Malpe Beach is one of the most loved beaches on the Karnataka coast because it is not just “a beach”. It is a full day experience: you can watch sunsets on a wide sandy shoreline, try fast water sports, walk the famous floating bridge, and do the classic St Mary’s Island boat ride from Malpe. Families love it because kids can play safely on the sand and still enjoy banana boat rides (with life jackets), while couples love the sunset, sea-walk vibes, and photography. Malpe is also super easy because it is very close to Udupi (around 6 to 10 km) and Manipal, so you can stay in the city and do Malpe as a day trip.
Malpe Beach Entry Fee, Timings, Opening Days
Entry fee: Usually free for the beach (you pay only for activities).
Best visiting time (overall): 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM for cool weather + sunset.
Opening days: Beach is open daily (activities depend on sea condition and season).
Hidden tip: Go on a weekday evening. You get easier parking, fewer queues for the floating bridge, and better photos without crowd in the background.
Top Things to Do in Malpe Beach
1) Malpe Beach Floating Bridge (Ticket price, timing, safety)
The floating bridge is a major attraction because you literally walk on a floating platform over sea waves, and it feels like a mini adventure even if you do not swim. It is short but fun for photos and family moments. This is weather dependent and may close during rough sea. Many operators give a short slot (10 to 20 minutes) with mandatory life jacket.
Floating Bridge Details
Ticket price (common): around ₹150 per person (short time slot).
Typical timings shown by operators/visitors: around 9:00 AM to evening (varies by day and sea).
Safety: Life jacket usually mandatory, and they may stop entry when waves are high.
Hidden tip: Do it around 5:00 PM. You get golden light for photos, and the sea looks dramatic without harsh sun.
2) St Mary’s Island Boat Ride from Malpe (Island ferry booking, timings, season)
St Mary’s Island is the most famous “island ride from Malpe”. It is known for unique rock formations and a clean island beach vibe. Most travellers do this as a half-day plan. Boats operate based on season and sea conditions, and the service usually runs during daytime. Some sources mention closure during monsoon months, so plan this outside rough-rain season.
St Mary’s Island Ferry Details
Island open timing (common): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ferry timings (typical window): 9 AM to 5 PM.
Ticket price (return range seen across sources): around ₹300 to ₹450 (adult return) depending on operator/season.
Time on island: Many travellers keep 60 to 90 minutes on the island, plus ride and queue time.
Online booking: Some operators advertise online booking for island boats.
Hidden tip: Reach the jetty by 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM. You avoid heavy crowd, sea is calmer, and photos look better.
3) Kite Flying at Malpe Beach (best time, where to do it)
Kite flying is a simple but super fun Malpe activity, especially in the evening when sea breeze becomes strong. If you travel with kids, this becomes a memorable “beach evening” without spending much money. The open beach stretch gives enough space for kites.
Kite Flying Tips
Best time: late afternoon to sunset
Best area: wide open sandy section away from water sports zone
What to carry: 1 to 2 spare strings, small scissors, tape (kite damage is common with sea wind)
Hidden tip: If wind is too strong, use a slightly heavier kite or shorter string. It becomes easier for kids to control.
4) Water Sports in Malpe Beach (Jet ski, banana boat, parasailing and more)
Malpe is popular because it has multiple water sports options. Families usually prefer banana boat and bumper rides (life jackets). Adventure lovers go for jet ski and parasailing. Operators generally run these during daytime and stop if sea is rough.
Malpe Beach Adventure Activities (Cost, duration, timings)
🌊 Top Adventure Activities in Malpe Beach – Cost & Timings
Indicative prices, duration, and the best time window to try each activity.
Hidden tip: Do water sports in the morning (8:30 AM to 11:00 AM) when wind is calmer. Evening is prettier, but sometimes rougher.
Malpe Beach Activities Online Booking Details
St Mary’s Island boat booking: You can book at the counter, or do an online booking.
Floating bridge: Usually walk-in ticket at the beach (availability depends on waves).
Hidden tip: If you are visiting on a long weekend, reach Malpe by 8:30 AM and finish the island trip first. After lunch, keep beach + floating bridge for evening.
