Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. Starting at 10 am each day, there are departures every 30 minutes every day (except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving). Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. Save your energy for playing at the Caladesi beach and take the ferry! If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. A slightly annoying additional cost is the need to pay the entry fee to Honeymoon Island in order to access the ferry terminal; thatll set you back $8 per vehicle. After exploring the beautiful beaches and trails on Caladesi Island, it is time to see it from the sky. The island has about four miles of beach. Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property. The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. , Can you bring chairs to Caladesi Island? How to visit Ten Thousand Islands, Florida | A Comprehensive Guide + 8 Things to do, Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida: Complete Guide + Insider Tips, https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. Lanie, Billerica, Massachusetts. The ferry only takes about . Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. Top Things to do in Caladesi Island State Park, Best Accommodations Options Nearby Caladesi Island State Park, FL, Where to Eat near Caladesi Island, Florida, Caladesi Island State Park Nearby Things to do, Caladesi Island State Park, FL Conclusion, best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking, 22 Best Things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, Discover the ecological paradise of Ten Thousand Islands in Florida, All you need to know about renting an RV for the First Time. Your email address will not be published. } Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip! Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. I am here now to share all my best inside tips about this paradise in Florida, and learn from a local how to better explore Caladesi Island State Park! Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. Both parks also have concession stand/restaurants and pay phones. Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. Caladesi State Park Guidelines Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. The terrain is flat and easy to walk along with a few sandy spots. Food. The unique geography off the coast of Florida means that many of the shells that would normally fragment when coming to shore remain mostly intact - thats what makes this part of the world is such a popular shelling destination! The slip spots have 30 amp electrical and water hookups. One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. If you are looking for an adventurous way to get to the island, rent a kayak! Welcome to CS Ginger! Be sure to pack your own water and a snack because that's a long way in the sun! The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. You can fish off the shore, from a kayak, or on a boat. 2023 Greatfallswhitesox. I've lived in Florida for 30 years and I just recently got to visit Caladesi Island State Park for the first time. Get ready for a great time! The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! What a great place I chose to call home- Caladesi Island in Florida is among one of the best State Parks in the U.S. Here are ADDITIONAL AWESOME THINGS TO DO AROUND Caladesi Island State Park: HONEYMOON ISLAND: It is a must-do if you are visiting Caladesi island, is to spend some time at the next-door Honeymoon Island State Park, just kayak there or take the ferry. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . There are a few nature trails to explore like the beach loop or hammock loop. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
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. However, Caladesi is just as beautiful as Clearwater Beach with the extra perks of having fewer people and the beauty of an untouched island. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. Take a day trip to the serene Caladesi Island State Park. The entrance fee is $6 per boat for up to 8 people. 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. Whether you want to just run up to and explore the Islands or pack a lunch . Prior to this, we had an assumption that most Florida beaches would be a little like the ones we'd seen on TV - bodybuilders, cocktail bars, spring break (whooo!) 2 reviews of 3 Rooker Island "Three Rooker Island, also known as three hooker island, is 3 miles offshore southwest from Fred Howard Park beach of Tarpon Springs and only accessible by boat. To ride the ferry . If you arent bringing your own food onto the island, there is a caf where you can order lunch and drinks. The paradisaical beauty of Caladesi Island State Park is worth every cent, especially when you book with us. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. It's paradise found. This hotel is cool because it has a rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant and it is a perfect location for a happy hour with a million dollars views of the bay. Dunedin. Feel free to bring your coolers, chairs, umbrellas, wagons, food etc. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. You can rent a kayak on Caladesi Island (or launch your own) and explore the mangrove tunnels. $114. 15.22 mi from city center. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. It may require you to walk through the water at times though. This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. It is easier to find shells out on the sandbar during low tide than high tide. Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. Boat camping . No pets are allowed on the ferry. My husband and I kicked off the summer by visiting the Island and we had a wonderful time! 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. 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. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. With a beach that was named the No. Book your experience . Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. It is not an overly difficult walk but roundtrip it is about 6 miles. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. It was in the mid-1500s when the Spanish explorers first surveyed this coast. You cannot walk from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. Let's Pin the Planet together! If you love nature and are looking for a pristine beach area with options for plenty of other activities to keep everyone happy, I really recommend visiting Caladesi Island State Park and enjoying this hidden paradise in Florida. Play games, eat snacks, take a nap, whatever is your preference. Child ticket valid for ages 6-12. 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. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if youre unsure. View from the ferry on the trip to Caladesi Island (photo by Marcea Cazel) A part of the Florida State Park System, Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. All natural beach with tons of shells. Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Copyright All Rights Reserved. Dunedin, FL 34698. During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! Half the fun of any day trip to Caladesi is the journey. The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! Your email address will not be published. When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. There are two picnic pavilions available for rent. We also saw a bunch of armadillos roaming around the island so keep an eye out for them. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. The journey time is 20 minutes. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. You also need to pay the entrance fee to the Honeymoon Island State Park which is between $2 and $4 per adult. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. Where is Caladesi Island State Park, Florida? Thank goodness they did. If you are visiting during the winter months you might get lucky and see a manatee in the mangrove trees. You'll love the wood burning fireplace for cooler evenings. This all varies with traffic as well. If you are looking for a nice dinner or a full meal, I have made some recommendations on my favorite restaurants and a close distance from Honeymoon Island: There are plenty of fantastic activities to explore around Caladesi Island. Where Caladesi was once a separate island, a few years ago, and deposits connected it to Clearwater Beach for over 2 miles. btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. { You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
