Saint Martin’s Island is reopening for tourists on Saturday (November 1) after nearly nine months of closure.

However, plans to operate boats from Cox’s Bazar’s Nuniarchar BIWTA ghat to the island have been shelved at the last moment.

Two vessels, Karnaphuli Express and Baro-Aulia, were initially scheduled to ferry tourists to the coral island, but the owners backed out.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, said, “The Tourism Board’s software system is not yet operational and same-day return trips for tourists are not feasible. Therefore, no boats will run to Saint Martin’s from November 1.”

He added that preparations are underway to resume boat services in December and January.

Although Ministry of Environment has officially reopened the island, visitors in November will only be allowed to travel during the day and return the same day.

In December and January, a limited overnight stay will be permitted, with a maximum of 2,000 tourists allowed on the island each day.

Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s regulations, BIWTA cannot allow any boat to transport tourists to Saint Martin’s without government approval.

Tickets must be purchased through Bangladesh Tourism Board-approved web portal and will include a travel pass and QR code. Tickets without a QR code will be considered invalid.

For November, overnight stays are strictly prohibited, while in December and January, limited overnight stays will be allowed. February will see a complete ban on tourist visits.

Abdur Rahman, President of Saint Martin’s Market Association, expressed concerns over logistics, saying, “Saint Martin’s is far from Cox’s Bazar city and travel takes the whole day. Tourists won’t come without the option of overnight stay. Currently, local businesses are struggling to survive.”

Nur Ahmad, former Chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad, highlighted the economic impact: “The island’s economy is nearly paralyzed. Hotels, restaurants, boats and shops are inactive. Local livelihoods depend entirely on tourism. While we support environmental protection, the government should also consider the locals’ means of living.”

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin added, “Motor vehicles are banned on the island and strict monitoring will control tourist movement. Boats must obtain permission for transporting tourists, but locals are exempt. These measures are crucial to protect the island’s environment.”