Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. You will enjoy Gulf front views & Intracoastal views 180 degrees, including Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island, Sand Key, Dunedin, Clearwater, Pier 60, and Sand Key & Clearwater bridges. The journey time is 20 minutes. It is a beautiful beach with very small waves, making it a great place to go swimming. For travelers up to the task, you can also walk to the park. 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. 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). This is one of the best things to do on Caladesi Island. 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! Starting at 10 am each day, there are departures every 30 minutes every day (except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving). 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. Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island Walk Easy 4.6 (47) Caladesi Island State Park Photos (200) Directions Print/PDF map Length 8.5 miElevation gain 9 ftRoute type Out & back Get to know this 8.5-mile out-and-back trail near Clearwater Beach, Florida. 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. Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. The trail itself is very easy, and completely flat, but would be more challenging in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and providing you with an unforgettable experience. The passes just off the shore make great waters for catching tarpon, snook, redfish, seatrout, flounder, grouper, sharks, and more. It is a six mile walk round trip from the most northern part of Clearwater, so three miles each way through the sand. Have fun and enjoy this nearly untouched beach paradise right by Tampa. PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. To access by boat from Marker 14 on the Dunedin Causeway Channel, follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park marina. 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. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. HOA is only $120 a month which covers gates, all clubhouse amenities, basic cable and internet. However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. Yes dogs are allowed on Caladesi Island but there are a few caveats. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . Welcome to CS Ginger! The Barrier Islands are only accessible by boats and your private trip is no exception. There is a three-mile mangrove trail on the island so if you are wanting to explore that you will want more time, potentially even a whole day. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. 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. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. (If you're of the yachting class, enjoy the island's 110-slip marina. 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. 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. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. Honeymoon Island is located 8.7 miles away. Nearby Sanibel Island off the coast of Fort Myers is often referred to as the seashell capital of the world but we found really beautiful shells along the whole west coast of Florida. Copyright All Rights Reserved. forgetting about Catalina for the moment). The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. Details. Find flights to Caladesi . Kids ages 5 and under ride free. , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? Boat camping . ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the park. We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. 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). The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. They are located on the south side of the causeway leading to Honeymoon Island. Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. Try to visit on a weekday so you can experience the beach with even fewer tourists. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far 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. There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. Caladesi Island Ferry The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. There is no camping at Caladesi Island, but the 108-slip marina is equipped with water and electricity for overnight boat stays. No pets are allowed on the ferry. Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. I hope that you have the best time during your visit to Caladesi Island State Park! This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. A boat charter through Sandbar Rehab is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace and spend some time out on the beautiful water. However, Caladesi is just as beautiful as Clearwater Beach with the extra perks of having fewer people and the beauty of an untouched island. Thanks. Mar 27 - Mar 28. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is easier to find shells out on the sandbar during low tide than high tide. 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. 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! I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. 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. 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. LOCATION:Offshore island - Dunedin FL 34698 - 727-469-5918 HOURS:Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Tip: Shuffle your feet in the sand to avoid being stung by a stingray. Thank goodness they did. Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. The oak and palm hammock are really unique and fun to see. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. This blue water beach in Florida is so pretty from above. Always check the weather conditions and tides ahead of your visit here. 15.22 mi from city center. You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. - Gary McKechnie When you go. Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. The four miles of flat beach with the nearby shallow waters make Caladesi State Park a great place to go snorkeling, especially for families. They are however allowed on the rest of the island as long as they are on a leash. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. You can expect to find lots of open space on the beach with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. 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. , What to do if you see an alligator in Florida? 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. My husband and I kicked off the summer by visiting the Island and we had a wonderful time! Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. In fact, Caladesi Island is one of the best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Plus, if you want to just sit on the Caladesi Island beach and relax, it is a beautiful place to do that! Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. The marina has electrical and water hookups for you to use. 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! You can find great options for a trip with a family, a couple, or solo there is an adventure for everyone. 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 . Caladesi Island Ferry Palm Harbor, FL 34682 727-734-5263 Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 469-5918 STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS More Florida Adventure Posts You'll Love! Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. There is so much to do and explore on Caladesi Island, it would be hard to do it all in a day but dont let that stop you from trying. It's the most popular and easiest way to get to the island unless you have your own boat. You just have to register before dark. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. The walking is close to 3 miles and takes approximately 90 minutes. There's more than just the four miles of pristine beach at Caladesi Island to enjoy. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) There is a small cafe, which serves fish and chips, hamburgers and sandwiches, along with cold drinks and snacks. 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! 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. Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. This shell bag is so handy to have because you wont have to carry your shells and the holes in the bag let out the access water and sand. Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. 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. per night. Caladesi Island State Park A truly untouched island offering natural delights Hours The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year Fees $6 per boat See all fees Location Offshore island Dunedin FL 34698 Get directions Contact Info 727-469-5918 Park Menu Hours & Fees Experiences & Amenities Public Notice The Captain of the boat stopped in both directions so we could all enjoy the dolphins that were swimming around us. 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. Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island Private Boat Having your boat means convenient and independent access to Caladesi 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. Wear your bathing suit to the park so you can jump in the water as soon as you get there. This guide has the answers to all of your questions + tips for having the best experience while you're visiting the island. Learn more about non-ferry fees and options at https://www.floridastateparks.org How Long: Up to four hours for ferry visitors. There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. You will also be required to pay the $2 entry fee upon arrival to the island. Hello Kathleen, I am glad you found my article helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. 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. Our Location View Larger Map Located In Beautiful Florida Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida Phone: 727-734-5263 Check out our Caladesi Island Ferry Specials and Coupons! The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. But the adage holds particularly true for Caladesi: it is accessible only by boat, a ferry that runs hourly from Honeymoon Island. And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Caladesi Island was voted one of the top beaches in the U.S., Caladesi Beach is a pristine, undeveloped island haven off the coast of Clearwater Beach. For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. The drive from Clearwater to where you get on the Caladesi ferry is about 25 minutes. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. 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. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! 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. 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!) Alcoholic beverage consumptionis allowed in designated areas only. Tickets must be bought in person at the ticket office in the carpark. Click here to view the Caladesi Island State Park Florida map. There are 108 places available. The ferry only takes about . There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if youre unsure. At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. Hop aboard a private cruise with Captain Nick on this Clearwater Afternoon Pontoon Cruise. But before we jump into the amazing things to do in Caladesi Island State Park, lets review some practical information: Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Caladesi Island State Park is west of Dunedin, Florida, and just north of the very popular Clearwater Beach. The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. Along the Caladesi beach, you will see a variety of wildlife, sea life, shells, and beautiful water. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Kayak | A great option if youd like a little more adventure, its possible to kayak across to the island. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. Large osprey nests located in the top of barren pine snags may be seen. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. I've lived in Florida for 30 years and I just recently got to visit Caladesi Island State Park for the first time. 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. The round-trip is $16 per adult and $8 per kid from 6-12 years. It truly is an island paradise - and somewhere we highly recommend visiting if youre spending week or so in Clearwater. The island is only accessible by boat, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. Nice beaches on the East side of the Northern tip. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. The large island bar opens to the living room. Caladesi Island State Park. Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. thank you for this very interesting article. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. You can even find whole sand dollars among the beautiful collection of shells. Trips run every half hour February to September and hourly the rest of the year. A nice boat ride to Caladesi Island (about 20 minutes). Three Rooker Island, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Caladesi Island State Park are all visible during your cruise to some secluded beaches only accessible by boat. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! Cruises are an excellent way to spend a few days, weeks or months of vacation visiting many . 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. event : evt, In this video we share our experience walking to one of the best Florida beaches and share tips along the way. 13 Delicious Quick Service Meals at Disney World That Vegans Will Love!

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