St Mary's Island Udupi: Ferry Timings, Tickets & Best Time (2026)
St Mary's Island (also called Coconut Island or Thonsepar) is a cluster of four small islands in the Arabian Sea, roughly 6 km off the coast of Malpe near Udupi in Karnataka. It is best known for its tall, six-sided rock columns, which are among the most unusual natural sights on India's west coast, and the Geological Survey of India protects the site as a National Geological Monument.
Boats to the island leave from Malpe Beach, so most visitors pair the trip with the Malpe sea walk. If you have a second day on the coast, add the lighthouse at Kaup Beach or a quiet sunset at Delta Beach, and browse every option in our Udupi beaches guide.
This guide gives you everything you need to plan a visit to St Mary's Island in 2026: current ferry timings and ticket prices, the best time to go, how to reach Malpe from Udupi and Mangalore, the science behind the rocks, rules you must follow, a sample day plan and answers to common questions. All prices and timings were cross-checked against recent traveller reports and official tourism pages, and the table notes where figures vary.
Quick Facts About the Island
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Arabian Sea, about 6 km off Malpe, Udupi district, Karnataka |
| Also known as | Coconut Island, Thonsepar, St Mary's Islands |
| Reached from | Malpe Beach tourist jetty (boat or ferry only) |
| Crossing time | About 20 to 30 minutes each way |
| Ferry hours | Roughly 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, weather permitting |
| Round-trip fare | About ₹300 to ₹400 per adult (₹350 is commonly reported); about ₹150 for children |
| Time on the island | About 1 to 1.5 hours per trip; plan 3 to 4 hours in total |
| Closed | Monsoon, June to September |
| Best months | October to March |
| Overnight stay | Not allowed; the island is uninhabited |
About St Mary's Island and Its History
The name covers a group of four islands: Coconut Island (the largest and the one tourists visit), North Island, Daria Bahadurgarh Island and South Island. They lie roughly parallel to the coast and have no permanent residents. Coconut palms shade the main island, and parts of its shore are covered in shells and smooth, sun-bleached rock instead of fine sand.
Local tradition says the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498 on his way to Kozhikode. He is said to have planted a cross and named the islands O Padrão de Santa Maria in honour of Mother Mary, which is where the name comes from. Historians treat the landing as legend rather than documented fact, but guides still retell it to visitors.
Why the Rock Columns at St Mary's Island Are Special
The big draw at St Mary's Island is its columnar jointing: vertical pillars of rock with five, six or seven sides, the tallest rising about 6 metres. They formed when thick lava cooled slowly and cracked into regular prisms, the same process behind Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Scientific studies link the rocks to volcanic activity around 85 to 88 million years ago, when Madagascar was breaking away from India. The pillars stand almost perfectly upright, which tells geologists the land has not been tilted since the lava solidified. That makes the site a useful natural record for the plate tectonics story of the Indian subcontinent.
Basalt or rhyolite?
Most guides, including older tourism material, call the rocks basalt. India's submission to UNESCO describes the lava as rhyolitic, which would make it rarer than the better-known basalt columns elsewhere. Either way, the site is a recognised geological heritage asset: it is notified as a National Geological Monument, and in August 2025 India submitted the “Geological Heritage of St Mary's Island Cluster” for UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List. A tentative listing is only a first step and does not mean World Heritage status has been granted.
Things to Do on St Mary's Island
1. Walk among the rock columns
Follow the marked rock trail to see the pillars up close. Boulder Beach and Seashell Beach are the two stops most visitors cover on foot, and you can walk around the whole island in under an hour.
2. Photograph the landscape
The contrast of dark rock, pale shells, green palms and blue water makes the island a favourite with photographers. Late morning light brings out the water colour, and early arrivals get cleaner shots with fewer people in the frame.
3. Collect memories, not shells
The shell-strewn shore is tempting, but the site is protected. Look, photograph and leave things where they are so the next visitor sees the same beach.
4. Rest in the shade and have a snack
Seating, shaded spots and a few small stalls sell cold drinks, tender coconut and snacks during the tourist season. Facilities are basic, so carry water and anything else you cannot do without.
How to Reach St Mary's Island
You can only get there by boat from Malpe, so every route starts with reaching Malpe Beach. Malpe is about 6 km from Udupi city and roughly 60 km from Mangalore.
- From Udupi: Take a city bus from Udupi bus stand to Malpe, or an auto-rickshaw or cab. It takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
- From Mangalore: Drive or take a bus along NH 66 towards Udupi and continue to Malpe. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Mangalore airport and railway station are the nearest major transport hubs.
- From Bengaluru and other cities: Travel to Udupi or Mangalore by train or overnight bus, then continue to Malpe by road.
- At Malpe: Ferries leave from the tourist jetty at Malpe Beach. Local operators also run boats from the fishing harbour when demand is high.
St Mary's Island Ferry Timings and Ticket Price
Tickets are sold at the counter near the Malpe jetty on the day of travel and cover the round trip. Traveller reports from December 2025 and January 2026 quote ₹350 per person for the return ride, and many visitors mention an extra charge of about ₹200 to ₹250 for a DSLR camera. Prices and timings are set locally and change with season and operator, so confirm at the counter.
| Item | Typical figure (2026) |
|---|---|
| First departure | Between 9:00 and 10:30 AM, depending on operator |
| Last outbound boat | Around 3:30 to 4:30 PM |
| Last return from the island | Around 5:30 PM |
| Adult return ticket | ₹300 to ₹400 |
| Child return ticket | About ₹150 (age limits vary) |
| Camera fee | About ₹200 to ₹250 for DSLR cameras; phones are normally free |
| Entry fee for the island | None reported by tourism pages; you pay only the boat fare |
Best Time to Visit St Mary's Island
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak season | October to February | Calm sea, clear water and comfortable weather. Weekends and holidays get crowded. |
| Summer | March to May | Ferries run but it is hot and humid. Go in the morning. |
| Monsoon | June to September | Services stop because of rough seas and heavy rain. |
Ferries usually resume once the sea settles after the monsoon, so late September or early October is the earliest you should plan. If you are travelling in October 2026, check with the Malpe jetty a day ahead. For the best light, aim to reach the island between 10 AM and noon.
