St Mary's Island is a small group of islands located off the coast of Malpe near Udupi in Karnataka. Known for its unique basalt rock formations and scenic beauty, it is a popular day-trip destination for travelers visiting Udupi. This route is commonly traveled by tourists and locals who want to explore the island's natural charm and beaches.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach St Mary's Island from Udupi, including ferry options, road travel, and local transport details. You will also find practical tips and a step-by-step travel plan to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Udupi to St Mary's Island – Main Options

Ferry

The ferry is the most direct and popular way to reach St Mary's Island from Udupi. It departs from Malpe Beach, which is about 6 km from Udupi city center. Ferries run frequently during the day and offer a scenic ride across the Arabian Sea.

• Ferries leave from Malpe Beach jetty, easily reachable by local auto-rickshaws or buses from Udupi bus stand within 15–20 minutes, covering about 6 km.

• The ferry ride takes approximately 15–20 minutes, crossing around 3 km of sea to reach St Mary's Island, with fares typically ranging from ₹50 to ₹100 per person.

• Ferries operate mainly between 9 AM and 4 PM; frequency reduces during monsoon season (June to September) due to rough seas, so check weather conditions before planning.

• Boat services can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so arriving early at Malpe Beach is advisable to secure tickets and seats.

• Basic safety gear like life jackets are provided, but avoid carrying heavy bags or valuables during the ferry ride for convenience.

Bus

While there is no direct bus to St Mary's Island, you can take a bus from Udupi to Malpe Beach, the ferry departure point. This is a cost-effective option for travelers without private vehicles.

• Local buses run frequently from Udupi bus stand to Malpe Beach, covering the 6 km distance in about 20 minutes with fares around ₹15 to ₹30.

• Buses are usually crowded during peak hours, so plan your trip early in the day to avoid standing during the short ride.

• Malpe bus stop is close to the ferry jetty, making it convenient to walk to the boat boarding area after arrival.

• Bus timings align well with ferry schedules, but confirm local timings as they may vary on weekends and public holidays.

• During monsoon months, bus services may be delayed due to road conditions, so allow extra travel time when planning your trip.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Udupi to Malpe Beach is straightforward and suitable if you prefer flexibility. You can park near the ferry jetty and then take the boat to St Mary's Island.

• The distance from Udupi city center to Malpe Beach is about 6 km via NH66 and local roads, taking roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

• Parking is available near Malpe Beach jetty, but it can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays, so arrive early to secure a spot.

• The route is well-marked and mostly flat, passing through local markets and residential areas, with tolls not applicable on this short stretch.

• Self-drive gives you the freedom to explore Malpe Beach before boarding the ferry, including local eateries and shops.

• During monsoon season, roads can be slippery and waterlogged in places, so drive cautiously and check weather updates before starting.

Flight

There is no direct flight option to St Mary's Island. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 60 km from Udupi. From there, you must use road transport to reach Malpe Beach and then take the ferry.

• Mangalore International Airport connects to major Indian cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai, with several daily flights.

• From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Udupi, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours covering 60 km via NH66.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at the airport for convenient transfers to Udupi or Malpe Beach.

• Flight arrivals and road transport timings should be coordinated to avoid long waiting times before the ferry departure.

• Plan your arrival early in the day to ensure you catch the ferry to St Mary's Island, as boat services stop by late afternoon.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors traveling from Udupi to St Mary's Island. It covers essential steps to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Start by reaching Malpe Beach from Udupi early in the morning using a local bus or taxi to avoid ferry crowd and secure tickets easily.

• Purchase ferry tickets at the Malpe jetty counter; tickets are usually sold on the spot, but during peak season, arrive early to avoid long queues.

• Board the ferry when called, keep your belongings light, and wear comfortable shoes as the boat ride involves some movement and wet conditions.

• On arrival at St Mary's Island, explore the basalt rock formations and beaches, but avoid venturing into restricted areas for safety.

• Plan your return ferry at least an hour before sunset, as boat services stop operating by late afternoon; check the last boat timing at the ticket counter.

• After returning to Malpe Beach, use local transport or taxis to get back to Udupi or your accommodation safely.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, as food options on St Mary's Island are limited and can be expensive; avoid drinking tap water on the island.

• Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from strong coastal sun, especially during summer months when UV levels are high.

• Book ferry tickets early in the day during weekends and holidays to avoid sold-out situations, as the island is a popular tourist spot.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Udupi and Malpe for safe and reliable local transport, avoiding unmetered autos.

• Keep your luggage minimal since the ferry has limited space and avoid carrying valuables that may get wet or lost during the boat ride.

• During monsoon season, check weather and sea conditions before traveling, as ferry services may be canceled due to rough seas and heavy rains.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit St Mary's Island from Udupi is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. This period offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and ferry rides.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rains and rough seas often disrupt ferry services and make road travel challenging.

• Peak tourist traffic occurs during weekends, public holidays, and festival periods like Diwali and Christmas, leading to crowded ferries and limited parking.

• Summer months (April to June) can be hot and humid, so plan early morning trips to avoid midday heat and sun exposure.

• Early morning departures from Malpe Beach offer smoother ferry rides with less crowd and better chances of clear weather.

• Fog and mist are uncommon but can occur in early winter mornings, slightly delaying ferry services; check local updates before traveling.

Arrival at St Mary's Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at St Mary's Island, you will disembark at a small jetty area with basic facilities. The island is small and best explored on foot, with well-marked paths leading to the famous basalt rock formations and beaches.

There are no motor vehicles on the island, so walking is the only way to get around. Carry water and wear comfortable footwear. After your visit, return to the jetty to catch the ferry back to Malpe Beach.

At Malpe, you will find auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses to take you back to Udupi or nearby towns. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are recommended for safe and hassle-free local travel. Accommodation options are mostly in Udupi, with Malpe offering some beachside guesthouses.

Conclusion

Traveling from Udupi to St Mary's Island is straightforward and enjoyable, with the ferry from Malpe Beach being the most efficient and popular option. The short boat ride offers beautiful views and quick access to the island’s unique landscape.

Plan your trip by starting early, booking ferry tickets on time, and checking weather conditions, especially during the monsoon. With practical preparation and local travel knowledge, you can confidently explore St Mary's Island and enjoy a memorable coastal experience near Udupi.