St Mary’s Island, Malpe

St Mary’s Island, Malpe is another very popular tourist attraction around Udupi and Mangalore. Located off the coast, St Mary’s island can be reached by ferry service operated from Malpe harbour. Ferry service opens at about 9 am and closes at 5 pm and per person fee is Rs 100. Ferry leaves at regular intervals, often once the boat fills up to capacity (about 30 pax). Ferry service is subject to good weather conditions. The 7 km ride to St Mary’s island lasts for about half an hour. Once at the island, tourists are asked to return within one hour, for the return trip. This time is a bit inadequate to explore the island―one could hurry up or skip the boat and board a subsequent one.

St Mary’s island is covered with giant rocks on all sides, probably the main reason why island is still intact and not eroded by seawater. Several coconut trees provide shade and add to scenic beauty of the island, while few resting areas are constructed by local government bodies. In order to view sunset from St Mary’s island one should board the ferry in the evening, by about 4 pm or so, so that it will be possible to enjoy the sunset from the island and board last ferry back home.