St. Martin's Island is a small coral island in the northeastern Bay of Bengal. It lies off the coast of southeastern Bangladesh and marks the country’s southernmost landmass. The island is often called a coconut island and is particularly noted for its shallow coral reefs, sandy beaches and a compact local community that depends on fishing and tourism.
Geography and access
St. Martin's is located roughly 9 kilometres south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar–Teknaf peninsula. Administratively it belongs to Bangladesh and sits near the mouth of the Naf River. A narrow tidal connection links it to a smaller adjacent rock and sand formation, locally known as Chhera Island; at high tide the two are separate. From the mainland the island is reached by motorized boats or launches operating from Teknaf and Cox's Bazar.
Characteristic features
- Coral beds: St. Martin's is the only coral island in Bangladesh and hosts fringing coral communities in shallow water.
- Beaches: White sand beaches and low dunes are popular with visitors for swimming and snorkeling.
- Tidal islet: Chhera Island becomes an independent islet at high tide and is a noted spot for walking and rock pools.
- Location: The island lies in the Bay of Bengal, close to the northwest coast of Myanmar and near the Naf River estuary.
Ecology and conservation
The island supports marine life typical of shallow tropical reefs: small corals, fish, crustaceans and shorebirds. Seaweeds and seagrass beds occur in some shallow areas. Growing visitor numbers, souvenir collection (including coral and shells), unsustainable fishing methods and coastal erosion have raised conservation concerns. To protect fragile habitats, local authorities and conservation groups promote restrictions on coral collection and unevaluated development. Ongoing initiatives emphasize sustainable tourism, waste management and community engagement to reduce impacts on reefs and shorelines.
People, tourism and economy
St. Martin's hosts a small permanent population concentrated in a few settlements; fishing is a traditional livelihood and tourism is an increasingly important source of income. Visitors come mainly in the dry season for snorkeling, beach recreation and local seafood. Boat services and small guesthouses provide basic facilities; infrastructure is limited and subject to seasonal weather. The island’s carrying capacity and resource management remain central to balancing livelihoods and environmental protection.
Context and notable facts
Nearby geographic references include the Bay of Bengal (Bay of Bengal), Cox's Bazar (Cox's Bazar) and Teknaf (Teknaf). The island is part of Bangladesh (Bangladesh) and has a small tidal islet called Chhera Island (Chhera Island). It lies close to the Myanmar coast (Myanmar) and the estuary of the Naf River (Naf River), which together shape local currents and coastal processes. The island illustrates the challenges of conserving fragile coastal ecosystems while supporting local communities and tourism.