After a long wait, the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s sea route has reopened for the new tourist season, with the first vessel carrying more than 800 passengers departing for the island on Thursday morning.
The vessel, MV Auliya, left the BIWTA jetty in Cox’s Bazar at 7:40am.
The jetty area was crowded from the early hours as families, groups of friends and students gathered for the season’s maiden voyage. Tourists expressed excitement at the prospect of visiting the country’s only coral island after the long break.
Md Mashiyur Rahman, a representative appointed by the Cox’s Bazar district administration and the Land Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, said the vessel departed on schedule.
He said the district administration, Coast Guard, Naval Police, Fire Service and other agencies had coordinated security arrangements to ensure passengers’ safety.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said the turnout of more than 800 tourists on the first day was encouraging.
He said public interest in visiting Saint Martin’s remained strong and that the government had permitted tourist vessels to operate, taking into consideration the livelihoods of the island’s residents.
Bahadur said operators were working to build tourists’ confidence by prioritizing safety, punctuality, environmental protection and service quality.
He added that tourists had been instructed to avoid polluting the vessels and the island, particularly by improperly disposing of plastic bottles and other waste.
Sabina Yasmin, who travelled from Dhaka with her family, said she had been planning the trip for a long time.
“It feels wonderful to be on the first ship of the season. Seeing the beauty of the sea this morning makes it feel as though the journey itself is half the joy of the entire trip,” she said.
Mehedi Hasan, a university student from Chattogram travelling with friends, said he had visited the island once before and was excited to return at the start of the season.
He urged visitors to protect the island’s natural environment and avoid leaving plastic and other waste behind.
Rubel Ahmed, a tourist from Rajshahi, said he had long wanted to see Bangladesh’s only coral island.
“My entire family is overjoyed. I hope that, following a safe journey, we will return home with wonderful memories,” he said.
Saint Martin’s is known for its clear waters, coral formations, coconut trees and beaches, attracting domestic and international visitors. Tourism is also a major source of income for the island’s residents.
Business owners said the resumption of the sea route was expected to benefit hotels, resorts, restaurants, transport services and small businesses on the island.
The Cox’s Bazar district administration said tourism activities must be conducted responsibly to protect the island’s environment and biodiversity. It urged visitors to reduce plastic use, follow travel guidelines and avoid damaging natural resources, including coral.
The successful start to the season has raised hopes among tourism operators and local businesses. Further growth in visitor numbers will depend on favourable weather and compliance with the rules governing travel to the island.
