Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh: Imminent Closure and New Rules for Visiting its Stunning Corals.

A tiny speck of land, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal, where white sand meets coral reefs and the sound of the waves is the only soundtrack. This is St. Martin, Bangladesh's only coral island and a destination that has captivated backpackers and travelers seeking a unique corner of Asia for years.

However, this paradise is in danger. The island's ecosystem, particularly its endangered coral species, is under such serious threat that the government has implemented drastic and unprecedented conservation measures. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit responsibly and before it's too late.

What is the island of Saint Martin and where is it?

Saint Martin is a small island in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, belonging to Bangladesh. It lies approximately 9 km south of the mainland tip of Teknaf. At only about 8 square kilometers, its main attraction, besides its pristine beaches and palm trees, is the surrounding coral reefs. These corals are not just a spectacle for snorkelers; they are vital for maintaining the balance of the island's marine ecosystem, protecting the coastline and supporting marine life.

The Crisis: Why Is It Threatened?

The island's popularity has become its greatest enemy. The constant influx of tourists, coupled with unregulated practices, has critically damaged its fragile coral reefs. These species, essential for biodiversity, are severely harmed. In response, the Bangladeshi government made a radical decision: to close the island completely for several months.

Although it recently reopened on October 1st, it did so with a new set of strict rules based on Bangladesh's 1995 Environment Conservation Act . The philosophy is clear: mass, unlimited tourism is a thing of the past. The priority now is the island's survival.

The New Rules: What You Can Visit (and What You Can't Do)

Ignoring these rules is not an option. The authorities have made it clear that they will be strictly enforced. Future visitors to this island should familiarize themselves with these points:

1. Limited Daily Quota:

To reduce the impact, only 2,000 tourists are allowed per day. This means advance planning is more crucial than ever. You can't just show up and expect to get in.

2. Hours and Prohibition of Overnight Stays (Temporary):

Access is now strictly regulated by time slots. October and November: Overnight stays on the island are prohibited. All visits must be during the day. You must arrive in the morning and leave before nightfall. December and January: Overnight stays are permitted during these months. From February onwards: The island will close to tourists again. This is the most important information: you have until January 2026 to visit. After that, tourist activity will not be allowed.

3. Digital Ticketing System with Mandatory QR Code:

Forget about physical tickets or buying them at the pier. The system has changed to prevent fraud and control the number of visitors. Here's how it works: You must purchase your ticket exclusively online through the official Bangladesh Tourism Board website. Any ticket without the official QR code will be considered counterfeit and will not grant you access. The Travel Pass: When you purchase your official boat ticket, a Travel Pass is automatically generated and linked to your information. This pass is your permit to board and access the island. You can also manage it directly on the official platform, travelpass.gov.bd, where you will need to upload documents such as your national ID and your travel details.

Visiting Season This Winter and How to Get There

The official visiting window for the current season is from November 1, 2025 to January 2026. Passenger ships only operate with management approval, based on weather conditions and safety protocols.

The transport system remains limited. Only a few authorized boats make the journey from Teknaf to the island, and they operate on a fixed schedule. The combination of the limited number of boats and the daily limit of 2,000 people makes booking well in advance essential.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Plan months in advance: Don't wait until the last week. Decide on your dates and buy your tickets online as soon as possible.
• Travel Responsibly: Remember that you are visiting a recovering ecosystem. Follow all rules, do not touch or step on the coral, do not litter, and use biodegradable sunscreen. Your behavior directly impacts the future condition of the island.
• Have your documents in order: Make sure you have your passport ready for the online Travel Pass process and for possible checks at the dock.