Best Time to Visit Malpe Beach
October to March: Best weather for beach walking, sunset, island trip (generally pleasant).
April to May: Hot afternoons, but sunset time is still enjoyable.
Monsoon months: Sea gets rough and island ferry may stop seasonally.
Hidden tip: For the clearest island water and best photos, many travellers prefer late morning to early afternoon island time (reach by 9:30 AM).
Things to be Careful
Swim only in designated safe areas and listen to lifeguards.
For floating bridge and water sports, always wear the life jacket correctly.
Keep slippers in a bag; the sand can get hot in daytime.
If you have kids, choose banana boat or beach play; avoid deeper water when waves are high.
Hidden tip: Carry a small dry bag. Sea spray and wet hands can damage phones fast.
Food Facilities near Malpe Beach
Malpe is famous for coastal seafood and Udupi style veg food. You will find small stalls and restaurants around Malpe and the Udupi-Manipal belt.
Must-try food (common favourites)
Udupi meals (veg thali style)
Goli Baje / Mangalore bajji
Fish fry + neer dosa (if you eat seafood)
Tender coconut at beach side
Hidden tip: Eat a proper lunch in Udupi/Manipal and keep Malpe evening for snacks + coconut. It saves time and keeps the beach plan smooth.
Maple Beach Parking, Restrooms, and Basic Facilities
Parking: Paid parking is common near busy beach zones (fee varies).
Restrooms: Available around main beach area, quality varies by season/crowd.
Changing rooms: Often limited; carry a towel and keep expectations simple.
Hidden tip: Keep small cash. Even if UPI works, network can be slow in crowded beach hours.
Malpe Beach Government Bus and Local Transport
Malpe is close to Udupi, and local buses run frequently from Udupi side. For long-distance planning, use KSRTC portal to check routes to Udupi first.
If you are already in Udupi/Manipal, autos and cabs are easy for the short ride.
Hidden tip: For families, a cab for the short Udupi to Malpe stretch can be worth it, because you can carry beach bags, snacks, and extra clothes comfortably.
Malpe Beach Traveller Reviews
🟡 The Good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Perfect beach with many activities”
“Clean beach with lots of space to walk. Kids enjoyed banana boat ride and playing in the sand. Floating bridge was safe and fun for everyone.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Best sunset beach near Udupi”
“Sunset views are stunning and wide open. Very relaxing atmosphere in the evening with cool sea breeze.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“St Mary’s Island boat ride is a must”
“The boat ride from Malpe to St Mary’s Island was thrilling. The island rock formations are unique and worth the visit.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐“Great place for kite flying and evening walks”
“Strong winds in the evening make kite flying enjoyable. Kids loved it and there is enough open space.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐“Good beach near Udupi for a half-day visit”
“Well maintained compared to many nearby beaches. Peaceful in the morning and lively in the evening.”
🔵 The Not So Good
⭐⭐⭐“Very crowded on weekends”
“Beach gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays. Parking becomes difficult in the evening.”
⭐⭐⭐“Water sports depend on sea condition”
“Some water sports were stopped due to rough sea. Better to visit in good weather season.”
⭐⭐⭐“Parking space is limited”
“No proper organized parking area. Had to park far and walk to the beach.”
⭐⭐“Not enjoyable during peak afternoon”
“Very hot during daytime. Best to avoid afternoon hours and visit only in the evening.”
⭐⭐“Cleanliness could be improved”
“Some plastic waste near crowded areas. Needs better maintenance during peak season.”
Malpe Beach is one of those places where every visitor finds something to enjoy. Families love the open space, safe activities, and relaxed evenings. Couples enjoy the peaceful walks and colourful sunsets. Adventure seekers come for water sports, island rides, and the floating bridge experience. While crowd and parking can be an issue during peak times, most travellers agree that a well-timed visit makes all the difference.
If you plan your day smartly and visit in the right season, Malpe Beach offers a complete coastal experience that is fun, refreshing, and memorable. It is not just a beach to see, but a place to slow down, enjoy the breeze, and carry back beautiful moments by the sea.
