There is no camping at Caladesi Island, but the 108-slip marina is equipped with water and electricity for overnight boat stays. Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. The ferry starts at 10AM and runs every 30 minutes . So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. Honeymoon Island State Park is connected to the city of Dunedin on the mainland by a 1.5-mile-long man-made causeway, right to the park entrance, and from there you can take a ferry or rent a kayak and go visit Caladesi Island, State Park. To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. The two islands weren't always connected, but they are now. The beautiful sand is covered in hundreds and thousands of seashells and many of them are in perfect unbroken condition. , Can you take alcohol to Caladesi Island? There are two ways to get to Caladesi: Private boat or take the Caladesi Connection Ferry service that operates out of Honeymoon Island State Park. Day Trip Guide to Caladesi Island, Florida - Rachel's Crafted Life (2023) You will enjoy Gulf front views & Intracoastal views 180 degrees, including Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island, Sand Key, Dunedin, Clearwater, Pier 60, and Sand Key & Clearwater bridges. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island should kayaking not be your thing, and the ferry fare includes the state park entry fee. Because this island is mostly only accessible by boat, it is not as busy as some of the other nearby Florida beaches like nearby Siesta Key Beach and Clearwater Beach. Three Rooker Island, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Caladesi Island State Park are all visible during your cruise to some secluded beaches only accessible by boat. You also need to pay the entrance fee to the Honeymoon Island State Park which is between $2 and $4 per adult. Wear your bathing suit to the park so you can jump in the water as soon as you get there. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. ENTRY FEE: The boat fee is $6 per boat. It's quite a walk from the ferry loading dock to the beach on the other side of the island. Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. My kids enjoyed playing on it as we made our way back to the ferry. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. Whether youre wanting to take a short day trip or looking to make it a multi-day camping and hiking expedition, Caladesi State Park is a great choice. $2 per person for pedestrians, kayakers or SUP paddleboards. Reservations can be made here. Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. Tip: Shuffle your feet in the sand to avoid being stung by a stingray. The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. One of the few remaining uninhabited islands on Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island offers visitors that chance to explore a tropical nature path, a mangrove-shaded kayak trail, and a glorious four-mile, wild and white sandy beach filled unique shells, birds, photogenic deckchairs, and a very remote vibe. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. By ferry A trip to Caladesi Island starts on the water, and one of the most popular options for locals and tourists alike is the Caladesi Ferry. (And yes, I know this has been said before, and better.) If you are going to be in the area with your own boat or a rented boat, you can drive your own boat to Caladesi Island. (If you're of the yachting class, enjoy the island's 110-slip marina. The walk itself is just under three miles from Clearwater, and should take someone of good fitness no more than 90 minutes to complete. Caladesi Island, located in Dunedin and accessible only by boat or a short walk from north Clearwater Beach, ranks 7th in the US, according to Dr. Beach's 2021 rankings. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. Make your reservation online, or call us at (727) 595-0000 today! No pets are allowed on the ferry. DUNEDIN: It is my favorite town in Tampa Bay Area, and I am sure you will also love this very unique and quaint town featuring Floridas oldest microbrewery, such as the Dunedin Brewery, and lots of options for great restaurants such as The Living Room, bars, ice cream, and local shops. Although its certainly possible to make the journey during high tide, do note that there will be sections that you are required to wade through - nothing too deep, but something to be aware of if planning the trip with children or with spontaneity. Simply dock at the marina and enjoy the park on an overnight visit. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. Caladesi Island has a circular loop trail that covers the internal portion of the island, the length of which is approximately three miles. Pack light! Yes dogs are allowed on Caladesi Island but there are a few caveats. Caladesi Island. A boat charter through Sandbar Rehab is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace and spend some time out on the beautiful water. However, Caladesi is just as beautiful as Clearwater Beach with the extra perks of having fewer people and the beauty of an untouched island. How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. There are four ways to get to the island - private boat, kayak, ferry, or walking from Clearwater Beach. But here you can find all the details on how to get to Caladesi Island: If you have your own kayak, paddleboard, or boat, you can visit Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island it is short and easy paddling. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. If you decide to walk, you will need to pass some scratchy trees, and depending on the tides, you will probably need to get in the water. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
