The tourist season on Saint Martin’s Island has officially begun. On Thursday, 5 November 2026, MV Bar Aulia left the Nuniarchhara BIWTA ghat in Cox’s Bazar carrying more than 800 passengers bound for the island.
First Sailing of the Season
The ship departed between about 7:30 and 7:50 am from the Nuniarchhara jetty on the Bakkhali River. Its departure marks the return of passenger-ship services on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route after a suspension of roughly ten months.
Approval from the relevant agencies and the Cox’s Bazar district administration came before the sailing. Operations began five days after the announced 1 November opening.
How Many Passengers Were Aboard?
Outlets differ slightly on the count, reporting 830, 836 or “over 800”. Most reports cite about 836, though the figure should be treated as approximate.
Three Ships Approved for the Route
Three vessels have been cleared to operate this season, with a combined capacity of 2,298 passengers.
- MV Bar Aulia: capacity 850, began service on 5 November.
- MV Karnaphuli: capacity 732, expected to start on 6 November.
- MV Teknaf: capacity 716, expected to start on 6 November.
Rules for Visitors
Tourists may visit and stay overnight on Saint Martin’s from 1 November to 15 March. The daily limit is 3,500 visitors. Each visitor must pay an environmental conservation fee of Tk 100 and carry a travel pass and a QR-coded ticket.
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