St. Martin’s tour 2026: everything in a budget

A trip to Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s only coral island, can be planned for around Tk 9,300 per person, including return bus and ship journeys from Dhaka, one night’s accommodation and meals.

With the 2026–27 tourist season now underway, travellers can visit the island until March 15, 2027, under revised government guidelines. The government has set an average daily visitor limit of 3,500 and introduced a Tk 100 environmental conservation fee for each visitor.

For those planning a short winter getaway, careful selection of transport, accommodation and food can help keep expenses under control. Here is a step-by-step guide to visiting Saint Martin’s Island without stretching the travel budget.

Booking both onward and return tickets together is advisable, particularly during weekends and holidays. Tickets should be purchased through authorised operators, with travellers checking that the required QR-coded travel pass and registration are included.

Step 3: Arrange accommodation in advance

Travellers planning to stay overnight should reserve accommodation before arriving on the island. Saint Martin’s has hotels, resorts and cottages offering different levels of facilities.

Indicative room rates are:

Economy accommodation: Tk 2,000–3,500 per night.

Standard accommodation: Tk 4,500–7,000 per night.

Premium accommodation: Tk 8,000–12,000 per night.

Sharing an economy room with friends or family can reduce the per-person cost. For a low-budget trip, travellers can allocate approximately Tk 1,500 per person for one night's accommodation, assuming shared occupancy.

confirm room rates, availability, facilities and booking conditions directly with the accommodation provider.

Step 4: Explore the island without overspending

After checking into their accommodation, visitors can explore the island's beaches, local settlements and coastal scenery.

A simple two-day itinerary can include:

Day one

Afternoon: Arrive, check into the hotel and have lunch.

Late afternoon: Explore the beach and enjoy the sunset.

Evening: Visit the local market and try traditional seafood dishes.

Day two

Early morning: Enjoy the sunrise and take a walk along the beach.

Morning: Have breakfast and explore nearby areas.

Before departure: Return to the jetty according to the ship's reporting time.

check local restrictions before visiting areas with environmental protection measures.

Step 5: Plan meals within the budget

Food expenses can increase significantly if visitors choose premium restaurants or expensive seafood.

Local restaurants offer more affordable options, including rice, fish, vegetables and other traditional dishes. Travellers should check prices before ordering, particularly when buying seafood by weight.

An estimated Tk 1,200 per person can cover six meals during a short trip, depending on food choices. Carrying reusable water bottles and avoiding unnecessary packaged products can also help reduce expenses.

How much does a Saint Martin’s tour cost in 2026?

For a two-day, one-night trip from Dhaka, the estimated minimum expenditure is around Tk 9,300 per person.

The estimate excludes shopping and other personal expenses. Actual costs may vary according to transport availability, accommodation choices, food prices and travel dates. Keeping an additional Tk 1,000–2,000 as emergency money is advisable.

Tourism rules visitors should know

The government has allowed tourist visits to Saint Martin’s Island from November 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027. Under the revised guidelines, overnight stays are permitted throughout the season, while the average daily visitor limit has been set at 3,500.

Each visitor must pay a Tk 100 environmental conservation fee and obtain the required travel pass through the ticketing process.

Other important restrictions include:

-Carrying prohibited polythene and single-use plastic items is restricted.
-Lighting fires, creating excessive noise and holding barbecue parties on beaches at night are prohibited.
-Entering protected keya forests and collecting keya fruit are prohibited.
-Activities that damage coral, marine life and other biodiversity are forbidden.
-Motorcycles, jet skis and similar vehicles are prohibited on beaches.

Visitors are also encouraged to carry reusable water bottles and avoid leaving waste on the island.

Scuba diving and Chera Dwip: Restrictions remain in focus

Adventure activities and visits to nearby attractions remain subject to environmental restrictions at Saint Martin’s Island during the 2026–27 tourism season. Chera Dwip, the coral-rich southern extension of the island, remains closed to tourists under conservation measures aimed at protecting its fragile ecosystem. 

Visitors cannot include a trip to Chera Dwip in their itinerary, although they can explore the permitted areas of the main island. Scuba diving enthusiasts should also check with the authorities and authorised operators before making plans, as the latest tourism guidelines do not establish general permission for commercial diving activities. 

The restrictions are part of broader efforts to protect coral formations, marine life and biodiversity while allowing tourism to resume.

Responsible tourism is essential

Saint Martin’s Island is known for its coral formations, marine biodiversity, beaches and coconut trees. However, increasing tourist pressure and environmental degradation have raised concerns about the island's fragile ecosystem.

A low-cost holiday should not come at the expense of the environment. Visitors can contribute to conservation by avoiding plastic waste, respecting wildlife, following local restrictions and keeping beaches clean.

With advance bookings, shared accommodation and careful spending, travellers can experience Saint Martin’s Island on a budget while helping preserve one of Bangladesh's most valuable natural destinations.

Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Bangladesh Tourism Board; 2026–27 tourist travel guidelines and published travel cost estimates.