If you want to travel to St. Martin’s Island during the off-season when the ships are not operating from both Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar, going by a trawler or speed boat will be the only option for you.
Although risky and not recommended, local people of St. Martin’s Island use them to travel to the mainland throughout the year. If you must, here are all the details you need to know about traveling to St. Martin’s Island by a trawler or a speed boat.
Table of Contents
- Frequently asked questions about traveling to St. Martin’s Island by trawlers and speed boat
- Tips on traveling to St. Martin’s Island by trawler
- Tips on traveling to St. Martin’s Island by speed boat
FAQs about traveling to St. Martin’s Island by Trawers and Speed Boats
Below are the answers to all the frequently asked questions about traveling to St. Martin’s Island by trawlers and speed boats.
Where do they depart from?
Trawlers and speed boats depart from a place called Namar Bazar or Jinjira Jahaj Ghat of Teknaf, which is 7 km away from the Ghat where all the ships leave from.
How to reach the jetty?
Using a shared auto-rickshaw from Teknaf bus station or ship jetty for 10 tk. per person.
How many trawlers and speed boats leave every day?
Four trawlers and one speed boat.
What time do the trawlers leave from Teknaf?
Two of them leave in the morning shift around 9.00 am and 10.00 am, the other two around 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm, depending on tide and getting enough passengers. Sometimes two of them leave around the same time. It is usual for them to be late for about a couple of hours.
What is the best time to be at the station at Teknaf?
At 9.00 am and 3.00 pm. It is better to be there early so that you do not miss them.
What time does the speed boat leave from Teknaf?
Around 8.00 am.
How long it takes to reach St. Martin’s Island by trawler?
About 3 hours.
Do they stop anywhere on the way?
Yes, at Shah Porir Dwip – 30 minutes away from Teknaf.
How long it takes to reach St. Martin’s Island by speed boat?
About 40 minutes.
What time are the return trawlers from St. Martin’s Island scheduled?
Around 8.00 am, and 9.00 am.
How many people travel on a single trawler?
About 50 people. And the cargo.
How many people travel on a speed boat?
Eight people.
What are the fares?
220 tk. for the trawler, 700 tk. for the speed boat.
Do they provide life jackets?
Yes, all of them. Providing life jackets is a mandatory rule by the coast guard for any trawler or speed boat to anchor at St. Martin’s Island jetty. However, they are not enough for all the passengers. Also, they are old and dirty. It is better to bring your life jacket.
What are the cons of traveling by a trawler to St. Martin’s Island?
A small trawler on the ocean is highly unsafe in general. Sometimes, there could be heavy rolling on the sea, making the passengers sea-sick and vomiting, who are not used to it. There are several reports of the trawlers’ engine stop in the middle and people getting stuck on the ocean for several hours.
What are the cons of traveling by speed boat to St. Martin’s Island?
A small speed boat on the sea is highly unsafe in general. The ride will be bumpy, and a high chance of being sea-sick and vomiting. Also, there is a big chance for them to flip in the middle of the sea. There are reports of speed boat’s engine stopping in the middle and people getting stuck on the ocean for several hours.
Do you recommend traveling on a trawler or speed boat to St. Martin’s Island?
No, I don’t. Life is more valuable than a holiday. Better go there when the ships are running – either from Teknaf or from Cox’s Bazar.
Tips on traveling to St. Martin’s Island by a trawler
The heat in the middle of the ocean could be unbearable. Bring an umbrella, a gamchha, and enough drinking water. Try to be early and grab a seat on the trawler’s front side to avoid the engine’s noise in the back. Must wear a life-jacket. Be early on the jetty not to miss the trawler. Always check the weather forecast before traveling.
Tips on traveling to St. Martin’s Island by speed boat
Grab a seat on the front row. You’ll be thoroughly wet seating on the back. Be prepared to be sea-sick and vomiting. Put your wallet and mobile phone inside a zip-lock bag to avoid being wet. Must wear a life-jacket. Always check the weather forecast before traveling. Avoid traveling on it if in any way possible.
A note on responsible travel
St. Martin’s Island is an environmentally endangered place. Be responsible while traveling to St. Martin’s Island. Do not destroy or buy coral on the island. Do not throw water bottles, chips packets, or any other rubbish anywhere other than in a bin if you find one around, or carry them to the hotel and put in their bin. Keep the island clean for everyone else.
Do you have any other questions about traveling to St. Martin’s Island by trawler or speed boat? Ask in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer them.
Check out our in-depth St. Martin’s Island travel guide for every detail on how to travel to St. Martin’s Island from Dhaka, Chittagong, and other places in Bangladesh. A must-read if you are planning to visit St. Martin’s Island for a hassle-free holiday.
Have you ever visited St. Martin’s Island by a trawler or speed boat? How was your experience? Share with everyone in the comments.
Have a safe and memorable holiday in St. Martin’s Island!
