Saint Martin’s Island, the only coral paradise in Bangladesh, has more stringent sustainability laws of 2026 to bar vulnerable ecosystems under the pressure of tourism. The tourist season is reduced to November-January (closed Feb-Oct 9 months since 1 Feb), overnight stay is prohibited in November, 2,000/night Dec-Jan, motorized vehicles/plastic/corals/shells collecting are banned, and reusable bottles are obligatory. Day visitors welcome; marine animals such as turtles/crabs to be preserved according to the 2023 Eco-Tourism Guidelines. Teknaf ferry (Tk1,500 RT) tickets are purchased through BIWTA; the locals demand adherence to preserve biodiversity- plan day trips in pristine beaches.
Key Eco Rules
12 conditions from Environment Ministry: approved boats, no night beach lights/music, ban single-use plastics/BBQs/motor vehicles. No coral/shell collecting protects reefs.
Travel Season Updates
Open Nov-Jan only; Nov daytime only, Dec-Jan overnight capped 2,000. Closed Feb-Oct regeneration—check BIWTA for extensions amid court petitions.
Visitor Guidelines
Reusable bottles, modest groups; forest entry banned. Respect no-trace camping; fines for violations ensure coral paradise longevity.
FAQs
- Saint Martin’s 2026 tourist season?
Nov-Jan; Nov daytime only, Dec-Jan 2,000/night max. Closed Feb-Oct for ecosystem recovery. - New sustainability rules list?
No plastics/BBQs/motor vehicles/beach lights; approved ferries only. Reusable bottles required. - How to reach from Teknaf?
BIWTA ferry Tk1,500 RT, 2hrs; book ahead Nov-Dec peak. Day trips recommended. - Overnight stays allowed?
Dec-Jan limited resorts; Nov daytime only. Check capacity caps daily. - Penalties for rule breaks?
Fines/jail for coral collection/plastics; BIWTA enforces vessel checks strictly.
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