St Mary's Island, Udupi, Karnataka

St Mary’s Island is a tiny uninhabited island off Malpe coast in Udupi.  This small island invites nature lovers to explore its beauty. The blue waters and white sands are a mesmerizing sight to watch.

Vasco da Gama landed at St. Mary's Islands in 1948 on his voyage from Portugal to India. It is believed that he fixed a cross on the island and named one of these islands, El Padron de Santa Maria, as a dedication to Mother Mary, before he proceeded to Kozhikode in Kerala. It is from this name that the islands are called as St Mary’s Island.

The major attraction of St Mary’s Island is the Basalt rocks spread across the beach. Continuous waves hitting these basalt rocks since ages has shaped these rocks like standing pillars. Scientific studies indicate that the basalt of the St. Mary’s Islands was formed by volcanic activity, because at that time Madagascar was attached to India.

The islands form one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state, out of the 26 Geological Monuments of India. The monument is considered an important site for Geo Tourism.

Out of the four islands which form St. Mary’s Islands, the northernmost island has a basaltic rock formation in a hexagonal form, the only one of its type in India. The island covers an area which is about 500 mts in length with a width of 100 mts. It has beautiful coconut trees spread across the island and hence the island is also called Coconut Island. There is no habitation on the islands and tourists can climb the tree, pluck the tender coconuts and drink as much as they can. It is the only place in India, where coconuts are available free.

The uninhibited St. Mary's Island can only be accessible by boat from Malpe harbour. There is regular boat service from Maple harbour to St Mary’s Island, which is 6 kms from the harbour. The boats will sail only if enough passengers are available. There will be plenty of visitors during the weekends. The boats make regular trips to & fro from the harbour and the island. So, tourists have enough time to spend on the island.

However, unfortunately night stay facilities are not available at the island. Visitors have to get back home in the evening. Drinking water and food is also not available in the island. Few vendors sell water, soft drinks, snacks and fish. But, there are no restaurants and toilets.

Swimming can be dangerous in the islands as many visitors have lost their lives here. Guards keep watch here for visitors and do not allow to swim at the rear side of the island. But, there are some points in the island where swimming is allowed.  

A walk around the island across the beach is memorable. Varieties of shells are scattered across the beach. Hugh rocks are spread on the beach where it is pleasant to sit.

The boat ride from Malpe harbour to St Mary’s island is memorable. This 30 minute ride is enjoyable and one will be lucky to see diving dolphins. The boat cutting across the blue waters and the soothing winds add colour to the quiet boat ride.