The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. Click Here Caladesi Connection Accessibility & Inclusion Policy 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. Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. 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. Caladesi Island has a circular loop trail that covers the internal portion of the island, the length of which is approximately three miles. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe. Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful, Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603, Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy. Click here to view the Caladesi Island State Park Florida map. 1 Cswy. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. , Can you take alcohol to Caladesi Island? The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. ); window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { I wish I had found it sooner! LOCATION:Offshore island - Dunedin FL 34698 - 727-469-5918 HOURS:Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. 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. What items are allowed on the ferry and island? It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. { 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. 38K views 2. There is no camping at Caladesi Island, but the 108-slip marina is equipped with water and electricity for overnight boat stays. 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! If you are traveling from Clearwater you will most likely get on the ferry at the Caladesi Island Ferry Tickets & Information area. The marina has electrical and water hookups for you to use. Caladesi Island State Park is right off of the coast near Clearwater, Florida. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. They rent single and double kayaks. 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. Find flights to Caladesi . 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. 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. 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. 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. The walk to the island is not a short one but can be done. PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. $16 per adult (age 13+) for round-trip ferry. 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. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abf2008044e57c08c8e226cf51577ad9" );document.getElementById("ge423fe4ca").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi, I'm Stacey! Hidden Gems in Florida, you Wont Believe it! Mar 27 - Mar 28. Depending on how long you want to spend on the island, you can pick a two-hour or four-hour rental. Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Free admission for children under 5. 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. Where is Caladesi Island State Park, Florida? 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. There are 108 places available. So if you own a boat or decide to rent one then feel free to head on over. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. 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. 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. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. forms: { To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. Departures from Honeymoon Island State Park begin at 10 a.m. and take place every half hour. Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. In fact, Caladesi Island is one of the best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking. These include the Caladesi Island Ferry, using a private boat, or renting a kayak. For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. 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). It has deep and fine-grained white sand. 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. Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. But the adage holds particularly true for Caladesi: it is accessible only by boat, a ferry that runs hourly from Honeymoon Island. There is also a small playground near the beach. You can rent two of the wonderfully photogenic blue sunbeds and a matching parasol for $30 for four hours or alternatively just show up and your towel down wherever you fancy! The St. Pete Revival Story | A New Side to Florida, Our Favourite Hipster Foodie Hangouts in Downtown St. Pete, Tagged: florida, clearwater, St Pete and Clearwater. This is the side facing the mainland. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. Travel smarter and safer You can do your quick quote below and find out how little you can pay for the essential benefit of Travel Insurance for your next trip! Here is my backyard, and the place to choose to call home. The best time for shelling is at low tide. Generally considered an easy route. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. The island was originally set to be commercialized like Clearwater is but the park services bought the land and kept it the paradise it is today. My husband and I kicked off the summer by visiting the Island and we had a wonderful time! 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. The best place to rent a Calades Island kayak from is Sail Honeymoon. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. Yet, you will still have to pay a $6 entrance fee per boat with up to eight people. Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Lanie, Billerica, Massachusetts. Large osprey nests located in the top of barren pine snags may be seen. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. (If you're of the yachting class, enjoy the island's 110-slip marina. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. 5316 Us Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL, 34652. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
$2 per kayaker. The drive from Clearwater to where you get on the Caladesi ferry is about 25 minutes. Here are the costs for going to Caladesi Island on the ferry leaving from Honeymoon Island. Finding SHELLS when there are no shell piles - Caladesi Island, Florida Solace in. All natural beach with tons of shells. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. } You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. Along with birdlife, you can see some sea life in the clear water like stingrays, lots of fish, and crabs. I would ask the park staff for help finding them. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax. 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. Dunedin. HOW TO GET THERE 1. 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! They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. The beautiful sand is covered in hundreds and thousands of seashells and many of them are in perfect unbroken condition. 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! Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island Private Boat Having your boat means convenient and independent access to Caladesi Island. 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. So feel free to bring them for a hike but only if you kayak over or bring them on your own private boat. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. 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. 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/. There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. 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. If you want to walk onto the island, you can walk from Clearwater Beach. More Florida Adventure Posts You'll Love! It may require you to walk through the water at times though. It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. Kids below five years old are free. Or if you prefer to relax, bring a book and a chair so you can read the day away to the sound of the ocean. During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! 3.7/5 Good! , How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? There is a small souvenir shop there as well. If you don't want to shlep your own gear, you can rent chairs and an umbrella for $30 for four hours on the island. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. 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. 