Beaches
St Mary’s Island
A cluster of small islands off Malpe famed for their striking hexagonal basalt columns, a rare geological formation declared a national geo-heritage monument. Formed by the rapid cooling of Deccan volcanic lava tens of millions of years ago, the islands’ pillow-like hexagonal and polygonal basalt columns are among the very few such formations in India, comparable to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, and the site has been designated a national geological monument. Legend also links the islands to Vasco da Gama, who is said to have landed here in 1498 and planted a cross before proceeding to Kozhikode, and the islands remain accessible only by a roughly 20–30 minute motorboat ride from Malpe jetty, weather permitting.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Formed by the rapid cooling of Deccan volcanic lava tens of millions of years ago, the islands’ pillow-like hexagonal and polygonal basalt columns are among the very few such formations in India, comparable to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, and the site has been designated a national geological monument. Legend also links the islands to Vasco da Gama, who is said to have landed here in 1498 and planted a cross before proceeding to Kozhikode, and the islands remain accessible only by a roughly 20–30 minute motorboat ride from Malpe jetty, weather permitting. St Mary’s Island sits at an elevation of 11 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, February, and March, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Basalt Rock Formations, Ferry Jetty & Ticket Counter Area, and Coconut Grove Beach. Other notable highlights include walk on ancient hexagonal basalt columns, spot coconut crabs among rocky crevices, and watch waves crash against column cliffs. It falls within Udupi, Udupi district, and Karnataka.
Highlights
- Walk on ancient hexagonal basalt columns
- Spot coconut crabs among rocky crevices
- Watch waves crash against column cliffs
- Picnic on crescent-shaped white sand beach
- See the 16th-century Portuguese cross landmark
- Observe unique column shapes at low tide
Getting There
Things To Do
Relax at the Main Sandy Beach
After exploring the rocks, sit on the soft white sand of the island’s primary beach, shaded by sparse casuarina trees. It is a calm spot for a picnic, reading, or simply listening to the waves—no swimming is allowed due to strong currents.
1 hour
Photograph the Lighthouse Viewpoint
Climb the short, rocky trail to the eastern edge of the island, where you get a panoramic view of the lighthouse on the mainland and the vast blue horizon. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for capturing the contrast of black rocks against the sea.
30 minutes
Walk Among the Basalt Pillars
Stroll along the main beach and the rocky plateau to see the famous hexagonal basalt columns, formed by cooling lava over 60 million years ago. The geometric patterns, especially the “piano keys” section, are best viewed at low tide.
1.5 hours
Spot Marine Life in the Tidal Pools
During low tide, inspect the shallow water-filled depressions among the rocks, which teem with tiny crabs, starfish, and colourful sea anemones. Carry a small magnifying glass or just crouch low to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.
45 minutes
Explore the Twin Coves and Sea Arches
At the southern end of the island, scramble over low rock formations to reach two small, secluded coves where waves crash through natural arches carved into the basalt. This is a quieter spot for photography and watching the Arabian Sea.
1 hour
Take a Guided Boat Circuit Around the Island
While the standard ferry drops you at the jetty, some local boat operators offer a 20-minute circuit around the island’s perimeter, revealing sea caves, overhanging basalt columns, and nesting seabirds. This is a unique perspective not possible from land.
20-30 minutes
Travel Tips
Book the ferry in advance and choose the right tide time
The island is only accessible by ferry from Malpe Harbour, and boats run based on tide schedules. For seniors and groups, book your tickets a day ahead and pick a morning departure to avoid afternoon heat and rough seas.
Plan for a short stay—about 2 to 3 hours is enough
The island is small, and there are no shade structures or restrooms beyond basic facilities. For group comfort, limit your visit to a few hours, and ensure everyone stays together near the designated walking paths.
