For travel enthusiasts, nothing beats the thrill of discovering an untouched destination. And if that place happens to be a pristine island emerging right from the heart of the ocean, the excitement doubles! Today, we are diving into the breathtaking beauty of a newly formed island near Kuakata—'Char Bijoy'.

If you are looking to escape the crowded tourist spots and want a serene, raw, and adventurous experience, keep reading. Char Bijoy is bound to leave you spellbound!

The Story Behind the Name

In December 2017—the month of Bangladesh's Victory Day—a team from the Kuakata Tourist Boat Owners Co-operative Society first discovered this island. To commemorate the month of victory, it was beautifully named 'Char Bijoy' (Victory Island).

Located in the Bay of Bengal, about 40 kilometers southeast of the Kuakata sea beach, this island spans across roughly 5,000 acres. While parts of it submerge during high tide, it reveals a massive, breathtaking sandy landscape during low tide.

What Makes Char Bijoy So Special?

The Paradise of Red Crabs: The moment you step onto the island, it feels as though a vibrant red carpet has been rolled out for you! Thousands of red crabs roam the beach. As soon as they sense human footsteps, they vanish into their tiny sandholes in the blink of an eye—a spectacular sight to witness.

A Haven for Migratory Birds: Winter transforms Char Bijoy into a magical sanctuary. Thousands of guest birds fly in from Siberia and other colder regions to take refuge here. It is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.

The Rise of a New Mangrove: Nature is getting a helping hand here. Both government and private initiatives have planted thousands of Keora, Golpatta, and Sundari saplings on the island. Slowly but surely, it is evolving into a lush green mangrove forest.

Unmatched Serenity: If you want to unplug from the chaotic city life, Char Bijoy offers ultimate tranquility. There is nothing but the endless blue ocean, the open sky above, and the soft sand beneath your feet.

How to Get There

To visit Char Bijoy, your starting point must be Kuakata—the daughter of the sea.

Dhaka to Kuakata: You can easily find luxury AC/Non-AC buses or launches (via Patuakhali/Amtali) departing from Dhaka to Kuakata.

Kuakata to Char Bijoy: From the Kuakata sea beach or Mishripara Ghat, you need to reserve a speedboat or an engine-driven trawler. A speedboat will get you there in about 1 to 1.5 hours, while a trawler takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Pro Tip: The winter season (November to February) is the safest and best time to visit Char Bijoy. Traveling here during the monsoon or when the sea is rough is highly discouraged.

Essential Travel Tips & Safety

Food and Water: Since Char Bijoy is an uninhabited island, there are no shops or restaurants. Make sure to carry enough fresh drinking water and dry snacks from Kuakata.

Track the Tides: Always consult with local boat captains regarding high and low tide timings before heading out. Landing on the island during low tide is the safest option.

Eco-Tourism: Remember, this is a delicate and growing ecosystem. Do not litter. Bring back all your plastic bottles, packets, and waste to keep the island pristine.

Final Thoughts

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Char Bijoy is a dream come true. Many people visit the main Kuakata beach, but adding this mysterious island to your itinerary will elevate your travel diary to a whole new level.

Have you ever visited Char Bijoy, or is it going on your bucket list now? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with your travel buddies.