Tourist vessel operations on the St Martin’s Island route expanded significantly on Friday as two additional ships – MV Karnafuly Express and MV Teknaf – joined MV Baro Aulia from Uttar Nuniyachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar city.
Sailing on the second day of resumed season, the three vessels collectively transported 1,554 tourists to the island.
The induction of the two additional vessels follows formal reopening of the St Martin’s route on Thursday at 7am after an eight-month suspension.
On the inaugural day, MV Baro Aulia operated as the sole vessel, carrying 836 tourists before returning to Cox’s Bazar at night. On Friday morning, passenger distribution across the expanded fleet comprised 387 on MV Karnafuly Express, 548 on MV Teknaf, and 619 on MV Baro Aulia.
All tourist vessels on this route must now operate strictly from Uttar Nuniyachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar, with departures from Teknaf or any other location strictly prohibited.
Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB) General Secretary Hossain Islam Bahadur said the three approved vessels, possessing a combined capacity of 2,300 passengers, will run regular trips until 15 March next year.
He added that because up to 3,500 tourists are permitted to visit daily this year, the number of operating vessels may be increased further.
Tour Operators Association of Cox’s Bazar (TOAC) Joint General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Kajol advised that the one-way vessel fare for St Martin’s-bound tourists has been fixed between a minimum of Tk1,800 and a maximum of Tk5,000, with cabin facilities provided on the highest-tier tickets.
Several mandatory regulations have been introduced for visitors this season, including a Tk100 environmental conservation fee per tourist, alongside the requirement to secure a travel pass and a ticket featuring a QR code.
These measures are designed to regulate tourist volume on the island, maintain records of visitor identities and travel itineraries, and strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
Law enforcement and regulatory authorities, including the district administration, BIWTA, police, and Coast Guard, maintained active vigilance at Uttar Nuniyachhara Ghat to ensure passenger safety.
While entry and overnight stays are permitted, stringent restrictions remain enforced to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.
Under government directives, lighting fires or lights on the beach and surrounding areas, creating loud noise, and organising barbecue parties at night are strictly prohibited. Entering Keya forests, as well as collecting, buying, or selling Keya fruits, is banned.
Damaging any natural resources or biodiversity, including sea turtles, birds, corals, snails, oysters, starfish, horseshoe crabs, seagrass, and algae, is strictly forbidden, alongside a total ban on all beach vehicles, including motorcycles and sea-bikes.
Environmental experts stressed that controlling tourist pressure on a small, sensitive island like St Martin’s is critical, as rising visitor numbers increase strain on waste management, water usage, fuel, noise levels, and marine life.
They emphasised that permitting entry alone is insufficient and demands strict rule enforcement and continuous monitoring.
Tourists departing by sea expressed enthusiasm and pledged to abide by government directives. Kabir Ahmed, a visitor from Chattogram, said St Martin’s is a national asset and every tourist must play a part in preserving its environment.
However, some visitors expressed frustration over ticket pricing. Mohammad Abdullah, a resident of Uttara in Dhaka, remarked that fares felt somewhat high and suggested setting prices with travel enthusiasts’ affordability in mind, expressing hope that vessel authorities would review the fare structure.
