United News of Bangladesh

Saint Martin’s Island, the country’s only coral island located in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, will remain closed to travellers for nine months from February 1 as part of a conservation measure. As a result, tourists staying on the island are returning to their respective destinations on January 31 and February 1. Although Saint Martin’s was opened to tourists for three months from December to January, overnight stays were permitted for only two months. In addition, the daily number of tourists was capped at 2,000, and entry without prior registration was not allowed. Due to these restrictions, the local tourism business has suffered significantly. Delwar Hossain, a local tourism entrepreneur, said business owners incurred losses during the shortened season. Earlier, the government announced a nine-month suspension of tourism activities on Saint Martin’s Island in the interest of environmental protection.  According to a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, tourism activities for the current season will officially end on Saturday. Consequently, no tourist vessels will operate to the island from Sunday. Although tourists are usually allowed to visit Saint Martin’s from October 1 to March 31 each year, the travel period was reduced this year up to January 31 due to environmental risks. Cox’s Bazar Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain Sajib said the last tourist vessels would sail to Saint Martin’s on Saturday. “No tourist ships will be allowed to operate from Sunday. However, if the government revises its decision later, necessary measures will be taken accordingly,” he added. Under government directives, lighting on the beach at night, playing loud music and organising barbecue parties were prohibited. Entry into the protected forest area, as well as the collection and sale of key fruits, were also completely banned. Strict instructions were issued to prevent harm to biodiversity, including sea turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, snails and oysters. All types of motorised vehicles, including motorcycles, were prohibited on the beach. Carrying single-use plastics, including polythene, was strictly restricted, while tourists were advised to bring reusable water flasks. According to the administration, the prolonged absence of tourists will help corals, sea turtles, birds and other marine species recover their natural habitats. The long-term decision aims to restore biodiversity damaged by excessive tourist pressure and unregulated activities. Authorities expressed hope that the initiative to protect the environment and biodiversity would play a positive role in maintaining the ecological balance of Saint Martin’s Island. Meanwhile, local business owners said they had invested heavily in the tourism sector with expectations of a longer season. Misinformation sparks confusion about Saint Martin’s, authorities clarify However, tourism activities came to a halt after just three months. Businessmen and residents have demanded that Saint Martin’s be opened for at least five months annually with a controlled number of tourists.

Saint Martin’s Island is a marvellous blessing of nature on the Bay of Bengal. This heavenly island bestows a cherished retreat for both domestic and foreign visitors drawn to its calm, coral-fringed shores. Despite recent travel restrictions and environmental limitations, tourists still find their way to the country's only coral island. The transport system, however, remains limited; only a few authorised ships operate on fixed schedules. Ticketing and travel pass regulations are now more stringent, with tied permits for visits and overnight stays. Let’s unravel all the necessary details of how tourists can visit Saint Martin in the tourist season (2025–26). Saint Martin Visiting Time This Winter Considering the weather conditions and safety protocols, passenger ships to Saint Martin’s Island are permitted to operate only upon approval from the concerned administration. For the ongoing open season, travel is allowed from November 1, 2025, to January 2026. Read more: Visit Saint Martin, Coral Island, Bangladesh: Piece of Paradise on Bay of Bengal During November, visitors must complete their trips within the same day, as overnight stays are restricted. However, from December through January, night halts are authorised, enabling short-term accommodation under regulated supervision. BIWTA Jetty, Cox's Bazar: The Only Departure for Saint Martin Trip For security and administrative reasons, all authorised tourist vessels to the coral island will operate solely from Cox’s Bazar. The Teknaf and Ukhia Inani routes remain legally prohibited. Only authorised passenger ships are allowed to operate; small boats, trawlers, and speedboats remain strictly prohibited under current regulations. Ships will depart from the Nuniya Chhara BIWTA Ghat between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., their schedules aligned with the low tide. Return journeys from the island are set between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., also based on tidal conditions. Depending on weather and sea currents, the voyage typically takes five to five and a half hours each way. Read more: St Martin’s reopens, but no ships sail as overnight stays banned Visitors may remain on the island without a fixed time limit during December and January, when night stays are allowed.

Bangladesh being on the tropical spectrum of the climate, experiences a moderate winter season. Apart from the northern regions of the country, the mild winter season makes for a perfect time to go for a vacation and explore the diverse landscape of the country. With that said, here are the 8 top popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh for spending winter vacation.  Top Place to Visit in Bangladesh During Winter  Saint Martin’s Island  One of the prime attractions of winter travel is Saint Martin’s island. This Bea coral island is situated in the south of Bangladesh off the coast of Cox’s Bazar. The ship operation to St. Martin remains closed from April to October. It begins in early November and runs through March for the winter and spring seasons.  Every year, millions of tourists flock to the island to experience the serene landscape and the blue lagoon all around. Getting to St. Martin Island is also easy. There are direct bus services from Dhaka to Teknaf. From Teknaf, there is an abundance of ships and launches going to St. Martin. It takes about two and a half to three hours by ship to get to the island.  Read more: Bandarban Tourist Spots – Best Places to See and Craziest Things to Do To protect the biodiversity and environment of this coral island, the government of Bangladesh has taken some initiatives. Tourists are required to take permission before visiting this island. Make sure to take ample winter clothes as nights can get pretty cold. Take note of the tides to experience the unobstructed beach along the coast of the island.  Kuakata  Kuakata is famous for being the only place in Bangladesh where one can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. Often referred to as the “Daughter of the Sea”, Kuakata is comparatively less crowded than Cox’s Bazar during the peak travel season.  Read more: Best Places for Honeymoon in Bangladesh

Oscar-winning Hollywood A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio has congratulated the Government of Bangladesh and other relevant stakeholders for establishing a Marine Protected Area (MPA) around Saint Martin’s Island. Taking to his verified Twitter account, DiCaprio said that this move will safeguard the biodiversity in that significant area. “Congrats to the Government of Bangladesh, local communities & NGOs on a newly established Marine Protected Area around Saint Martin’s Island that will protect an incredible community of biodiversity and provide key habitat for Bangladesh’s only coral reef,” DiCaprio wrote. He also shared a photograph crediting Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), showcasing the picturesque view of the mentioned area. Posted at 8:30 pm (Bangladesh Time) on Friday, the tweet has been garnering massive attention with retweets and likes from his followers around the world. He said the initiative will protect an incredible community of biodiversity and provide key habitat for Bangladesh’s only coral reef. "This newly declared marine protected area spans 672 square miles on Bangladesh’s southernmost tip," said the actor and environmentalist. Read: Tourist ships return to St Martin's island