ENTRY FEE: The boat fee is $6 per boat. 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. 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. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. I veganize your favorite classic recipes and transform them into irresistible meals that are made entirely from plants! Dont forget the sunscreen and other sun protection. This is one of the best things to do on Caladesi Island. Large osprey nests located in the top of barren pine snags may be seen. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) 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. 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. 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. Let's Pin the Planet together! Simply dock at the marina and enjoy the park on an overnight visit. Facebook; . 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. The best place to park if you want to walk out to the state park is at the northern end of Mandalay Avenue. Wear your bathing suit to the park so you can jump in the water as soon as you get there. After exploring the beautiful beaches and trails on Caladesi Island, it is time to see it from the sky. You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. (727) 469-5918. Save your energy for playing at the Caladesi beach and take the ferry! The paradisaical beauty of Caladesi Island State Park is worth every cent, especially when you book with us. We love spending time here as a family when we are in Clearwater with kids. Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. The following activities are all fun family-friendly things that you can do while on the island! But the adage holds particularly true for Caladesi: it is accessible only by boat, a ferry that runs hourly from Honeymoon Island. Your email address will not be published. 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. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! 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. . By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (maps). Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. See address & details 1 Seminole Boat Ramp Stop: 10 minutes 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! Tickets must be bought in person at the ticket office in the carpark. , How long does it take to walk 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. Caladesi Island. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. The Caladesi Island Kayak Experience It will definitely take some effort, but paddling through the clear waters is an experience worth having. This post may contain some affiliate links. Here are the top things you can do during your visit: If you are planning to visit Caladesi Island State Park and to stay overnight or during the weekend the closest area to stay is in Dunedin, followed by Clearwater I have listed the best accommodations options: COOLEST PLACE: Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection. There is no camping allowed on the actual island itself but if you have a boat or have access to a boar overnight then boat camping is allowed on the docks. There are picnic tables with grills available to reserve. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. , Is there a concession stand on Caladesi Island? Hello Kathleen, I am glad you found my article helpful. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Caladesi Island State Park: Helicopter Tour of Clearwater Beaches, Sand Key and Belleair Country Club (From 104.22) Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter (From 451.60) Half- Day Private Boating On The Tahoe Funship! The island has about four miles of beach. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. This all varies with traffic as well. I wish I had found it sooner! There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. 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. This guide has the answers to all of your questions + tips for having the best experience while you're visiting the island. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. CLEARWATER BEACH: The famous white sand and crystal water beach, with great options for restaurants, bars, a waterfront park for the kids, and tons of local shops. event : evt, This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. 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. Caladesi Island State Park is right off of the coast near Clearwater, Florida. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. 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. There are a few nature trails to explore like the beach loop or hammock loop. 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. 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. Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. 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. You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. We are here to show you that traveling as a family is not as hard as you might think. $2 per person for pedestrians, kayakers or SUP paddleboards. Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. But keep in mind that it's a 4-mile one-way journey from North Clearwater Beach. You can check the tide schedule here. 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. per night. When it comes to beaches in Florida, the St. Pete / Clearwater region really is spoiled for choice. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. 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! The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. Copyright All Rights Reserved. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. PINELLAS TRAIL: With over 25 miles of the rails-to-trails asphalt bike trail covering the entire Pinellas Peninsula runs through Dunedin and closes the Causeway. 2 reviews of 3 Rooker Island "Three Rooker Island, also known as three hooker island, is 3 miles offshore southwest from Fred Howard Park beach of Tarpon Springs and only accessible by boat. If you are looking for a nice dinner or a full meal, I have made some recommendations on my favorite restaurants and a close distance from Honeymoon Island: There are plenty of fantastic activities to explore around Caladesi Island. There is also a small playground near the beach. 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 islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. You will have to pay a $6 entry fee at the marina, and additional charges if you decide to stay overnight. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
You will also be required to pay the $2 entry fee upon arrival to the island. Your email address will not be published. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. And have fun with it, the walk is long but youre heading somewhere beautiful. You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. They are located on the south side of the causeway leading to Honeymoon Island. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. 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. Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! , What to do if you see an alligator in Florida? 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. It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. The ferry only takes about . You can also get to Caladesi Island by a private boat ($6 per boat / kayak is $2 per person). 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. forms: { Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. 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. You can also catch a ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi, but you would need to drive to Dunedin to get to it. You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax. You can stay all day if you come in your own boat/kayak or walk in. 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. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Dont forget to include a visit to Honeymoon Island while you are here, you will love your adventure in this piece of paradise. listeners: [], How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi Island State Park. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. Caladesi Island has a circular loop trail that covers the internal portion of the island, the length of which is approximately three miles. I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes. For questions, clients are advised to contact the business at (727) 734-5263. From the north end of Clearwater Beach (near the Surfside Condominiums) it's about a 3 mile walk to the area of Caladesi Island where the cafe and restrooms are. There is a small cafe, which serves fish and chips, hamburgers and sandwiches, along with cold drinks and snacks. , How far is the walk from Clearwater Beach 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. Rogue Fitness Stickers - Logo Stickers - CrossFit, CrossFit Workout Routines With The Best CrossFit Exercises. You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. You are welcome to bring all your own gear to the island but if youd rather avoid the hassle then chair and umbrella rentals are available. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! 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, ? 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. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. Starting at 10 am each day, there are departures every 30 minutes every day (except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving). The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature, and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. A Caladesi Island day trip is the perfect way to escape Tampa, Florida for the day. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. (727) 515-9575. 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. Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Caladesi Beach. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. I like the tips, it makes it easier to visit the island. More Florida Adventure Posts You'll Love! 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 ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. Print out a $1 off coupon here. If you want to explore more of the mangroves, you can paddle through the island on the Mangrove Kayak Trail. It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. There are multiple (free and paid) ways to get to the Island, but once you're there the State Park fee is only $2 per person to enter the state park. 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. Find flights to Caladesi . You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. However, Caladesi is just as beautiful as Clearwater Beach with the extra perks of having fewer people and the beauty of an untouched island. There are about 45 shells shown on the board. Where Caladesi was once a separate island, a few years ago, and deposits connected it to Clearwater Beach for over 2 miles. As ever, please be a responsible and respectful visitor, and give all wildlife the necessary space and distance when observing. Both parks also have concession stand/restaurants and pay phones. There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. One of the few remaining uninhabited islands on Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island offers visitors that chance to explore a tropical nature path, a mangrove-shaded kayak trail, and a glorious four-mile, wild and white sandy beach filled unique shells, birds, photogenic deckchairs, and a very remote vibe. Food. Seasonally adjusted weather permitting. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. frat boys, and something quite commercialised over all. Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. You can bring almost any item you would need for a comfortable day trip to Caladesi Island and beach day onto the ferry. You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island. It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. 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! Be aware that you may see some dolphins or even manatees along the way and enjoy nature and the views! 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. Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. This is the side facing the mainland. Whilst Clearwater did sometimes fulfil a few of those preconceptions, a trip to Caladesi blew them out of the water. Where is Caladesi Island State Park, Florida? This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. But those in the know and health, can also paddle over from the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Clearwater Beach. Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? A boat charter through Sandbar Rehab is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace and spend some time out on the beautiful water. This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! The two islands weren't always connected, but they are now. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Learn how your comment data is processed. It's truly an island paradise! 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. All Rights Reserved. 2 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach in 2022, Caladesi Island State Park is a rare combination - a Florida Gulf Coast barrier island that is both remote and natural, and yet well stocked with amenities. You just have to register before dark. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! 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.