (round trip): approximately $100-$150
– Boat ride from Teknaf to St. Martin's Island (round trip): approximately $10-$20
• Accommodation:
– Basic hotel or guesthouse: $10-$30 per night
– Mid-range hotel: $30-$60 per night
– Luxury hotel or resort: $60-$150 per night

17. Travel Cost Estimate
• Food:
– Local restaurants or street food: $2-$5 per meal
– Mid-range restaurants: $5-$10 per meal
– Fine dining: $15-$30 per meal
Activities:
– Snorkeling: $10-$20 per person
– Scuba diving: $50-$100 per person
– Boat tour: $20-$30 per person
– Bicycle rental: $5-$10 per day
Overall, the total cost of a tour to St. Martin's Island from Kolkata for a 3-4 day trip could
range from $300 to $1000 per person, depending on preferences and choices.

18. Conclusion
While St. Martin's Island is a beautiful destination with stunning beaches and
clear waters, there are certain cautions that visitors should be aware of to
ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some cautions to keep in mind
while visiting St. Martin's Island:
• Weather conditions: The weather conditions can be unpredictable, and
storms and strong winds can occur at any time. Visitors should check the
weather forecast and avoid going out to sea during inclement weather.
• Sun exposure: St. Martin's Island can get very hot and humid, and visitors
should take precautions to protect themselves from sun exposure. Wearing
sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and staying hydrated can help prevent
sunburn and heatstroke.

19. Conclusion
• Water safety: While the water around St. Martin's Island is crystal clear,
visitors should still exercise caution when swimming or snorkeling. It is
important to be aware of strong currents and rip tides and to never swim
alone.
• Environmental impact: St. Martin's Island has a fragile ecosystem, and
visitors should take care to minimize their impact on the environment. This
includes not littering, avoiding damaging coral reefs, and not disturbing
wildlife.
• Local customs and culture: Visitors should be respectful of local customs
and culture. Dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and
mosques, and avoid consuming alcohol in public places.

20. Conclusion
• Mosquitoes and other insects: St. Martin's Island is home to
mosquitoes and other insects, and visitors should take
precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long-
sleeved shirts and pants and using insect repellent.
By being aware of these cautions and taking necessary
precautions, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable trip to St.
Martin's Island.

21. Thank You