If you werent keen to kayak across to the island but would still like a few hours with a paddle, consider renting a kayak to explore the three-mile Mangrove Kayak Trail. Copyright 2023 Paula Pins The Planet - All Rights Reserved, or call 800-326-3521 or TDD at 888-433-0287, A Complete Guide to how to Visit Anna Maria Island, FL. Full disclaimer here. Our Location View Larger Map Located In Beautiful Florida Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida Phone: 727-734-5263 Check out our Caladesi Island Ferry Specials and Coupons! The ferry has plenty of room to store all the beach gear you will inevitably need to bring along including coolers, chairs and umbrellas. To make it easier, Caladesi Island State Park driving distance from the major cities: There are different ways to get to Caladesi Island, but my favorite, and what I recommend is by bringing your own or renting a kayak at the Dunedin Causeway and paddling to Caladesi island, park your kayak at the shore and explore the island on foot. This is not the official way to enter the island, and I havent personally done it. It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. Seasonally adjusted weather permitting. . I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. Free admission for children under 5. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. Board at Honeymoon Island State Park and enjoy a relaxing 15-20 minute ride across St. Joseph Sound, where you may spot dolphins playing in the shallows on your way. Top 5 Clearwater Private Charters 2023 - TripShock! Caladesi State Park Guidelines Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Florida by Water: Escape to an Island -- National Geographic During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! amzn_assoc_asins = "B01N4BU0E1";
There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. Caladesi Island Ferry Palm Harbor, FL 34682 727-734-5263 Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 469-5918 STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS Tampa Beaches: The Ultimate Guide to Beaches in and Around Tampa Bay, Cypress Point Beach Park: What You Need to Know, Beach Vacation Packing List for Peace of Mind. The four miles of pristine white virgin beach which edges Caladesi Island is wild, rugged and a world away from polished stretches of sand elsewhere in Florida. Halfway between the beach and boat dock, there are showers, changing rooms, restrooms, and a drinking fountain. (function() { For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. Caladesi Island State Park | Walking from Clearwater Beach to - YouTube You are just minutes from Howard Park Beach, Sunset Beach & a short drive to Honey Island State Park & Caladesi Island voted one of the top 10 beaches repeatedly. Caladesi Island, A Local Weekend Getaway - Riviera Dunes Marina TOTAL FUEL USED 55 gal. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe. If you are wondering how to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida you are in the right place. Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. If you are boating over to the island on your own boat, you can dock overnight at the marina. Depending on how long you want to spend on the island, you can pick a two-hour or four-hour rental. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. { Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. No, you cannot rent beach chairs on Caladesi Island, but you can rent on Honeymoon Island please check this complete article for all you need to know about honeymoon island. CLEARWATER BEACH: The famous white sand and crystal water beach, with great options for restaurants, bars, a waterfront park for the kids, and tons of local shops. How to plan your visit to Caladesi Island, one of America's Top 10 You can save $1 off your ferry ticket (good for up to 6 people) by using this coupon. The journey time is 20 minutes. It was in the mid-1500s when the Spanish explorers first surveyed this coast. Hello Kathleen, I am glad you found my article helpful. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. Book your experience . There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Caladesi Island State Park: Kayaking to an island paradise A Short Guide to Visiting Caladesi Island | One of Florida's Last Untouched Islands, The Best Travel Water Filter Bottles For Your Next Trip, A Short Guide To Cala Galdana | An Excellent Base in the South of Menorca, 10 Wonderful Things to do in St Pete, Florida, A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Clearwater, Florida, 22 Wonderful Airbnbs in St Pete, Florida | For City and Beach Lovers, The St Pete Revival Story | A New Side to Florida, Our Favourite Hipster Foodie Hangouts in Downtown St Pete. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. Though, during the summer months, things can get lively near the municipal marina, so you may choose to explore the resort or private marinas for a more peaceful night stay. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. The state park is a hidden gem, with stunning beaches that have not yet become overpopulated. Details - Clearwater Beach .com Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. You can hike along the nature trail, rent a kayak and paddle through the three mile long mangrove trail, or even go fishing where your catch of the day may be snook, redfish, trout, or . Honeymoon Boat Island, FL, Boat Tour - Bay Excursions Another popular spot for boaters to park is Three Rooker Bar. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Dr. Beach again ranks Caladesi Island among country's best beaches Caladesi Island State Park: Shelling And White Sand Beach Paradise In Learn how your comment data is processed. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Caladesi Island State Park | Florida Hikes Just dont expect to see a large number of sea life here. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. } There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. forgetting about Catalina for the moment). There is a three-mile loop that runs around the island if you want to do some hiking and explore the nature trail on Caladesi Island. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. , How long does it take to walk to Caladesi Island? Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. The trail is clearly sign-posted from the marina; follow the path that leads to the beach and youll quickly encounter another sign directing you left to the trail. About Us - Caladesi Island Ferry