Whilst Caladesi was indeed once an island, separated from Clearwater Beach by a body of water known as the Dunedin Pass, for the last couple of decades its been possible to walk between the two; sand accumulation causing the development of a sand bar and a Hurricane named Elena having sealied the pass completely. This is absolutely the best guide you can find on the web on how to explore Caladesi Island in Florida, and here I cover pretty much everything you need to know to make your visit memorable. Thanks. Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. We also saw a bunch of armadillos roaming around the island so keep an eye out for them. Plus, if you want to just sit on the Caladesi Island beach and relax, it is a beautiful place to do that! 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. There are multiple spots to park your car in Clearwater, however wed recommend picking a carpark at the northern section of the beach to not needlessly add extra distance to your walk to Caladesi. Caladesi Island is a short boat ride away from Clearwater Beach. You'll love the wood burning fireplace for cooler evenings. Honeymoon Island State Park, as well as Caladesi Island State Park to the south, offer public beaches with bath houses and showers, picnic tables, grills, and nature trails. There are only two ways to get to Caladesi Island: take the Caladesi Connection ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park or walk over from Clearwater Beach. - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) A Florida fishing license may be required. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . You also need to pay the entrance fee to the Honeymoon Island State Park which is between $2 and $4 per adult. If you want to rent a kayak to explore the mangrove trails, it's more convenient to rent directly from the State Park so you don't have to paddle across Hurricane Pass first. This blue water beach in Florida is so pretty from above. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. If you are traveling from Clearwater you will most likely get on the ferry at the Caladesi Island Ferry Tickets & Information area. If you need a safe ride to get you to Florida's private haven, Bay Excursions offers the best private boat tours to Caladesi Island State Park, FL. When you first get off of the ferry, look for the Shells of Caladesi Island display. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. Book your experience . Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. It simply would not be safe. (at $2.57 per gal.) By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. The short trip on St. Joseph Sound takes about 20 minutes. Yet, you will still have to pay a $6 entrance fee per boat with up to eight people. Kids below five years old are free. Check out our recommendations for camping chairs for kids here! I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! LUXURY OPTION: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. Bottom line is to get into all this IF you may like kayaking (i.e. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. Caladesi Beach. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. "Caladesi is reached by pedestrian ferry boat, private boats or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach-the inlet is closed so Caladesi is no longer a true island, but still a great getaway . Dunedin. The round-trip is $16 per adult and $8 per kid from 6-12 years. If you want to explore more of the mangroves, you can paddle through the island on the Mangrove Kayak Trail. Departures from Honeymoon Island State Park begin at 10 a.m. and take place every half hour. I would ask the park staff for help finding them. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. 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. When you rent your kayak or if you are taking your own, be aware that you will need to cross the boat channel, so make sure you are aware and safe. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. So feel free to bring them for a hike but only if you kayak over or bring them on your own private boat. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. 34. $16 per adult (age 13+) for round-trip ferry. With powdery soft white sand covered in shells, clear emerald waters, mangrove trees and wildlife galore you really almost feel like you are on a deserted island paradise. All Rights Reserved. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. Head out to exclusive beaches, only accessible by boat near beautiful Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Tarpon Springs. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01N4BU0E1";
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. } You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. If you plan on taking the ferry from Honeymoon Island and you're active/retired military, bring your DD214 so you can get a discount on the ferry fare and so you can get into the state park for free. To get to Caladesi, most people ride the $14 ferry from Honeymoon Island. You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. How to Get Around: To reach Anclote Key, take a Sun Line Cruises ferry from Tarpon Springs or a Windsong Sailing Charters private sail (plus dinghy to reach the island) from New Port Richey.. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Here is my backyard, and the place to choose to call home. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes. The two islands weren't always connected, but they are now. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. 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. It's paradise found. There is no camping at Caladesi Island, but the 108-slip marina is equipped with water and electricity for overnight boat stays. Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip! You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. During certain times of year stingrays will frequent the waters and to prevent getting stung you should walk through the water by shuffling your feet along the bottom. } Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. Facebook; . The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. Kids ages 5 and under ride free. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. This isolated island features 4 miles of pristine white sandy beaches, a 3-mile mangrove-shaded kayak trail, and a peaceful nature path. Here are some further articles you may enjoy: If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. If you are looking for an adventurous way to get to the island, rent a kayak! You can expect to see lots of birds along the shore. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . 3.7/5 Good! Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. Visiting Caladesi Island and this part of Florida is one of the great things to do in Orlando with kids because it is one of the closest beaches. You can find the complete trail route here. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. It's the most popular and easiest way to get to the island unless you have your own boat. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. If you are driving, you reach Honeymoon Island State Park via the 2.5 miles long Dunedin Causeway Use this address on the GPS: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 Phone information: 727-469-5918 OFFICIAL WEBSITE, Combined, both islands have nearly a thousand acres of coastal wilderness to be explored. As ever, please be a responsible and respectful visitor, and give all wildlife the necessary space and distance when observing. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. Your email address will not be published. Things can go wrong, and you dont want to get stuck paying tons of money if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. You can stay all day if you come in your own boat/kayak or walk in. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. You can also easily bring your own chairs across on the ferry. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. Kayak | A great option if youd like a little more adventure, its possible to kayak across to the island. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. , Can you take alcohol to Caladesi Island? Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. 