Research on the Accessibility : St. Martin, Bangladesh

Saint Martin's Island, often known as Saint Martin, is a popular tourist spot in Bangladesh noted for its breathtaking beaches and natural beauty. Approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) off the southernmost point of the mainland, it is the only coral island in the nation and is situated in the Bay of Bengal. As my project is based on a short-stay resort, I will be looking into various factors for accessibility of the island.

Firstly, the main means of transportation to Saint Martin Island is by ferry or boat. Regular ferry services run from the mainland, especially from the coastal towns of Teknaf and Cox's Bazar. The boat trip takes a few hours, and because timings might be impacted by weather, it's essential to verify them and make reservations in advance. Moreover, speedboat services are available for a trip that is quicker and more comfortable. These are typically more expensive than ferries but provide a faster route to the island.

Secondly, sand beaches, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters are the main attractions of Saint Martin Island. Beach activities, diving, and snorkeling are very popular with tourists. Many resorts provide packages that include island visits and water activities. Moreover, for transporting within the island, visitors can rent bicycles and for a better introduction to the beautiful spots, they can also books for guides through the resort.

Lastly, as the island is situated near an ocean, the weather can change anytime usually, the sea is calm for the most of the time but during monsoon, it is unpredictable due to various storms and heavy rainfalls which may rise the sea level leading the island to be flooded. So, weather can sometimes affect accessibility, especially during the monsoon season (June to September) and the sea can be wild. Weather-related delays or cancellations should be considered by travelers. Based on the weather research, November-December and February-March is the best time to visit this island and enjoy their short stay over there without worrying about the sudden weather change still to be in a safe side, visitors should check the weather forecast and book their stay.

References:

Bangladesh Tourism Board (no date) Saint Martin, beautifulbangladesh.gov.bd. Available at: https://beautifulbangladesh.gov.bd/district-destination/coxsbazar/island/18 (Accessed: 8 2023).

Hasan, R. (2022) Saint Martin’s Island: 2021 Travel Guide For A Happy Visit, Bangladesh Travel Assistance. [Online] Available at: https://bangladesh-travel-assistance.com/saint-martins-island/ (Accessed: 29 August 2023).