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. listeners: [], Head out to exclusive beaches, only accessible by boat near beautiful Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Tarpon Springs. If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! We are able to adjust location pickup, just be sure to ask. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. Ferry Coming from Honeymoon Island, you'll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. Both parks also have concession stand/restaurants and pay phones. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 25 min to complete. You can also arrange rental of a picnic pavilion (contact in advance). , How far is the walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? forgetting about Catalina for the moment). The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. 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 sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? I veganize your favorite classic recipes and transform them into irresistible meals that are made entirely from plants! By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (maps). Caladesi State Park Guidelines Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. 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. In this video we share our experience walking to one of the best Florida beaches and share tips along the way. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. We also saw a bunch of armadillos roaming around the island so keep an eye out for them. Learn how your comment data is processed. thank you for this very interesting article. You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. 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). Functions & Structure | The Gardeners World, The Best Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier 2023, Best Hitch Cargo Carriers: Instantly Add Extra Carrying Capacity, The Best Hitch Cargo Carriers for Your Vehicle, 7 Best Hitch Cargo Carriers - (Reviews & Guide 2022), Shimla Kullu Manali Honeymoon Packages - Honeymoon to Shimla Kullu Manali, Walking to Caladesi Island from Clearwater. You know the deal, sort of like that scene in Top Gun. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. If you rent a boat for a day in Tampa then Caladesi Island would be a great stop to make! Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. There are two ferry boats. TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. 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. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do on Caladesi Island. , Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? 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 . They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. 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, ? Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. Marina at Caladesi Island State Park. You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island. Fishing is allowed in designated areas around the island so bring your fishing poles if you want to catch your own dinner. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. 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 Barrier Islands are only accessible by boats and your private trip is no exception. Can I share it on our website BarrierBeach ? 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. (727) 469-5918. Make your reservation online, or call us at (727) 595-0000 today! At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. You can bring your own food to Caladesi Island. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. 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. 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. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! You can take $1.00 off your ticket with this Caladesi Island Ferry coupon. The trail itself is very easy, and completely flat, but would be more challenging in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. Dont forget to include a visit to Honeymoon Island while you are here, you will love your adventure in this piece of paradise. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. $2 per person for pedestrians, kayakers or SUP paddleboards. The walking is close to 3 miles and takes approximately 90 minutes. You can also get to Caladesi Island by a private boat ($6 per boat / kayak is $2 per person). If you want to explore more of the mangroves, you can paddle through the island on the Mangrove Kayak Trail. Here the water is so shallow and clear that you get to see all kinds of wildlife, like stingrays, sharks, crabs and lots of fish. There are two picnic pavilions available for rent. Things to Do at Caladesi Island. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. You can expect to find lots of open space on the beach with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. stand up paddleboarding on the Weeki Wachee River. Have fun and enjoy this nearly untouched beach paradise right by Tampa. The 23 best CrossFit workouts | Can you handle these Elite WODs? Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. Be sure to ask for directions from the Sail Honeymoon staff and keep an eye out for boats and other motorcraft while you are on the water. 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 . Trips depart every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. All Rights Reserved. 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. There are docks you can use where the ferry boats dock or you can anchor wherever you would like. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. Child ticket valid for ages 6-12. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature, and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. The docks are equipped with electric and water service and the pavilions have grills available for public use. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stacehomem-20";
If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. It is full of opportunities for relaxing at the Caladesi beach, enjoying the nature trails, Caladesi Island shelling, and swimming. If youre looking at visiting some of the other beautiful beaches on this side of Florida, we recommend looking into nearby Marco Island and Lovers Key State Park. 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. It's quite a walk from the ferry loading dock to the beach on the other side of the island. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. If you want to try and time your visit around low tide this website can tell you what times will be best. Copyright All Rights Reserved. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island over to Caladesi Island. 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. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. Be aware that you may see some dolphins or even manatees along the way and enjoy nature and the views! You can either anchor wherever you can get to. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. 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. Whilst Clearwater did sometimes fulfil a few of those preconceptions, a trip to Caladesi blew them out of the water. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. Book your experience . 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. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. It truly is an island paradise - and somewhere we highly recommend visiting if youre spending week or so in Clearwater. Guide to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on the Weeki Wachee River, 10 Fun Activities to do at Rainbow Springs State Park, 159 Disney Cruise Tips That You Need to Know, Everything You Need to Know About Castaway Cay. Required fields are marked *. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Where the boardwalk ends at the beach, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs. You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. You do not need to pre-book your the return ferry trip time, but its a good idea in high season to take a note of the timetable and get in the queue before the ferry arrives (it can get quite busy). If you are spending the day or camping on Caladesi Island overnight at the dock slips, there are quite a few amenities on the island to make your stay more comfortable. VeganDisneyCouple 59K views 3 years ago Custom Gheenoe Low Tide 25 (40C020) 15K views 2 years ago We got a new Gheenoe LT25!!