What to expect
Highlights
- The hexagonal columnar-basalt rock formations.
- Tide pools, shells and palm-fringed sand.
- The short scenic boat ride from Malpe.
St Mary's Islands
St Mary’s Islands, a short boat ride off Malpe, are a small cluster of islands famous for their columnar basalt — dramatic hexagonal rock pillars formed by an ancient volcanic lava flow, a rare geological feature declared a National Geological Monument.
Practical guide
Plan St Mary's Islands
Typeisland
Nearest baseMalpe
Best timeOctober to February when the sea is calm and boats run
Time neededHalf a day including the boat trips
EntryBoat ticket from Malpe
Nearest town/baseMalpe
DistrictUdupi
Place typeisland
Time neededHalf a day including the boat trips.
St Mary’s Islands, a short boat ride off Malpe, are a small cluster of islands famous for their columnar basalt — dramatic hexagonal rock pillars formed by an ancient volcanic lava flow, a rare geological feature declared a National Geological Monument.
The main island (Coconut Island) has the rock formations, tide pools, shells and palms; legend also links the islands to Vasco da Gama’s voyage.
Visiting
St Mary's Islands — at a glance
TimingsDaylight, in-season boats only
Best timeOctober to February; boats stop in the monsoon
Entry: Boat ticket from Malpe
Getting there: By boat from Malpe (~30–40 min each way)
A protected monument with no facilities — carry water, take no rocks, wear the life jacket, mind the last boat.
Getting there
How to visit
- Reached only by boat from Malpe (~30–40 minutes each way); boats run in season and in daylight.
- There is no food or shade on the island — carry water and a hat; check the last return boat, and do not remove rocks or shells (it is a protected monument).
Distance by road
- Mangaluru60 km
- Shivamogga145 km
- Chikkamagaluru145 km
- Karwar175 km
- Bengaluru400 km
Road km to Udupi; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February when the sea is calm and boats run; avoid the monsoon, when boats stop.
Weather in St Mary's IslandsSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- A protected geological monument with no facilities — carry water, do not take rocks, wear the boat life jacket, and mind the last return.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where St Mary's Islands is
Good to know
St Mary's Islands — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit St Mary's Islands?
October to February when the sea is calm and boats run; avoid the monsoon, when boats stop.
What are the entry fee and timings at St Mary's Islands?
Entry: Boat ticket from Malpe. Timings: Daylight, in-season boats only. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach St Mary's Islands?
Reached only by boat from Malpe (~30–40 minutes each way); boats run in season and in daylight. There is no food or shade on the island — carry water and a hat; check the last return boat, and do not remove rocks or shells (it is a protected monument).
How much time do I need for St Mary's Islands?
Half a day including the boat trips.
What else is near St Mary's Islands?
Nearby you can pair Malpe Beach (3.3 km), Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi (9.6 km), Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi (9.6 km), Manipal End Point (12.1 km).
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- St Mary's Islands:Rupak Sarkar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0