Best Ships to Visit Saint Martin Island from Cox’s Bazar: Complete Guide to Ship Tickets & Fares (2026–27)
Saint Martin Island is Bangladesh’s only coral island and one of the country’s most loved sea-travel destinations. Reaching this beautiful island is an experience in itself—but choosing the right ship can make a big difference to your journey.
For the 2026–27 tourist season, travelers may find several ship options on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin route, including MV Karnafuly Express, MV Baro Awlia, Keari Cruise & Dine, MV Teknaf and Keari Sindbad.
Some ships focus on air-conditioned comfort, some offer cabin facilities, while others are better suited to travelers who prefer an open-deck sea journey.
In this guide, we compare the available ship options, indicative ticket fares, journey times and facilities to help you choose the right ship for your Saint Martin trip.
Planning a complete trip? Explore Tripzic’s Saint Martin tour packages for group travel, transport and accommodation options.
When Can You Travel to Saint Martin?
The usual tourist season for Saint Martin runs from 1 November to 15 March, subject to government permissions and the applicable travel rules for each season.
December and January are generally popular months because many tourist prefer the relatively pleasant winter weather. These are also busy travel periods, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and check ship operations before confirming your trip.
Before making a plan:
- Confirm whether tourist entry is permitted on your intended travel date.
- Check which ships are operating during that period.
- Verify the departure and return schedules before purchasing tickets.
- Check the latest government requirements, including any applicable Travel Pass or entry registration.
How to Reach Saint Martin by Ship
The commonly used route for this journey is:
Dhaka → Cox’s Bazar → Nuniya Chhara BIWTA Jetty → Saint Martin Island
You can travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by bus, train or flight, depending on your preference and budget. From Cox’s Bazar, proceed to the designated ship terminal at Nuniya Chhara.
The supplied schedule for this guide indicates morning departures from Cox’s Bazar, around 7:00 AM, and return departures from Saint Martin around 3:00 PM. However, actual departure times can change due to tide, weather, operator schedules and government instructions.
The sea journey may take approximately 5–7 hours or longer, depending on the vessel and operating conditions. Do not rely on an estimated journey time when planning a connecting journey.
Travel Pass reminder: The supplied information indicates that a government Travel Pass and QR code may be required for the journey. Confirm the current process and whether the pass is issued with your ticket before travelling.
Best Ships to Saint Martin Island (2026–27)
Here is a closer look at the five ship options included in this guide. The fares below are indicative figures from the supplied information, not a guarantee of live ticket availability.
1. MV Karnafuly Express (কর্ণফুলী এক্সপ্রেস)
Best for: Tourist looking for an air-conditioned journey with cabin options
Estimated journey: Around 4-7 hours, subject to operating conditions
MV Karnafuly Express is one of the ship options travelers can consider for the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin journey. It is described as an air-conditioned vessel with multiple seating categories and private cabin options.
For couples, families and small groups, cabin availability may be an important factor when choosing this ship. Travelers who prefer a regular seat can also check the available seating classes.
Indicative ticket fares
| Ticket type | Supplied fare |
|---|---|
| One-way | ৳2,200 |
| Round trip | ৳4,200 |
| Private cabin | From ৳3,600 |
Why consider MV Karnafuly Express?
- Air-conditioned travel
- Multiple seating categories
- Private cabin options
- A suitable option to compare for couples and groups
Check MV Karnafuly Express Schedule
2. MV Baro Awlia (বার আউলিয়া)
Best for: Families and group travelers
Estimated journey: Around 6–7 hours, subject to operating conditions
MV Baro Awlia is another option for travelers heading to Saint Martin from Cox’s Bazar. The supplied details describe an air-conditioned ship with several seating categories and cabin types, including VVIP, VIP and Deluxe options.
If you are travelling with family members or a group, compare the available cabin arrangements and seating categories before choosing your tickets.
Indicative ticket fares
| Ticket type | Supplied fare |
|---|---|
| One-way | ৳2,200 |
| Round trip | ৳4,200 |
| Family cabin | From ৳6,000 |
Why consider MV Baro Awlia?
- Air-conditioned journey
- Different seating categories
- Cabin options for families and groups
- Multiple fare categories to compare
3. Keari Cruise & Dine (কেয়ারী ক্রুজ অ্যান্ড ডাইন)
Best for: Travelers looking for a cruise-style experience
Estimated journey: Around 7 hours, subject to operating conditions
If you want the sea journey to be more than simply getting from Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin, Keari Cruise & Dine is worth comparing.
The supplied vessel information mentions air-conditioned lounges, a floating restaurant with a buffet hall, an executive suite and an open sky deck. These facilities can make the journey more enjoyable for travelers who like spending time on board.
Indicative ticket fares
| Ticket type | Supplied fare |
|---|---|
| One-way | From ৳2,200 |
| Round trip | From ৳4,200 |
Why consider Keari Cruise & Dine?
- Cruise-style onboard experience
- Air-conditioned lounge facilities
- Floating restaurant and buffet hall
- Open sky deck
Check Keari Cruise & Dine schedule
4. MV Teknaf (এমভি টেকনাফ)
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Estimated journey: Around 7–9 hours, subject to operating conditions
MV Teknaf is an option worth comparing if ticket price is one of your main priorities. The supplied information lists several seating categories and cabin options, including Main Deck seating.
The vessel information also mentions different deck and lounge categories, so check the exact seat class before purchasing your ticket.
