To access by boat from Marker 14 on the Dunedin Causeway Channel, follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park marina. 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. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. 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. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! 15.22 mi from city center. Check Prices for Shell Bags on Amazon Here! 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! This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. Florida Kayaking: Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island forgetting about Catalina for the moment). There are two ferry boats. You can make your reservation online or first-come, first-served in the marina. TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. Caladesi Island: A Snorkeler's Paradise - DesertDivers The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Round-Trip Tickets - Caladesi Island Ferry | Groupon The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. Boating in Tampa Bay: The Best Boating Destinations, Restaurants and There are docks you can use where the ferry boats dock or you can anchor wherever you would like. There are quite a few turns and connecting trails so it is a good idea to take a picture of the trail map posted before heading out. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. 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. You can find the startpoint for the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi here, just off of Somerset Street. Caladesi island shelling is a lot of fun! It's paradise found. Food. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. Caladesi Island State Park - The Florida Guidebook } So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. One of the best places to go snorkeling is near Main Beach. Hours & Fees | Florida State Parks There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. There are about 45 shells shown on the board. Private boat lift and floating dock right in your . Just make sure you are aware of any regulations concerning size, numer, season, etc. Have fun and enjoy this nearly untouched beach paradise right by Tampa. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. , Can you bring chairs to Caladesi Island? They are however allowed on the rest of the island as long as they are on a leash. They rent single and double kayaks. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. All Rights Reserved. We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. Dr. Beach, or Stephen Leatherman, again ranked Caladesi Island State Park, one of the county's most remote beaches, as the seventh-best in the country. You can get to the island by taking the Caladesi Island ferry, by private boat, by renting (or using your own) a SUP, jet ski, or kayak. Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner - Tripadvisor However, boaters can dock overnight at the 108-slip marina as long as they register before sundown. You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. 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. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. Head to Florida's Space Coast for an Out-Of-This-World Vacation in 2023 We saw a great blue heron and lots of pelicans. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. The paddle to the island takes about 20 minutes. The ferries begin running at 10:00 a.m. every day, with numerous returns and departures, and you can stay on the island for 4 hours. Caladesi Island State Park | Florida Hikes TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. In fact, Caladesi Island is one of the best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . You can rent a kayak on Caladesi Island (or launch your own) and explore the mangrove tunnels. If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! Click here to view the Caladesi Island State Park Florida map. 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. Yes, you are allowed to bring chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc on the ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi. 18 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CLEARWATER FOR SUNNY FUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler 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. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
Not much to see there other than the nice views of the water, but you'll get that from Caladesi, and have the nicer of the two beaches. (727) 469-5918. 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. Rogue Fitness Stickers - Logo Stickers - CrossFit, CrossFit Workout Routines With The Best CrossFit Exercises. This can be reserved if you call in advance. You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax. A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. The ferry ride takes 20 minutes and takes you across hurricane pass, the water way between Honeymoon and Caladesi. I hope that you have the best time during your visit to Caladesi Island State Park! callback: cb Caladesi Island State Park is right off of the coast near Clearwater, Florida. Mar 27 - Mar 28. The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. Lanie, Billerica, Massachusetts. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. What items are allowed on the ferry and island? How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. You can check the tide schedule here. Save your energy for playing at the Caladesi beach and take the ferry! See address & details 1 Seminole Boat Ramp Stop: 10 minutes And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. The sun is strong though so dont forget your shade, sunhat and sunscreen. There is only one real building on the island, the ranger station which also houses the cafe and gift shop. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Caladesi Island near Clearwater At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. Along the trail, be sure to look for the armadillos and maybe even a raccoon, although youre more likely to see their tracks. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. Walk to Caladesi Island State Park - Clearwater Beach Blog 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/. on: function(evt, cb) { Caladesi Island has a circular loop trail that covers the internal portion of the island, the length of which is approximately three miles. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. If you want the best helicopter tour of Caladesi Island and the surrounding Clearwater Beaches, I suggest booking a guided tour with Tampa Bay Aviation. You cannot walk from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. Things to Do at Caladesi Island. Full disclaimer here. From the boardwalk, there is a T intersection that will have signs for the Island Trail. It simply would not be safe. Let's Pin the Planet together! There are a number of facilities at the disposal to Caladesi Island visitors. If you want to try and time your visit around low tide this website can tell you what times will be best. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. , How far is the walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? When you first get off of the ferry, look for the Shells of Caladesi Island display. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. 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. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. Can you rent beach chairs at Caladesi Island or Honeymoon Island? And even better, when you visit Caladesi Island, you cannot skip visiting the Honeymoon Island State Park I will explain here how to take full advantage of your visit. You will want to look for shells starting an hour before low tide. Kids ages 5 and under ride free. forms: { Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center. 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. 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. (727) 515-9575. When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. This does not apply if you are coming over on the ferry. The white sandy beaches and nature trails on the island make it a popular destination for boaters and beach goers. Caladesis protected status means that there is plenty of potential wildlife spotting to be done along her shores (as well as inland). To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather. Caladesi Island | Dunedin, FL Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. 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. