Saint Martin’s island to open for tourists from 1 November

The country's lone coral island and tourist spot, Saint Martin's Island, will reopen to tourists from 1 November.

Preparations are underway to ensure smooth travel for visitors.

As in previous years, tourists visiting the coral island must follow 12 government-issued guidelines.

Cox's Bazar Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Md Shahidul Alam told BSS that tourists must adhere to the government's directives to preserve the island's natural balance, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.

The district administration will strictly enforce all 12 government instructions this year.

According to the Department of Environment, tourist vessels will, as before, operate from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox's Bazar town to Saint Martin's Island.

However, due to legal restrictions, travelling from Inani in Ukhia to Saint Martin's Island remains prohibited.

A circular issued on 27 October by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed the Ministry of Shipping, BIWTA, and the Department of Shipping about the government's policy approval regarding this decision.

According to the circular, no vessel will be allowed to operate to or from Saint Martin's Island without prior approval from the BIWTA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Tourists must purchase tickets online through a web portal officially recognized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Each ticket will include a travel pass and a QR code. Any ticket without a valid QR code will be considered counterfeit.

This year, the schedule of visits and the number of tourists allowed on the island will be strictly regulated.

During November, tourists will be allowed only day trips, while overnight stays will be prohibited.

In December and January, overnight stays will be permitted, but in February, tourist travel to the island will be completely suspended.

A maximum of around 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed to visit the island.

To protect the island's fragile ecosystem, activities such as lighting on the beach at night, making loud noise, or organizing barbeque parties have been banned.

Entry into Keya forests, the collection or trade of Keya fruits, and harming marine turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, shells, or other biodiversity are strictly prohibited.

Motorcycles, sea bikes, and other motorized vehicles will not be allowed to operate on the beach.

The carrying of banned polythene products is prohibited, and the use of single-use plastic items—such as chips packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini packs of soap or shampoo, and 500ml or 1,000ml plastic bottles—has been strongly discouraged.

Tourists are advised to bring their own reusable water flasks.