You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! 38K views 2. The oak and palm hammock are really unique and fun to see. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The trail itself is very easy, and completely flat, but would be more challenging in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. 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. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. 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. You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island should kayaking not be your thing, and the ferry fare includes the state park entry fee. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. And never, ever, ever collect live shells - if you notice something living inside, place the shell back where you found it immediately. There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. 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. We wouldnt recommend this option! 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. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. Caladesi Island Ferry, (727) 734-1501, departs from Honeymoon Island beginning at 10 a.m. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. You can also easily bring your own chairs across on the ferry. Also, keep in mind, you do need to pay the $8 entry fee to Honeymoon Island State Park to get to where the ferry leaves from. Enjoy your day trip to Caladesi Island. If you arent bringing your own food onto the island, there is a caf where you can order lunch and drinks. Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. The island is only accessible by boat, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. To get to Caladesi, most people ride the $14 ferry from Honeymoon Island. The Captain of the boat stopped in both directions so we could all enjoy the dolphins that were swimming around us. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. You can find the complete trail route here. Honeymoon Island is located 8.7 miles away. You also need to pay the entrance fee to the Honeymoon Island State Park which is between $2 and $4 per adult. You can expect to see lots of birds along the shore. The tickets listed above are the cost of a roundtrip ticket. Generally considered an easy route. Nice beaches on the East side of the Northern tip. When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. Click Here Caladesi Connection Accessibility & Inclusion Policy This guide has the answers to all of your questions + tips for having the best experience while you're visiting the island. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Caladesi Island State Park. These include the Caladesi Island Ferry, using a private boat, or renting a kayak. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. Your email address will not be published. Marina at Caladesi Island State Park. No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Be aware that you may see some dolphins or even manatees along the way and enjoy nature and the views! Tickets must be bought in person at the ticket office in the carpark. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01N4BU0E1";
Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. From the boardwalk, there is a T intersection that will have signs for the Island Trail. 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. It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. If you want to walk to the island, it is only possible to do so at low tide. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. 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 beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island, it stretches for 4-miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. 2023 Greatfallswhitesox. The unique continental shelf off the coast of Florida is very flat making it a lot easier for shells to remain intact when coming to shore. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abf2008044e57c08c8e226cf51577ad9" );document.getElementById("ge423fe4ca").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi, I'm Stacey! 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. Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. 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. 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. 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. https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. The walk itself is just under three miles from Clearwater, and should take someone of good fitness no more than 90 minutes to complete. 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. callback: cb 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. Caladesi Island State Park charges a fee to enter. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
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. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. LUXURY OPTION: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stacehomem-20";
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What items are allowed on the ferry and island? The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. It may look close and shallow to the naked eye but it is not. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
In this short guide youll find all you need to plan your visit to Caladesi Island, including how to get there (by boat and on foot), how much it costs and the best things to do on the island. 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. How to Walk to Caladesi Island From Clearwater Beach! This can be reserved if you call in advance. The paradisaical beauty of Caladesi Island State Park is worth every cent, especially when you book with us. All Rights Reserved. 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. Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. Although Caladesi Island can be reached by foot, riding a boat to get there adds some thrill to an otherwise mundane trek. When it comes to beaches in Florida, the St. Pete / Clearwater region really is spoiled for choice. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. 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. Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Let's Pin the Planet together! The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. For travelers up to the task, you can also walk to the park. Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. You can find great options for a trip with a family, a couple, or solo there is an adventure for everyone. The drive from Clearwater to where you get on the Caladesi ferry is about 25 minutes. This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! In this video we share our experience walking to one of the best Florida beaches and share tips along the way. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . } Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. You can get to the island by private boat, kayak, ferry, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. The ferry only takes about . It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat, which helps keep it more private. Reservations can be made here. Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. 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. For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. 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!) Simply dock at the marina and enjoy the park on an overnight visit. On top of seeing the plants and wildlife that inhabits Caladesi Island you can also find the remains of an old homestead. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island. Caladesi Island is accessible by private boat or via the Caladesi Connection ferry service. The Barrier Islands are only accessible by boats and your private trip is no exception. Where Caladesi was once a separate island, a few years ago, and deposits connected it to Clearwater Beach for over 2 miles. Free admission for children under 5. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. Another option is to take a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park from Honeymoon Island State Park or even wade over Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach. 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. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
You can check the tide schedule here. It remains one of the very few remaining underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida. If you do go over on the Caladesi ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. 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. Dunedin, FL 34698. Head out to exclusive beaches, only accessible by boat near beautiful Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Tarpon Springs. You know the deal, sort of like that scene in Top Gun. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. You can even find whole sand dollars among the beautiful collection of shells. These include: Elevated boardwalks to the beach and free beach wheelchairs, Picnic facilities with tables and grills. If you want to try and time your visit around low tide this website can tell you what times will be best. Ferry Coming from Honeymoon Island, you'll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. One of the best places to go snorkeling is near Main Beach. Whether you are kayaking or taking the ferry to the Caladesi Island beach, I recommend that you pack lightand only bring what you can carry easily. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. 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. Get ready for a relaxing day on the water with Captain Nick around Clearwater. I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. My kids enjoyed playing on it as we made our way back to the ferry. You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. 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. Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip! You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. You can rent a slip in advance, or chance turning up. The marina has electrical and water hookups for you to use. But the adage holds particularly true for Caladesi: it is accessible only by boat, a ferry that runs hourly from Honeymoon Island. } 1 Cswy. You will have to pay a $6 entry fee at the marina, and additional charges if you decide to stay overnight. This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. (And yes, I know this has been said before, and better.) There are docks you can use where the ferry boats dock or you can anchor wherever you would like. Once you get to the island, there are lots of fun things to do and places to explore. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. If you rent a boat for a day in Tampa then Caladesi Island would be a great stop to make! (function() { The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. Though, during the summer months, things can get lively near the municipal marina, so you may choose to explore the resort or private marinas for a more peaceful night stay. Here are ADDITIONAL AWESOME THINGS TO DO AROUND Caladesi Island State Park: HONEYMOON ISLAND: It is a must-do if you are visiting Caladesi island, is to spend some time at the next-door Honeymoon Island State Park, just kayak there or take the ferry. - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. With a beach that was named the No. You just have to register before dark. The journey time is 20 minutes. 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. This is one of the best things to do on Caladesi Island. The waters around Caladesi Island are teeming with marine life, making . It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. If you are looking for an adventurous way to get to the island, rent a kayak! Departures from Honeymoon Island State Park begin at 10 a.m. and take place every half hour. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. From the marina, the beach is clearly sign-posted and requires only a few minutes walk along a raised walkway to reach it. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. The docks are equipped with electric and water service and the pavilions have grills available for public use. The best time to walk is 2 hours before low tide. 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. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! 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. 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. Caladesi Island State Park Information Entrance Fees by Private Boat $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. You can bring almost any item you would need for a comfortable day trip to Caladesi Island and beach day onto the ferry. Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do on Caladesi Island. It's truly an island paradise! If you bring reusable water bottles there is a water fountain to refill your water bottle.