Carry your own water, snacks, and basic medication
There are no shops or medical facilities on the island, and the ferry ride plus walking can be tiring. Pack enough drinking water, light snacks, and any personal medicines (like for nausea or blood pressure) in a small backpack.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear for the rocky terrain
The island’s famous basalt rock columns are uneven and can be slippery, especially near the water. Carry grippy sandals or walking shoes, and avoid flip-flops to prevent falls.
Check weather and sea conditions before you go
The ferry can be cancelled during monsoon or rough seas, and the island has no shelter. For senior travellers, avoid visiting between June and September; instead, choose October to February when the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to St Mary’s Island — handy for senior and group travellers.
ATMs
- Bank of Baroda ATM4.3 km
Restaurants
- Fisherman's Bay Beach Cafe3.3 km
- Nemo's Paradise3.3 km
- Sea Breeze seafood3.4 km
- The Toddy cafe3.5 km
- Mahakali Food corner3.5 km
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to take a ferry from Malpe Harbour, which is about 6 km from Udupi town. The boat ride takes around 20-30 minutes, and ferries operate only during daylight hours, typically from 9 AM to 4 PM, depending on weather and tide conditions. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the sea is calm and the weather pleasant.
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on the island, which is enough to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the unique columnar basalt rock formations formed by volcanic activity. Do not miss the small lighthouse viewpoint and the natural rock pools at the southern end. Also, check the ferry return schedule before you explore, as the last boat leaves promptly and you cannot stay overnight.
There are no permanent restaurants or drinking water taps on the island, so you must carry your own water and snacks. A few temporary stalls may appear during peak season selling coconut water, chips, and simple snacks, but they are unreliable. There are no restrooms, so please plan accordingly before you board the ferry.
Swimming is not allowed near the ferry landing area due to strong currents and rocky underwater formations. You can wade in shallow, calm spots, but lifeguards are not present, so it is not recommended for senior travellers. Snorkelling is possible in clear patches, but you must bring your own gear and stay close to the shore — the island has no rescue services.
The island has rocky terrain with uneven basalt columns, and there are no paved walkways, so walking can be challenging. You will need to climb up and down from the boat onto the shore, which requires some balance and care. We recommend carrying a walking stick, wearing sturdy non-slip shoes, and taking it slow — but it is doable if you are reasonably active.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in St Mary’s Island
Day 1
Begin your journey with a relaxed arrival in Udupi, settling into the coastal rhythm. Spend the morning exploring the town’s famous temples and local markets, then head to Malpe Beach for a gentle evening by the Arabian Sea. The day is designed to be unhurried, allowing you to acclimatize before the boat ride to the island.
- Visit the Sri Krishna Math and Udupi’s ancient temples, taking in the intricate carvings and peaceful courtyards.
- Stroll through the local vegetable and spice market near the temple, sampling fresh coconut and jaggery snacks.
- Walk along Malpe Beach at sunset, watching fishing boats return and enjoying the cool sea breeze from a shaded bench.
Day 2
Rise early for the short boat ride from Malpe Harbour to St Mary’s Island, the highlight of your trip. Spend the morning marveling at the hexagonal basalt columns, walking along the rocky shoreline, and spotting marine life in the clear tide pools. Return to the mainland by early afternoon, then enjoy a leisurely final evening in Udupi with a traditional meal and a quiet temple visit.
- Take the first ferry to St Mary’s Island (around 30–40 minutes), arriving before the crowds to enjoy the raw volcanic rock formations.
- Walk the designated pathways across the hexagonal pillars, pausing to photograph the unique geometric patterns and the lighthouse view from the island’s edge.
- Explore the island’s small beach and tide pools, looking for crabs, starfish, and colorful shells, then relax under a palm tree before the return boat.
- After returning to Malpe, visit the nearby Malpe Fishing Harbour to see the day’s catch being unloaded and chat with local fishermen.
- End the day with a visit to the Anantheshwara Temple, a quieter, older shrine in Udupi, followed by a traditional Karnataka thali dinner.
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