From the north end of Clearwater Beach (near the Surfside Condominiums) it's about a 3 mile walk to the area of Caladesi Island where the cafe and restrooms are. There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! VeganDisneyCouple 59K views 3 years ago Custom Gheenoe Low Tide 25 (40C020) 15K views 2 years ago We got a new Gheenoe LT25!! 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. There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. Caladesi Island State Park Information Entrance Fees by Private Boat $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. But those in the know and health, can also paddle over from the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Clearwater Beach. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. Re: Personal boat to Caladesi Island State Park 11 years ago Save Yes you can. Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. Ferry Coming from Honeymoon Island, you'll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. You can catch the 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park (starting at 10 AM) for $14 roundtrip per adult ($7 per child aged 6-12, kids 5 and under are free). Caladesi Island State Park is a separate state park from Honeymoon Island State Park, but it's only accessible by private boat or via ferry from Honeymoon Island. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. Trips depart every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. There are no overnight Caladesi Island State Park camping facilities or lodging available on the island. You can also easily bring your own chairs across on the ferry. Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. It is full of opportunities for relaxing at the Caladesi beach, enjoying the nature trails, Caladesi Island shelling, and swimming. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designate areas only. This is the side facing the mainland. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. Can I share it on our website BarrierBeach ? In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. Visitors may spot dolphins leaping alongside the ferry, but they won't see any alligators. Tickets for adults cost $16 per person, kids age 6-12 cost $8 and kids 5 and under are free. Halfway between the beach and boat dock, there are showers, changing rooms, restrooms, and a drinking fountain. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. With 3 Miles of pristine beaches accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island is an unspoiled paradise,and a magical place for swimming, sun-bathing, picnics, snorkeling, or shelling! (at $2.57 per gal.) There are docks you can use or I even saw people bring their boats close to the shallows and then swim the rest of the way to shore. 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. You can get to the island via the Caladesi Island Ferry, (727) 734-5263, which departs from Honeymoon Island and runs from 10:00 am to 5 pm, weather and attendance permitting. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Caladesi island shelling is a lot of fun! Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Alcoholic beverage consumptionis allowed in designated areas only. You can take $1.00 off your ticket with this Caladesi Island Ferry coupon. There is a small cafe, which serves fish and chips, hamburgers and sandwiches, along with cold drinks and snacks. This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! For travelers up to the task, you can also walk to the park. If you dont have your own, you can rent a kayak, stand-up board, or a sailboat on the Dunedin Causeway and it is a short 15 minutes to the island from here. You know the deal, sort of like that scene in Top Gun. $2 per kayaker. Snead Island Boat Works. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and providing you with an unforgettable experience. Private boat lift and floating dock right in your . When we were there, we had the Caladesi Island beach almost to ourselves. We have to emphasize the around Caladesi Island because our favorite activity has been paddling along the east side of the island facing St. Joseph sound and the mainland. On top of seeing the plants and wildlife that inhabits Caladesi Island you can also find the remains of an old homestead. The ferry starts at 10AM and runs every 30 minutes . Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. Pack light! TOTAL FUEL USED 55 gal. No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. Considered a real gem in Florida, with pristine beaches and unspoiled nature, Caladesi Island is also considered one of the best beaches in America, and for a reason. It has white quartz sand that doesnt burn your feet. In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, there are hiking trails, boat docks, a ranger station, a concession stand, and of course abundant . Further down the boardwalk on your way to the beach there is a second smaller building where youll find the restrooms, showers and drinking fountain. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. Or, there are docks where the ferry boat docks. PINELLAS TRAIL: With over 25 miles of the rails-to-trails asphalt bike trail covering the entire Pinellas Peninsula runs through Dunedin and closes the Causeway. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. There is only one real building on the island, the ranger station which also houses the cafe and gift shop. They are located on the south side of the causeway leading to Honeymoon Island. The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. Rental of both single and double kayaks is available form Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway (maps). Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Dont forget the sunscreen and other sun protection. Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? The waters around Caladesi Island are teeming with marine life, making . Whether you are kayaking or taking the ferry to the Caladesi Island beach, I recommend that you pack lightand only bring what you can carry easily. , Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. We love spending time here as a family when we are in Clearwater with kids. Here is my backyard, and the place to choose to call home. Its the perfect spot to hang out for a few hours, taking dips in crystal clear water, lazing beneath the warm Floridian sun and generally enjoying being at one with nature. So if you own a boat or decide to rent one then feel free to head on over. There are a number of facilities at the disposal to Caladesi Island visitors. If you need help accessing the beach, you can contact the ranger station and they will assist you. Tickets cost $16 round trip per person ($8 for children 6-12 years old, free under 6 years) and this also entitles you to spend up to 4 hours on the island. Disembarking the ferryboat to Caladesi Island In addition to the state park fee quoted above, it costs $14 per adult, $7 per child for the ferryboat from Honeymoon Island State Park. Once you get to the island, there are lots of fun things to do and places to explore. (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. I like the tips, it makes it easier to visit the 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. Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. You can find great options for a trip with a family, a couple, or solo there is an adventure for everyone. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. But keep in mind that it's a 4-mile one-way journey from North Clearwater Beach. 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. . How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island?