Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Mar 27 - Mar 28. There are not many untouched areas left to explore, but there are still some remote areas to explore where you can get a feel for Florida before the people. 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. You can make your reservation online or first-come, first-served in the marina. It was in the mid-1500s when the Spanish explorers first surveyed this coast. Quick Answer: How To Get To Caladesi Island - BikeHike There is a three-mile loop that runs around the island if you want to do some hiking and explore the nature trail on Caladesi Island. You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax. 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). Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! You can bring almost any item you would need for a comfortable day trip to Caladesi Island and beach day onto the ferry. Snead Island Boat Works. 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. The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. 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. 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. 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. They are however allowed on the rest of the island as long as they are on a leash. Honeymoon and Caladesi were once part of a single island. Given the sunny nature of Floridian days (even during the winter months), its advisable to begin your walk as early as possible and be sure to carry plenty of water. Dunedin. If you rent a boat for a day in Tampa then Caladesi Island would be a great stop to make! 2018-2023 CS Ginger. amzn_assoc_linkid = "db6d1e224b56f5941d57485507252fd6";
. 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. Top Things to do in Caladesi Island State Park, Best Accommodations Options Nearby Caladesi Island State Park, FL, Where to Eat near Caladesi Island, Florida, Caladesi Island State Park Nearby Things to do, Caladesi Island State Park, FL Conclusion, best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking, 22 Best Things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, Discover the ecological paradise of Ten Thousand Islands in Florida, All you need to know about renting an RV for the First Time. If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! 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. Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Your email address will not be published. Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. Personal boat to Caladesi Island State Park - Dunedin Forum Private boat lift and floating dock right in your . The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. 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. The trail is clearly sign-posted from the marina; follow the path that leads to the beach and youll quickly encounter another sign directing you left to the trail. This all varies with traffic as well. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. Caladesi Island State Park - What To Know - Wild Hearted CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK (Dunedin) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor After exploring the beautiful beaches and trails on Caladesi Island, it is time to see it from the sky. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. The entrance fee is $6 per boat for up to 8 people. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. Caladesi Island State Park - The Florida Guidebook There are two ferry boats. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. Hey, Roger! Once you get to the island, there are lots of fun things to do and places to explore. If you are boating over to the island on your own boat, you can dock overnight at the marina. forgetting about Catalina for the moment). The Captain of the boat stopped in both directions so we could all enjoy the dolphins that were swimming around us. Caladesi Island Ferry - Dream Vacation in Florida amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
Free admission for children under 5. 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. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. Cruising Close To Home: Caladesi Island & Clearwater Beach About Us - Caladesi Island Ferry There are only two ways to get to Caladesi Island: take the Caladesi Connection ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park or walk over from Clearwater Beach. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Caladesi Island near Clearwater World Nomads Travel Insurancehas been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover their trip essentials. Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. callback: cb The walk to the island is not a short one but can be done. Child ticket valid for ages 6-12. Caladesi Island State Park charges a fee to enter. 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. You can expect to see lots of birds along the shore. 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. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . 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. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. There are about 45 shells shown on the board. Fun Activities To Do At Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi Island State Park is right off of the coast near Clearwater, Florida. Seasonally adjusted weather permitting. The journey time is 20 minutes. If you arent bringing your own food onto the island, there is a caf where you can order lunch and drinks. It remains one of the very few remaining underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida. You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. Caladesi Island: A Snorkeler's Paradise - DesertDivers We are able to adjust location pickup, just be sure to ask. , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. Take a day trip to the serene Caladesi Island State Park. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. 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. You can find the complete trail route here. $16 per adult (age 13+) for round-trip ferry. There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. frat boys, and something quite commercialised over all. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. 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. You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. Reservations can be made here. btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. Large osprey nests located in the top of barren pine snags may be seen. 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. 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. Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. Walk through the slider doors onto a large covered patio. 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, ? Caladesi Island State Park - Florida Splendors 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! Get ready for a relaxing day on the water with Captain Nick around Clearwater. 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. And have fun with it, the walk is long but youre heading somewhere beautiful. On top of seeing the plants and wildlife that inhabits Caladesi Island you can also find the remains of an old homestead. 1 Cswy. 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. 5316 Us Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL, 34652. Where is Caladesi Island State Park, Florida? We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. 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. I wish I had found it sooner! No pets are allowed on the ferry. I have more details below on this walk. I live where people vacation. Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island Walk - AllTrails Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes. We saw a great blue heron and lots of pelicans. Question: How To Get To Caladesi Island State Park - BikeHike When we were there, we had the Caladesi Island beach almost to ourselves. Book Caladesi Island Tours & Tickets in Tampa Today - Viator There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. 3 ROOKER ISLAND - Pinellas County, Florida - 14 Photos - Yelp You will also be required to pay the $2 entry fee upon arrival to the island. The best beach access is at Somerset Road. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. If you do go over on the Caladesi ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. A Caladesi Island day trip is the perfect way to escape Tampa, Florida for the day. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. I've lived in Florida for 30 years and I just recently got to visit Caladesi Island State Park for the first time. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park Honeymoon Island is a state park accessible by bridge from Dunedin. One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. HOA is only $120 a month which covers gates, all clubhouse amenities, basic cable and internet. The 23 best CrossFit workouts | Can you handle these Elite WODs? 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 overnight slip cost is $24 per night plus tax. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and providing you with an unforgettable experience. Everything You Need to Know about Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island Another popular spot for boaters to park is Three Rooker Bar. From the boardwalk, there is a T intersection that will have signs for the Island Trail. Caladesi Island State Park: Kayaking to an island paradise 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. I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. If you bring reusable water bottles there is a water fountain to refill your water bottle. When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. Click Here Caladesi Connection Accessibility & Inclusion Policy It is a beautiful beach with very small waves, making it a great place to go swimming. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. 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. 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. They rent single and double kayaks. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
If you want the best helicopter tour of Caladesi Island and the surrounding Clearwater Beaches, I suggest booking a guided tour with Tampa Bay Aviation. Find hotels in Caladesi Island State Park, FL from $75 - Expedia.com Tip: Shuffle your feet in the sand to avoid being stung by a stingray. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Whether youre wanting to take a short day trip or looking to make it a multi-day camping and hiking expedition, Caladesi State Park is a great choice. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (maps). Thank goodness they did. Marina at Caladesi Island State Park. Trips run every half hour February to September and hourly the rest of the year. All Rights Reserved. - Gary McKechnie When you go. Bottom line is to get into all this IF you may like kayaking (i.e. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center. Plus, if you want to just sit on the Caladesi Island beach and relax, it is a beautiful place to do that! Nice beaches on the East side of the Northern tip. You can find the startpoint for the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi here, just off of Somerset Street. All natural beach with tons of shells. Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat, which helps keep it more private. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. There are no overnight Caladesi Island State Park camping facilities or lodging available on the island. It may require you to walk through the water at times though. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. It simply would not be safe. 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. There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. Starting from Clearwater North Beach, the walk is about 3 miles. Dont forget the sunscreen and other sun protection. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature, and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. LUXURY OPTION: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Whether you want to just run up to and explore the Islands or pack a lunch . Dont forget to include a visit to Honeymoon Island while you are here, you will love your adventure in this piece of paradise. The walking is close to 3 miles and takes approximately 90 minutes. Caladesi Beach Florida: Pristine Perfection on Caladesi Island Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. The best place to park if you want to walk out to the state park is at the northern end of Mandalay Avenue. Can I share it on our website BarrierBeach ? 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. The Caladesi Island Kayak Experience It will definitely take some effort, but paddling through the clear waters is an experience worth having. 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. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. We explored the entire island, went shelling, swam, and snorkeled in the crystal clear water, and we even got the surprise of a lifetime when two beautiful dolphins swam right by us! If you need help accessing the beach, you can contact the ranger station and they will assist you. Whilst this is a well-recognised activity here, we were personally a tad uncomfortable about the amount of shells being collected by some people. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. Get ready for a great time! I would ask the park staff for help finding them. How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. If you want to walk to the island, it is only possible to do so at low tide. Kayak | A great option if youd like a little more adventure, its possible to kayak across to the island. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. Although Caladesi Island can be reached by foot, riding a boat to get there adds some thrill to an otherwise mundane trek. They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . View Website. Tickets for adults cost $16 per person, kids age 6-12 cost $8 and kids 5 and under are free. , Are there alligators in Caladesi state park? It's quite a walk from the ferry loading dock to the beach on the other side of the island. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. 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. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. Caladesi Island Ferry The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. 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 You can get to the island by private boat, kayak, ferry, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! 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! Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. For this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. Facebook; . Adults: $16 Children (6 12): $85 and Under: Free. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Tickets must be bought in person at the ticket office in the carpark. 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. There are picnic tables with grills available to reserve. Further down the boardwalk on your way to the beach there is a second smaller building where youll find the restrooms, showers and drinking fountain. Details. From a conservation point of view, please only take a small number. 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. Board at Honeymoon Island State Park and enjoy a relaxing 15-20 minute ride across St. Joseph Sound, where you may spot dolphins playing in the shallows on your way. So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. 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. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. The walking trails all eventually lead from and back toward it too, so dont worry if you lose your bearings. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. 3.7/5 Good! The round-trip is $16 per adult and $8 per kid from 6-12 years. I veganize your favorite classic recipes and transform them into irresistible meals that are made entirely from plants! Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . More information can be found on the Caladesi Island Ferry website. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. (Florida's 'gators only live in fresh water.) Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. Caledesi Island State Park - Dunedin, Florida - Romantic Honeymoon Island HOW TO GET THERE 1. You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. Re: Personal boat to Caladesi Island State Park 11 years ago Save Yes you can. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. From there follow the signs to the ferry (the turn will be on your left). 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. According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. The cost for two hours is $35 for a single, and $45 for a double, but its possible to rent for up to a full day. 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 beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island, it stretches for 4-miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. 18 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CLEARWATER FOR SUNNY FUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler Caladesi Beach. 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.