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. We explored the entire island, went shelling, swam, and snorkeled in the crystal clear water, and we even got the surprise of a lifetime when two beautiful dolphins swam right by us! You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island should kayaking not be your thing, and the ferry fare includes the state park entry fee. Keep your eyes peeled in the water for stingrays, crabs and an abundance of tropical fish, but dont forget to look up to spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, sandpipers, pelicans, osprey and cormorants. It is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in the United States, the 600-acre State Park is accessible only by boat or kayak. I wish I had found it sooner! , What to do if you see an alligator in Florida? The unique continental shelf off the coast of Florida is very flat making it a lot easier for shells to remain intact when coming to shore. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. Boat camping . Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. There are no overnight Caladesi Island State Park camping facilities or lodging available on the island. No pets are allowed on the ferry. . The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. The ferry drop-off & pick-up point is also the visitor hub of the island, with a small cafe / restaurant, bathroom facilities, and tourist information. The most exclusive way to get to Easter Island by boat is on one of the cruises that include the island as a stopover in their itineraries through the South Pacific and those called Around the World. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. There are two ferry boats. 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. 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. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island Private Boat Having your boat means convenient and independent access to Caladesi Island. Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. listeners: [], Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. This is the side facing the mainland. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. Another popular spot for boaters to park is Three Rooker Bar. 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. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island.
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. } You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. If you plan on taking the ferry from Honeymoon Island and you're active/retired military, bring your DD214 so you can get a discount on the ferry fare and so you can get into the state park for free. To get to Caladesi, most people ride the $14 ferry from Honeymoon Island. You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. How to Get Around: To reach Anclote Key, take a Sun Line Cruises ferry from Tarpon Springs or a Windsong Sailing Charters private sail (plus dinghy to reach the island) from New Port Richey.. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Here is my backyard, and the place to choose to call home. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes. The two islands weren't always connected, but they are now. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. 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. It's paradise found. There is no camping at Caladesi Island, but the 108-slip marina is equipped with water and electricity for overnight boat stays. Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip! You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. During certain times of year stingrays will frequent the waters and to prevent getting stung you should walk through the water by shuffling your feet along the bottom. } Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. Facebook; . The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. Kids ages 5 and under ride free. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. This isolated island features 4 miles of pristine white sandy beaches, a 3-mile mangrove-shaded kayak trail, and a peaceful nature path. Here are some further articles you may enjoy: If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. If you are looking for an adventurous way to get to the island, rent a kayak! You can expect to see lots of birds along the shore. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . 3.7/5 Good! Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. Visiting Caladesi Island and this part of Florida is one of the great things to do in Orlando with kids because it is one of the closest beaches. You can find the complete trail route here. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. It's the most popular and easiest way to get to the island unless you have your own boat. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. If you are driving, you reach Honeymoon Island State Park via the 2.5 miles long Dunedin Causeway Use this address on the GPS: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 Phone information: 727-469-5918 OFFICIAL WEBSITE, Combined, both islands have nearly a thousand acres of coastal wilderness to be explored. As ever, please be a responsible and respectful visitor, and give all wildlife the necessary space and distance when observing. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. Your email address will not be published. Things can go wrong, and you dont want to get stuck paying tons of money if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. You can stay all day if you come in your own boat/kayak or walk in. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. You can also easily bring your own chairs across on the ferry. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. Kayak | A great option if youd like a little more adventure, its possible to kayak across to the island. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. , Can you take alcohol to Caladesi Island? Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. 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. We explored the entire island, went shelling, swam, and snorkeled in the crystal clear water, and we even got the surprise of a lifetime when two beautiful dolphins swam right by us! You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island should kayaking not be your thing, and the ferry fare includes the state park entry fee. Keep your eyes peeled in the water for stingrays, crabs and an abundance of tropical fish, but dont forget to look up to spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, sandpipers, pelicans, osprey and cormorants. It is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in the United States, the 600-acre State Park is accessible only by boat or kayak. I wish I had found it sooner! , What to do if you see an alligator in Florida? The unique continental shelf off the coast of Florida is very flat making it a lot easier for shells to remain intact when coming to shore. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. Boat camping . Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. There are no overnight Caladesi Island State Park camping facilities or lodging available on the island. No pets are allowed on the ferry. . The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. The ferry drop-off & pick-up point is also the visitor hub of the island, with a small cafe / restaurant, bathroom facilities, and tourist information. The most exclusive way to get to Easter Island by boat is on one of the cruises that include the island as a stopover in their itineraries through the South Pacific and those called Around the World. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. There are two ferry boats. 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. 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. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island Private Boat Having your boat means convenient and independent access to Caladesi Island. Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. listeners: [], Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. This is the side facing the mainland. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. Another popular spot for boaters to park is Three Rooker Bar. 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. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island.