Introduction
St Marys Island is an off-shore Island on the coast of Malpe Beach, Udupi, Karnataka, an easy half-day excursion whose other-worldly hexagonal pillars of rock, pale sand sprinkled with shells, and translucent water on clear days all make it an attraction.
The cluster of islands is small and secure and thus the access is through a controlled ferry, which is seasonal. This guide includes practical ferry schedules, what to anticipate during monsoon and winter, prices, safety regulations as well as places to stay near the jetty.
What and Where: Why St. Mary’s Island is Special
- Location: 6-7 km away Malpe Beach (Udupi). The ferries leave the Malpe Sea Walk/jetty.
- Geology: Columnar basalt formations (a Geological Monument of India) which were formed due to old volcanic activity- picture neat, straight up columns of stone.
- Vibe: There is no loud shack or water sports in the actual island; it is to walk, take photos, and have some time in the silence of the shore. On the mainland, its water sports can be found at Malpe Beach.
Ferry Timings, Tickets and Boarding Process
- Seasons: The seasons usually run between October/November to April/May. Ferries frequently make call in the southwest monsoon (June-September) and re-embark when the conditions are favourable. Shoulder months are pegged on weather and clearance by the coast guards.
- First departures: Generally between 9:00-9.30 AM.
- Final boat to island: The last boat to the island in the sea is usually between 3.30 and 4.00 PM (earlier in case the sea is rough).
- Previous return to island: Approximately 5:00-5:30 PM; the island will be closed after the sun goes down
- Ticketing: Buy return tickets at the official counter near the jetty. Typical 2025 prices (subject to change): adults ₹300–450, children ₹150–300. Infants are often free; confirm at counter.
- Ride time: 15- 20 minutes each way, subject to sea conditions.
- Stay time: A typical boat will give 60-90 minutes on the island; the crew will usually scribble on a slot when you are going back.
- Boarding: Boarding is equipped with life jackets. Landing is at the jetty or on a floating platform; bring shoes which can be taken off easily at sandy and rocky places.
- Closure alerts: Trips may close midday when wind or wave pick up – watch the counter or ask lifeguards/boat staff before arranging to visit a trip late afternoon.
Quick Planner: Distances, Time, Costs
| Item | Typical Range (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Udupi/Manipal → Malpe Beach | 6–10 km, 15–30 min by auto/cab | Autos ₹120–250; cabs ₹250–500 |
| Ferry ticket (return) | ₹300–450 adult; ₹150–300 child | Seasonal variation; cash/UPI accepted |
| Parking at Malpe | ₹20–60 (2–4 hrs) | Follow official lots near sea walk |
| Time needed | 2.5–4 hours total | Queue + ride + 60–90 min on island |
| Best visit window | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM | Clear water usually late morning |
| Water sports (Malpe mainland) | ₹300–1,000+ | Parasail/banana rides on beach, not on island |
Best Season, Daily Windows and Sea Conditions
| Season | What to Expect | Ferry Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb (peak winter) | Clear skies, best water color, pleasant breeze | Regular schedule most days |
| Mar–May (pre‑monsoon heat) | Hot mid‑day, haze possible; mornings best | Often regular; occasional wind chop afternoons |
| Jun–Sep (monsoon) | Heavy rain, swell, strong currents | Usually suspended |
| Oct (shoulder) | Mixed days—some clear, some choppy | Partial operations resume when seas calm |
Note: Timings and availability are weather‑dependent. Local announcements/lifeguards have the final say.
What To Do on the Island
- Stroll the shell beach and basalt columns: Notice the marked paths and areas of observation; the rocks are sharp yet photographic.
- Photography: The best time is mid-morning to early afternoon when the water is teal; polarising philtres can be used.
- Sit-outs on the short shore: Use a little mat or sit on the sand; there is no shade.
- Shell manners: Take pleasure in the shell beach, but not shells or rocks–that is sacred.
- Birdwatching: Look out to terns and sandpipers, particularly in calm weather.
Safety, Rules and Eco‑Etiquette
- None of that swimming or diving off the rocks: Intense currents, jagged formations; the island is not a swim beach.
- Shoes: Use sandals/sneakers with good grips; do not use thin flip-flops on slippery rock.
- Clean up after yourself: There should be no litter; bring back bottles and wrappers.
- Drones: These are normally limited with no explicit consent being given- make sure to clarify with authorities at the jetty.
- Alcohol and loud music: No; it is a nature-oriented area.
- Children and elderly: okay with support; take hands on rocky areas and along water.
Day Trip Itinerary: Udupi/Manipal → Malpe → St. Mary’s
- 9:00 AM — Arrive Malpe Beach jetty, purchase tickets.
- 9:30-9:50 AM — Ferry ride to St. Mary’s.
- 10:00-11:15 AM – Shell beach discovery, photo walks through the special routes, rest under the shade.
- 11:15-11:35 AM — Return ferry to Malpe.
- 12:00-1:30 PM – Lunch at Malpe/ Udupi (Udupi veg meals, seafood shacks near the beach).
Optional afternoon:
- sea walk and lighthouse views, Malpe.
- Kaup (Kapu) Beach and Lighthouse (approximately 14-16 km south), to watch the sunset
- Udupi Sri Krishna Temple as a cultural and prasadam. In case you want later time, be sure that you arrive at the island before 2:30-3:00 PM or you will miss the boat and have to wait in lines.
Where to Stay Near Malpe: Budget to Mid‑Range
| Area/Type | Price/Night | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Malpe town budget rooms | ₹1,200–2,000 | Simple AC rooms, walk/auto to jetty |
| Udupi city hotels (3–6 km) | ₹1,800–3,500 | Clean business hotels, great veg food |
| Beach‑side resorts (Malpe) | ₹4,000–8,000+ | Sea‑facing rooms, in‑house dining |
| Manipal stays (student town) | ₹1,500–3,000 | Boutique/business hotels, cafés nearby |
Food, Facilities and Payments
- Basic facilities on the island: Seasonal. Bring water, hat and snacks; never litter. Limited restrooms – use jetty facilities in advance and then board.
- On the mainland: There are numerous choices in and around Malpe and Udupi–have Udupi veg thalis, neer dosa, goli baje and coastal seafood (prawns, kane/ladies-fish, pomfret).
- Payments: Ferry counter will normally take cash and UPI. UPI is also extensively accepted in beach shacks and autos. Handy Hacks: Families, Photos, Network, Parking.
Useful Tips: Families, Photos, Network, Parking
- Family: Bring a change of clothes in case of splashes, the boat ride may be a windy one.
- Seniors: request crew to provide fixed seats when getting on board; do not walk on slippery stones.
- Photography: The columns of the rocks are best captured in a phone wide angle lens. Midday glare? Shoot either with a polarizer or have the sun behind you.
- Network: Jio/Airtel are typically functional in Malpe; the coverage decreases in the island. Download offline maps.
- Parking: Park in the assigned lots by the sea walk; do not park on the approach roads that are thin.
- Sun and wind: UV is great even during winter. Sunglasses, cap and sunscreen are necessary.
Conclusion
One of the most unusual mini-beachscapes in India, small, serene, sculptural, and amazingly clean of clutter, is St. Mary Island. Arrange ahead of the ferry, come early in order to have the finest water colour, walk only where there is a trail, and leave the basalt columns to speak.
To watch the sunset, procrastinate in Malpe Sea Walk or have a drive to Kaup Lighthouse. This will be an ideal half-day extension to Udupi, Manipal or road trips in coastal Karnataka with some timing (and a weather cheque).
