Tourist trips to Saint Martin's Island have officially resumed under a strict set of 12 government rules aimed at protecting the island's fragile biodiversity.
The suspension on travel, which began on February 1st, has been lifted, allowing visitors for the two-month tourist season (December and January).
Three vessels MV Karnafuly Express, MV Baro Awlia, and Keari Sindbad—began carrying tourists from December 1st. Vessels will now operate from the BIWTA jetty at Nunia Chara in Cox's Bazar, not Teknaf, due to security concerns.
A strict maximum of 2,000 tourists will be allowed on the island per day, a number that will be strictly enforced with separate screening arrangements at both jetties. The approved travel window is from November to January. Travel will be fully suspended again from February 1st.
Four vessels (including the three starting operations) have received permission, with four others ready for administrative clearance. Tourists must purchase tickets online through the Bangladesh Tourism Board's designated portal. Tickets must include a travel pass and QR code to be valid.
In the initial Nov-Dec period, only daytime visits were allowed, but overnight stays are permitted in December and January.
The 12 directives, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, include outright bans on: • Using lights or creating loud noise on the beach at night, or organizing barbecue parties. • Harming any part of the biodiversity (marine turtles, corals, shells, Keya forests, etc.). • Using motorcycles, sea bikes, or any motorized vehicles on the beach. • Carrying polythene or single-use plastics (like sachets, straws, 500ml/1000ml plastic bottles). Tourists are advised to use reusable water flasks.
