The coral rocks
Dark on the beach.
Saad Faruque (Silver Blu3) — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Khondoker Zobaed — CC BY 4.0 · Ifsanjry — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ifsanjry — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ifsanjry — CC BY-SA 4.0
Saint Martin's Island is a small coral island in the north-east of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, and the southernmost point of Bangladesh. It covers only 3 square km and is the country's only coral island. Visitors come for its palm trees, coral rocks and clear water. It was once an extension of the Teknaf peninsula, before the sea covered part of it. A small adjoining islet called Chhera Dwip is cut off at high tide. Because the environment is so fragile, the government has placed limits on tourism in recent years, with a daily cap on visitors, a conservation fee and set dates for visiting. You see sandy beaches strewn with dark rocks, palm trees along the coast and fishing boats in the small harbour. Sunset from the western side is the finest moment of the day. Do not take coral or shells and leave no rubbish, as the place is protected. Do not stray offshore towards border waters. It is about 94 km in a straight line from Cox's Bazar Beach, and visitors arrive by ship from Cox's Bazar. Recent reports say visits are allowed from 1 November to 15 March, with a daily cap of 3,500, so check before booking.
Dark on the beach.
Shade along the way.
The finest moment of the day.
Bay of Bengal, south of the Teknaf peninsula, Bangladesh
The rules have changed from season to season, so check the official notice before booking.
By ship from Cox's Bazar, the only open route according to reports.