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. Given the sunny nature of Floridian days (even during the winter months), its advisable to begin your walk as early as possible and be sure to carry plenty of water. 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. Day Trip Guide to Caladesi Island, Florida - Rachel's Crafted Life You can save $1 off your ferry ticket (good for up to 6 people) by using this coupon. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. 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. Caladesi Island. According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. Whilst Clearwater did sometimes fulfil a few of those preconceptions, a trip to Caladesi blew them out of the water. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island. (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. 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. It's quite a walk from the ferry loading dock to the beach on the other side of the island. 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! If you want to combine a trip out to Caladesi Island Florida with dolphin watching or exploring the area, you can book a private boat charter. I veganize your favorite classic recipes and transform them into irresistible meals that are made entirely from plants! Three Rooker island is a bird sanctuary for the black skimmer birds that looks like seagulls but are . 13 Delicious Quick Service Meals at Disney World That Vegans Will Love! This trip departs from the Ft Desoto Boat Ramp (click here for directions) Ages 12+ $45 Ages 3-11 $25 Ages 2 & Under No Charge Parking $5 Quick Details: Duration: 5 hours total | 3 hours island time | 60 mins to and from dock Departure times: 11am Daily! I wish I had found it sooner! The entrance fee is $6 per boat for up to 8 people. But those in the know and health, can also paddle over from the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Clearwater Beach. 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. Itinerary You'll start at Seminole Boat Ramp 198 Seminole St, Clearwater, FL 33755, USA Address is 198 Seminole St Clearwater, FL. However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe. 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. I've lived in Florida for 30 years and I just recently got to visit Caladesi Island State Park for the first time. Pack light! 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. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. This is not the official way to enter the island, and I havent personally done it. Greatfallswhitesox is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. You can bring your own food to Caladesi Island. You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. 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. 2023 Greatfallswhitesox. The cost for two hours is $35 for a single, and $45 for a double, but its possible to rent for up to a full day. You can get to the island by private boat, kayak, ferry, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. Plus, if you want to just sit on the Caladesi Island beach and relax, it is a beautiful place to do that! 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 also arrange rental of a picnic pavilion (contact in advance). Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. How To Visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida, according to a Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. event : evt, Where the boardwalk ends at the beach, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs. There is a small souvenir shop there as well. It may require you to walk through the water at times though. Want to know more? The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. 7 Ways to Explore Caladesi Island State Park Hidden Gems in Florida, you Wont Believe it! If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. Be aware that you may see some dolphins or even manatees along the way and enjoy nature and the views! Facebook; . 38K views 2. 5316 Us Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL, 34652. 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. If you are boating over to the island on your own boat, you can dock overnight at the marina. How to get to caladesi island? - JacAnswers For this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. 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. You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. When it comes to beaches in Florida, the St. Pete / Clearwater region really is spoiled for choice. Details - Clearwater Beach .com Yes dogs are allowed on Caladesi Island but there are a few caveats. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island should kayaking not be your thing, and the ferry fare includes the state park entry fee. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . They are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas as long as weather permits. You just have to register before dark. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Another popular spot for boaters to park is Three Rooker Bar. 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. We are able to adjust location pickup, just be sure to ask. Tips for a Nice Day Trip to Caladesi Island, Barbados International Travel Information, Best derma rollers for smooth, glowing skin at home, The Best Action Movies on Netflix Canada - December 2022, 20 of the Best Online Vintage Clothing Stores, Frstrkt nedsttning av arbetsgivaravgifter fr 1923-ringar under sommaren 2022 Socialfrskringsutskottets Betnkande 2021/22:SfU21 - Riksdagen, Japan Tour Package - Book Japan Holiday Packages from India at Best Price, ? Seasonally adjusted weather permitting. If you are looking for an adventurous way to get to the island, rent a kayak! Large osprey nests located in the top of barren pine snags may be seen. It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. We also saw a bunch of armadillos roaming around the island so keep an eye out for them. Both parks also have concession stand/restaurants and pay phones. It is not an overly difficult walk but roundtrip it is about 6 miles. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
Caladesi Island Ferry - Dream Vacation in Florida Kayakers and those with small boats can launch directly from the Honeymoon Island Causeway which is about a 15-minute boat ride away from Caladesi Island. We are here to show you that traveling as a family is not as hard as you might think. Fun Activities To Do At Caladesi Island State Park. 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. 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. Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. . The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. It's about 40 minutes (to the ferry terminal) from Clearwater Beach, 25 from Clearwater, an hour from St. Petersburg, and 50 minutes from Tampa. Find flights to Caladesi . The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Nice beaches on the East side of the Northern tip. } There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. The two islands Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island were once part of a single barrier island, and during the hurricane of 1921, they were split in half, getting the name Hurricane Pass. You will have to pay a $6 entry fee at the marina, and additional charges if you decide to stay overnight. Cruising Close To Home: Caladesi Island & Clearwater Beach When we were there, we had the Caladesi Island beach almost to ourselves. Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. So if you own a boat or decide to rent one then feel free to head on over. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . You can find the complete trail route here. If you do go over on the Caladesi ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. All natural beach with tons of shells. Great info. While we were on the Island I made sure to find out everything that I could so I could share the most current and up-to-date information with you. The beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island, it stretches for 4-miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. Caladesi Island State Park | Florida State Parks Located off Florida's Gulf Coast, west of the town of Dunedin and near the city of Clearwater, Caladesi Island State Park is famed for its unspoiled beach. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park ( maps) Starting at 10 am each day, there are departures every 30 minutes every day (except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving). More information can be found on the Caladesi Island Ferry website. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm.