Saint Martin's Island

Saint Martin’s Island is a shimmering emerald gem floating in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. As Bangladesh’s only coral island, it offers a stark contrast to the mainland with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying coconut groves. Walking along the shoreline, you will experience a profound sense of isolation and tranquility, particularly as the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky in deep violets and oranges. The island is small enough to explore on foot, allowing you to witness the rhythmic life of local fishermen and the unique marine ecology that thrives in the surrounding reefs.

The northern part of the island, known as Zinzira, is the bustling hub where ferries dock, while the southern reaches offer more secluded stretches of beach. A highlight of any visit is a trip to Chera Dwip, a tiny, uninhabited extension of the island accessible by boat or by foot during low tide. Here, the volcanic rocks and coral formations are even more prominent. The air is salty and fresh, providing a sensory escape from the pollution of urban centers. Whether you are sampling fresh grilled snapper by the beach or star-gazing under a sky free of city lights, the island provides a raw, natural beauty that is rare to find elsewhere in the region.

The island was originally known as 'Zinzira' by local inhabitants, a name derived from Arabic roots. Historically, it served as a crucial stopping point for Arab merchants and sailors navigating the Bay of Bengal centuries ago. During the British colonial period, the island was renamed after a Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong. It has long been a settlement for fishermen, primarily of Arakanese and Bengali descent, who adapted to the seasonal rhythms of the sea. Geographically, it is part of the underwater ridge that extends from the Arakan Mountains in Myanmar, making it a unique geological feature in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta.