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St. Mary’s Island – The Unique Basalt Rock Island Near Mangalore (Complete Travel Guide 2026)

St. Mary’s Island is one of the most beautiful and unique tourist destinations near Mangalore. Located off the coast of Malpe Beach in Udupi district, this island is famous for its rare hexagonal basalt rock formations, crystal clear water, and peaceful natural environment.

The island is also known as Coconut Island because of the large number of coconut trees present there. According to historical records, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed on this island in 1498, before reaching mainland India.

Today, St. Mary’s Island is a popular tourist attraction near Mangalore and Udupi, attracting nature lovers, photographers, geology enthusiasts, and beach tourists from all over India.

Location of St. Mary’s Island

📍 Location: Off Malpe Beach, Udupi District, Karnataka, India

Distance from Mangalore:

Mangalore to Udupi – approx 60 km
Udupi to Malpe Beach – approx 6 km
Boat ride from Malpe Beach to St. Mary’s Island – 20 to 25 minutes

Total travel time from Mangalore Central Railway Station is around 1.5 to 2 hours.

How to Reach St. Mary’s Island from Mangalore

By Train

You can take a train from Mangalore Central Railway Station or Mangalore Junction Railway Station to Udupi Railway Station.

Popular trains include:

Matsyagandha Express
Jan Shatabdi Express
Passenger trains

⏱ Travel Time: 1 hour approx

From Udupi railway station, take an auto or bus to Malpe Beach (6 km).

By Bus

Regular buses run from Mangalore Bus Stand to Udupi Bus Stand.

Bus journey time: 1.5 to 2 hours

From Udupi bus stand, take a local bus or auto to Malpe Beach.

By Car / Taxi

Distance from Mangalore to Malpe Beach is about 65 km via NH66.

Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Parking is available near Malpe Beach boat jetty.

Boat Ride from Malpe Beach to St. Mary’s Island

To reach the island, visitors must take a boat ride from Malpe Beach.

Normal Ferry Boat

Ticket price: ₹300 to ₹350 per person (approx)
Travel time: 20–25 minutes
Safe and comfortable ride
Operated by government approved boat operators

Speed Boat

Ticket price: ₹400 to ₹600 per person (approx)
Faster ride with exciting sea experience
Travel time: 10–15 minutes

⏰ Boats usually operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM depending on weather conditions.

⚠️ Boats may stop during monsoon season (June – September) due to rough sea conditions.

Major Attractions of St. Mary’s Island

1. Unique Basalt Rock Formations

The island is famous for its rare hexagonal basalt lava formations, which were formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity. These rock structures are considered a National Geological Monument of India.

The rock columns look similar to the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, making the island unique in India.

2. Scenic White Sand Beach

The island has clean white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, making it perfect for:

Photography
Beach walking
Relaxation
Nature exploration

Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents.

3. Coconut Tree Landscape

The island has beautiful rows of coconut trees, providing a tropical island experience.

Visitors often enjoy shade, sea breeze, and stunning ocean views here.

Facilities Available on St. Mary’s Island

Although the island is mostly natural and protected, some basic facilities are available.

Available facilities include:

Drinking water stalls
Small snack vendors
Resting areas
Dustbins and eco-friendly waste management
Security staff and tourism guides

Things not available on the island:

No hotels or resorts
No overnight stay allowed
No restaurants

Visitors usually spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the island before returning.

Best Time to Visit St. Mary’s Island

Best months to visit:

✔ October
✔ November
✔ December
✔ January
✔ February

Weather during these months is pleasant and ideal for boat travel.

Avoid visiting during monsoon season (June – September) as boat services may be closed.

Tips for Visitors

Carry water and sunscreen
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Avoid littering the island
Follow boat safety rules
Carry a camera for photography

Nearby Attractions

While visiting St. Mary’s Island, you can also explore:

Malpe Beach
Sri Krishna Temple
Kapu Beach Lighthouse
Kodi Beach

These places are located close to each other and can be visited on the same trip.

Why St. Mary’s Island is Famous

St. Mary’s Island is famous for:

Rare basalt rock formations in India
Beautiful island landscape
Historical connection with Vasco da Gama
Crystal clear Arabian Sea water
One of the best island destinations near Mangalore