Tourism to St Martin’s Island has officially concluded for the current season, following the enforcement of government restrictions aimed at protecting the coral island’s fragile ecology and biodiversity.
A total of 110,000 visitors travelled to the island between 1 December and 31 January, according to the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOOAB).
On 31 January, the final tourist ships departed for the island without carrying new passengers, primarily to retrieve approximately 2,000 tourists who were concluding their stays.
These vessels have since returned to Cox’s Bazar, and all passenger ship operations on the Cox’s Bazar-St Martin’s naval route remain suspended from 1 February.
Travel restrictions were first introduced in 2023 to mitigate environmental damage and preserve the unique character of the nation’s southernmost island.
During this restricted two-month season, seven vessels were authorised to transport tourists from Cox’s Bazar town: MV Karnafuly Express, MV Baro Aulia, MV Bay Cruise, MV Kajal, Keari Sindbad, Keari Cruise & Dine, and Atlantic Cruise.
