Entry to St. Mary’s Island and Water Sports at Malpe Beach Suspended for Monsoon

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Share

Udupi: The Udupi district administration has announced a temporary ban on tourist entry to St. Mary’s Island and the suspension of boat services and water adventure activities at Malpe beach, effective from May 16 to September 15. This proactive measure has been implemented to ensure the safety of visitors as the west coast prepares for the monsoon season, which typically brings rough sea conditions and high waves. Under the Harbour Craft Rules of 1963, this four-month period is designated as a “foul season,” during which all marine operations are officially halted for safety reasons.

The early implementation of these restrictions has led to significant disappointment among tourists who had planned trips to the island before the actual onset of the monsoon. The suspension covers all ferry rides to St. Mary’s Island as well as various water sports activities at Malpe beach. Tourism stakeholders have observed that visitor numbers to the island were already lower than usual this year due to the severe summer heatwave. Furthermore, external factors such as global instability and local supply chain disruptions have reportedly dampened the travel plans of many families this season.

Despite the ban on boating and adventure sports, the authorities have clarified that the beach itself is not entirely closed. Tourists may still be allowed to enter the shallow waters of the shoreline, provided the weather conditions remain favorable. However, as the monsoon intensifies and the sea becomes increasingly turbulent, the administration plans to install barricades along the coast. Once these safety barriers are in place, all entry into the water will be strictly prohibited to prevent any accidents.