St. Martin Island Kicks Off New Tourist Season With Comprehensive Environmental Protections, Strict Visitor Limits and Advanced Online Travel Pass Management

Published on December 1, 2025

St. Martin Island has officially welcomed the new tourist season, with three passenger vessels departing from Cox’s Bazar on Monday carrying a total of 1,174 travelers. Departures were organized in staggered phases at 7:10 a.m., 7:30 a.m., and 8:00 a.m. from the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty, reflecting a meticulous plan to manage the first wave of visitors efficiently. Renowned for its coral reefs, clear waters, and unspoiled beaches, St. Martin Island continues to attract both domestic and international travelers seeking a unique coastal experience.

For this season, tourists are permitted to stay overnight on the island through January 31. Authorities, however, maintain a daily visitor limit of 2,000 to prevent environmental strain. These measures are designed to safeguard the island’s delicate ecosystems, including its coral formations, marine species, and coastal habitats, ensuring that tourism activity does not compromise its natural integrity.

Government agencies overseeing tourism operations at the jetty ensured that all visitors adhered to strict guidelines. These measures include sustainable waste management, safe boarding and boat operations, regulated overnight stays, and constant monitoring of visitor numbers. The approach reflects a growing commitment to balancing tourism with environmental preservation, allowing travelers to enjoy the island while minimizing their ecological footprint.

The online travel permit system has become an essential tool for regulating arrivals. Travelers must obtain permits in advance, streamlining the boarding process and preventing congestion at the jetty. This digital system allows authorities to manage visitor numbers effectively, ensuring compliance with the daily cap while providing tourists with a hassle-free registration process.

The vessels operate on a carefully coordinated timetable to ensure safety and avoid overcrowding. Morning departures from Cox’s Bazar are complemented by return trips from the island after 3 p.m., allowing authorities to control maritime traffic and monitor activities on the island. This structured schedule also ensures that tourists can explore the island responsibly while adhering to environmental regulations.

The start of the new season brings renewed optimism for the local tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the regional economy. The sector supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities, and positions St. Martin Island as a prime coastal destination. By implementing strict visitor management and sustainable practices, the authorities aim to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise the island’s ecological health.

Visitors can expect a carefully managed and responsible experience. Guidelines limiting single-use plastics, regulating boating activity, and controlling overnight stays help protect the island’s coral reefs and marine habitats. The structured approach demonstrates how environmental protection and tourism can coexist, allowing visitors to enjoy the island while safeguarding its natural treasures.

The organized operations at the jetty reflect extensive planning. Staggered boarding, digital permits, and regulated return trips create an efficient and orderly travel experience. Authorities can monitor compliance, ensure adherence to environmental rules, and respond quickly to any irregularities, maintaining the island’s safety and ecological balance.

As tourism activity increases throughout the peak season, authorities remain vigilant in enforcing regulations to prevent overcrowding and environmental damage. The focus on sustainability has become a benchmark for responsible island tourism, demonstrating how destinations with sensitive ecosystems can welcome visitors without compromising their natural resources.

St. Martin Island continues to captivate travelers with its scenic beaches, turquoise waters, and tranquil atmosphere. By combining strict visitor management, regulatory oversight, and digital tools for travel authorization, the island offers a model for sustainable tourism. This approach ensures both visitor satisfaction and the long-term preservation of its unique natural environment.

The new season underscores the importance of careful planning, environmental stewardship, and coordinated operations in managing tourism. Strict visitor limits, organized maritime schedules, and enforcement of sustainable practices enable the island to accommodate thousands of tourists safely while protecting its coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.

With the tourist season now underway, St. Martin Island demonstrates that sustainable tourism is achievable. By integrating oversight, regulation, and responsible visitor behavior, the island can maintain its ecological integrity while providing travelers with a memorable coastal experience. The season promises to combine enjoyment, safety, and conservation, setting a strong example for other fragile destinations seeking to balance tourism with environmental protection.