Saint Martin's opened on 1 November. The ships came five days later.
The island opened on schedule, but no tourist ship could sail until approvals from four agencies came through. What the delay says about how access rules are run, and what operators need.
On 1 November 2026, Saint Martin's Island opened for the tourist season exactly as the government had announced. There was one problem: no tourist ship could take anyone there.
What happened
Sailings from Cox's Bazar were due to resume on opening day, but approvals from several government agencies were still pending, according to The Daily Star. Vessels needed environment clearance, Department of Shipping approval and BIWTA route permits, followed by final approval from the Cox's Bazar district administration. A shipping association official said the process was "not yet completed."
The first ship, MV Bar Aulia, was cleared to sail on 5 November, mainly to carry passengers who had already bought tickets. MV Karnaphuli and MV Teknaf were expected from 6 November. The three approved ships have a combined capacity of 2,298 passengers, against a daily visitor cap of 3,500.
Rules also changed late. A directive on 25 October limited November to day trips; a revised notification two days later allowed overnight stays all season.
Why it matters
Saint Martin's has one of the shortest seasons in Bangladeshi tourism: 4.5 months. Every lost day costs ship operators, hotels and the island's residents directly. Late or shifting rules also make it hard for tour operators to sell packages in advance, and push travellers toward last-minute bookings.
The Daily Star also reported that some ship operators were in no hurry, expecting demand to pick up only after school exams end around mid-November. That suggests the delay hurt less than it might have. But the next season will open at the same time.
What would help
- Approvals before the season, not after. A published calendar for vessel clearances, with a deadline weeks before opening day.
- Rules announced once, early. Operators need to price and sell packages months ahead.
- One public status page for the season: approved ships, schedules, travel-pass status and the daily cap.
FAQ
Why did no ships sail to Saint Martin's on 1 November 2026?
Clearances from the environment ministry, the Department of Shipping, BIWTA and the Cox's Bazar district administration were not complete.
When did tourist ships to Saint Martin's start in 2026?
The first ship sailed on 5 November 2026, with two more expected from 6 November.
Sources
- Saint Martin's opens to tourists, but no ships sail on first day, The Daily Star, 1 November 2026
- Tourist ships to Saint Martin's Island set to resume tomorrow, The Business Standard, 4 November 2026
- St Martin's to allow overnight stays throughout 4.5-month tourist season, The Business Standard, 31 October 2026
Disclosure: Bangladesh Traveller is a Jaaaz Holdings company. TourVill, a Jaaaz Holdings partner company, sells Saint Martin ship tickets through saintmartinshipticket.com.