Indicative ticket fares
| Ticket type | Supplied fare |
|---|---|
| One-way | From ৳1,900 |
| Round trip | From ৳3,600 |
| Cabin | From ৳6,100 |
Why consider MV Teknaf?
- Multiple seating categories
- Cabin options
- Main Deck seating option
- A lower listed starting fare compared with some alternatives
5. Keari Sindbad (কেয়ারী সিন্দবাদ)
Best for: Travelers who enjoy an open-deck sea journey
Estimated journey: Around 7 hours, subject to operating conditions
Keari Sindbad offers a different experience from the fully air-conditioned ships. It is known in the supplied information for its non-AC seating and open-deck journey.
For passengers who enjoy fresh sea air and watching the coastline during the journey, an open-deck experience may be appealing.
Indicative ticket fares
| Ticket type | Supplied fare |
|---|---|
| One-way | From ৳2,000 |
| Round trip | From ৳3,700 |
Why consider Keari Sindbad?
- Open-deck sea journey
- Non-AC seating option
- A different experience from enclosed AC lounges
- Suitable for travellers who enjoy outdoor views
Quick Comparison: Which Ship Should You Choose?
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the five ships covered in this guide.
| Ship | One-way fare* | Estimated journey | AC | Cabin options | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MV Karnafuly Express | ৳2,200 | ~5 hours | Yes | Yes | Comfort and cabin choices |
| MV Baro Awlia | ৳2,200 | ~6–7 hours | Yes | Yes | Families and groups |
| Keari Cruise & Dine | From ৳2,200 | ~7 hours | Yes | Verify availability | Cruise-style experience |
| MV Teknaf | From ৳1,900 | ~7–9 hours | Yes | Yes | Budget comparison |
| Keari Sindbad | From ৳2,000 | ~7 hours | No | Not listed | Open-deck experience |
*Fares and facilities are based on the supplied reference information. They are indicative, not confirmed live prices. Confirm the exact fare, seat class, cabin availability and operating schedule before booking. Journey times may vary.
Which Ship Is Best for You?
There is no single best ship for every passengers. Your choice should depend on your budget, preferred seating and onboard experience.
- For comfort and cabin choices: Compare MV Karnafuly Express and MV Baro Awlia.
- For a cruise-style experience: Consider Keari Cruise & Dine.
- For a lower starting fare: Check MV Teknaf.
- For an open-deck experience: Compare Keari Sindbad.
Before making a decision, compare the actual ticket class rather than relying only on the ship name or starting fare.
Important Rules for Saint Martin Travel (2026–27)
Saint Martin is an environmentally sensitive island. Travelers should check the latest government rules before planning a visit.
The reference information supplied for this guide mentions the following rules and travel considerations:
- Daily visitor limit: Approximately 3,500 visitors per day.
- Environmental fee: ৳100 per person.
- Plastic restrictions: Avoid bringing prohibited single-use plastic items.
- Coral protection: Do not collect coral, shells or marine life.
- Night-time activities: Avoid unauthorized bonfires and loud parties.
- Cash: Do not depend on ATM access; carry sufficient cash for your planned expenses.
- Electricity: Power may be generator-based, with limited supply hours.
Important: Visitor limits, environmental fees, plastic restrictions and entry procedures can change. The figures above should not be treated as confirmed government rules for every date in the 2026–27 season. Check the latest official instructions before departure.
Best Things to Do on Saint Martin Island
Once you arrive, take time to enjoy the island beyond the beach and your resort.
1. Visit Chhera Dwip
Chhera Dwip is one of the most popular places to explore around Saint Martin. Depending on tide and local conditions, visitors may travel by boat or walk when access is safe and permitted.
2. Explore the Coral Coast
Saint Martin is known for its marine environment. Enjoy the coastal scenery responsibly and never remove coral or marine life from its natural habitat.
3. Explore the Island by Bicycle
Cycling can be a relaxed way to explore the village and nearby coastal areas. Follow local guidance and be considerate of residents.
4. Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Try locally prepared fish, grilled seafood and other island food options. Ask about prices before ordering, especially at seasonal beachside stalls.
5. Watch the Sunset
The western side of the island is a popular place to enjoy the changing colors of the evening sky. Keep the beach clean and respect local restrictions.
6. Enjoy the Night Sky
On a clear night, the island can offer a beautiful view of the stars. Avoid loud music, bright lights and activities that disturb the local environment.
Where to Stay on Saint Martin Island
Saint Martin has a range of guesthouses, resorts and small accommodation properties. It is not a destination where you should automatically expect large international hotel facilities.
Some properties mentioned in the supplied reference list include:
- Josnaloy Beach resots
- Hotel Praasad Paradise
- Music Eco Resort
- Shayari Eco Resort
- Hotel Abakash
These are names to consider when researching accommodation, not a verified list of currently operating or available properties.
Accommodation tips:
- Confirm room availability before purchasing ship tickets.
- Ask whether the room has AC or non-AC facilities.
- Confirm meal arrangements and electricity hours.
- Ask about check-in and check-out times.
- Check the property's location and transport arrangements.
- During peak travel periods, reserve accommodation early.
How to Book Saint Martin Ship Tickets
For ship information and ticket assistance, visit ShipTickets.bd, a dedicated authorized ship-ticket information and assistance platform by Tripzic.
Editorial note: Ship fares, facilities, journey times, seasonal permissions and entry rules may change. This guide is informational and should not be treated as a live sailing schedule or confirmed ticket inventory. Verify all travel details before booking.