Sample Day Plan for St Mary's Island
- 8:30 AM: Reach Malpe Beach and buy tickets at the jetty counter.
- 9:00 to 10:00 AM: Board the boat and cross to the island.
- 10:00 to 11:30 AM: Walk the rock trail, visit the shell beach and take photos.
- 11:30 AM: Return to Malpe.
- 12:30 PM: Eat seafood or a vegetarian meal in Malpe or Udupi.
- Afternoon: Visit Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, or relax at a nearby beach.
Rules and Safety Tips for St Mary's Island
- Do not swim. Sharp submerged rocks and currents make swimming around the island unsafe. Wading at the shore is fine.
- Keep plastic off the island. The island is a protected coastal zone, so avoid single-use plastic and carry all your waste back.
- Wear sturdy footwear. The rock and shell surface is sharp, and you may step into water when boarding.
- Stay on marked paths. Do not climb on or break the rock columns.
- Plan around the last boat. There is no accommodation on the island, so missing the last return is a real problem.
- Carry the basics. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain cover and cash or UPI for tickets.
- Check the weather. Operators cancel trips when the sea is rough, so keep some flexibility in your plan.
Nearby Places to Visit Around Malpe
- Malpe Beach: the departure point, with a sea walk, water sports and seafood stalls.
- Kaup Beach: a quiet shore known for its lighthouse and sunset views.
- Delta Beach: a calm riverside beach where the river meets the sea.
- Padubidri Blue Flag Beach: one of India's certified clean beaches.
- Sri Krishna Matha: Udupi's famous temple and food heritage.
- Browse more beaches in Udupi, other attractions and homestays for your stay.
Where to Eat and Stay Near Malpe
There is no food or lodging worth planning around on the island itself, so base yourself on the mainland. Malpe has seafood restaurants and shacks near the beach and harbour, and Udupi town is famous for vegetarian meals served around its temple. For overnight stays, Udupi and Manipal have hotels in most budgets, and you can also look at local homestays in Udupi if you prefer a quieter, home-style stay. Book ahead for weekends and festival dates between October and February.
Photography and Packing Tips
The light is softest in the first hours after your boat lands, and the dark rock looks best against clear water in late morning. Use a polarising filter if you have one to cut glare on the sea, and keep your camera in a splash-proof bag during the boat ride. A wide lens works well for the long rows of columns, while a phone is enough for close-ups of the texture. Because DSLR users may pay an extra fee, decide before you buy tickets whether you will shoot with a camera or your phone.
Who Should Visit and Is It Worth It?
The trip suits geology fans, photographers, families with older children and anyone who wants an easy half-day outing from Udupi. It is less suitable for people who expect a long sandy beach, water sports or cafes: facilities are minimal and swimming is not allowed. Visitors with limited mobility should know that boarding involves a jetty or small boat transfer, uneven rock and shell surfaces, and no wheelchair-friendly paths. Young children and older travellers should wear life jackets, which operators normally provide, and avoid going when the sea looks rough. Most visitors say the unusual rock columns and the short boat ride make the trip well worth the modest fare.
Quick Checklist Before You Leave
- Check the weather forecast and ask the jetty whether boats are running.
- Carry ID, cash and a UPI app, because ticket counters may not accept cards.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and water-friendly footwear.
- Pack a refillable bottle and a bag for your own waste.
- Note the time of the last return boat and set a phone alarm.
- Keep valuables in a waterproof pouch for the crossing.
St Mary's Island FAQs
Where is St Mary's Island located?
The island group lies in the Arabian Sea, about 6 km off Malpe in Udupi district, Karnataka. Malpe is around 6 km from Udupi city.
What are the St Mary's Island ferry timings?
Boats generally run from about 9:00 AM until late afternoon, with the last return from the island around 5:30 PM. Exact departure times depend on the operator, the number of passengers and sea conditions.
How much is the ticket to St Mary's Island?
The round-trip boat ticket is usually ₹300 to ₹400 per adult, with ₹350 commonly reported in 2026, and about ₹150 for children. A separate fee of about ₹200 to ₹250 may apply for DSLR cameras.
Is St Mary's Island open all year?
No. It is closed during the monsoon, from June to September, because rough seas make the crossing unsafe.
How long does it take to visit St Mary's Island?
Plan 3 to 4 hours including the queue, the 20 to 30 minute crossing each way and 1 to 1.5 hours on the island.
Can you swim at St Mary's Island?
Swimming is not recommended because of sharp underwater rocks and currents. Stay at the water's edge.
Why is St Mary's Island famous?
It is famous for its columnar rock formations, formed about 85 to 88 million years ago, and its status as a National Geological Monument. The legend of Vasco da Gama's landing adds to its appeal.
Can you stay overnight on St Mary's Island?
No. The island is uninhabited and has no hotels, so all visitors must return to Malpe on the last boat.
Sources and Further Reading
- UNESCO Tentative List: Geological Heritage of St Mary's Island Cluster
- Karnataka Tourism: St Mary's Island
- Wikipedia: St Mary's Islands
Last updated: October 2026. Fares and timings are set by local operators and may change; please confirm at the Malpe jetty before you travel.