Saint Martin's Island

Saint Martin's is a small island off the southern tip of Bangladesh, the only place in the country with coral, and it is low, narrow and fringed with coconut palms and keya trees. Boats leave from Teknaf and take a couple of hours across the bay. Life on the island runs on fishing and, in season, visitors, and the pace is slow: bicycles, walking, and boats out to Chera Dwip, a rocky southern tip that separates at high tide. The coral and marine life have suffered badly from unmanaged tourism, and the authorities have introduced caps on visitor numbers and restrictions on overnight stays to let the ecosystem recover, so the rules change and should be checked before booking anything.

History

Millennia ago the island was part of the Teknaf peninsula, until the sea flooded part of it and left its southern end as an island. Arab merchants first settled it in the 18th century and called it Jazira, and in British times it was named after O. M. Martin, Commissioner of the Chittagong Division from 1938 to 1940; local names are Narkel Dweep, Coconut Island, and Daruchini Dweep, Cinnamon Island (Wikipedia, Saint Martin's Island).

What you'll find

• Chera Dwip - the southern tip that becomes an islet at high tide.
• Coral rock shelves - the country's only coral, on the eastern and southern shores.
• Beach walks - the island can be walked end to end in a few hours.
• Fresh seafood - the island's catch, cooked simply at guesthouses.

When to go

November to February only; ferries do not run when the bay is rough, which is most of the rest of the year. The regulated season and visitor caps mean booking ahead is essential and rules can change year to year.

What to expect

Coral and marine life here have been significantly degraded, and visitors expecting a pristine reef will be disappointed; the restrictions exist because the damage was serious. Facilities are basic, with limited fresh water and generator power. Ferries are cancelled in rough weather with little notice, which can strand you on the island or on the mainland.

Nearby

Cox's Bazar's very long beach is up the coast; Teknaf is the ferry port.

Key facts