Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. HOW TO GET THERE 1. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Always check the weather conditions and tides ahead of your visit here. You can bring your own food to Caladesi Island. It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. There are 108 places available. This post may contain some affiliate links. There is only one real building on the island, the ranger station which also houses the cafe and gift shop. Feel free to bring your coolers, chairs, umbrellas, wagons, food etc. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. My kids enjoyed playing on it as we made our way back to the ferry. 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. 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. Pack light! There is no public parking at the north end of Clearwater beach, youll need to either arrive by bicycle and lock up at a northern beach-access point or walk several miles on the beach. Print out a $1 off coupon here. "Caladesi is reached by pedestrian ferry boat, private boats or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach-the inlet is closed so Caladesi is no longer a true island, but still a great getaway . One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. You cannot walk from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. About Us - Caladesi Island Ferry Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. The oak and palm hammock are really unique and fun to see. The paddle to the island takes about 20 minutes. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. 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. They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. Caladesi Island State Park - Florida Splendors Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. The short trip on St. Joseph Sound takes about 20 minutes. Honeymoon Island State Park, as well as Caladesi Island State Park to the south, offer public beaches with bath houses and showers, picnic tables, grills, and nature trails. Find flights to Caladesi . You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. The island has about four miles of beach. Details - Clearwater Beach .com We will call you the evening before the day we set sail to go over all the specifics of your trip. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. 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. Caladesi Island State Park: Shelling And White Sand Beach Paradise In By ferry A trip to Caladesi Island starts on the water, and one of the most popular options for locals and tourists alike is the Caladesi Ferry. The two islands Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island were once part of a single barrier island, and during the hurricane of 1921, they were split in half, getting the name Hurricane Pass. It may look close and shallow to the naked eye but it is not. on: function(evt, cb) { The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. The journey time is 20 minutes. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. It was in the mid-1500s when the Spanish explorers first surveyed this coast. One of the best places to go snorkeling is near Main Beach. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! , Are there alligators in Caladesi state park? It remains one of the very few remaining underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida. , Can you take alcohol to Caladesi Island? Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. 332 Westwinds Dr, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 | 1 photo - Movoto This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! 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. Where Caladesi was once a separate island, a few years ago, and deposits connected it to Clearwater Beach for over 2 miles. You can fish off the shore, from a kayak, or on a boat. A nice boat ride to Caladesi Island (about 20 minutes). It is not an overly difficult walk but roundtrip it is about 6 miles. 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. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the 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! To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. Yes, you are allowed to bring chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc on the ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi. 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. Whether you want to just run up to and explore the Islands or pack a lunch . Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner - Tripadvisor 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. btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. The 23 best CrossFit workouts | Can you handle these Elite WODs? Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. Caladesi Island. Walk to Caladesi Island State Park - Clearwater Beach Blog 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. There is also a small playground near the beach. You can expect to find lots of open space on the beach with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. It has deep and fine-grained white sand. 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 Starting at 10 am each day, there are departures every 30 minutes every day (except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving). In fact, Caladesi Island is one of the best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking. Just dont expect to see a large number of sea life here. The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. Honeymoon Island is located 8.7 miles away. The ferry ride takes 20 minutes and takes you across hurricane pass, the water way between Honeymoon and Caladesi. Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. 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. Boating in Tampa Bay: The Best Boating Destinations, Restaurants and , Is there a concession stand on Caladesi Island? Caledesi Island State Park - Dunedin, Florida - Romantic Honeymoon Island You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. 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. Book your experience . Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. Hop aboard a private cruise with Captain Nick on this Clearwater Afternoon Pontoon Cruise. 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! The beautiful sand is covered in hundreds and thousands of seashells and many of them are in perfect unbroken condition. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. If you need a safe ride to get you to Florida's private haven, Bay Excursions offers the best private boat tours to Caladesi Island State Park, FL. Find hotels in Caladesi Island State Park, FL from $75 - Expedia.com It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. 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. 11 Baymont St APT 1505, Clearwater, FL 33767 - Zillow Boat camping . Along with birdlife, you can see some sea life in the clear water like stingrays, lots of fish, and crabs. What items are allowed on the ferry and island? Play games, eat snacks, take a nap, whatever is your preference. ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the park. 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. No pets are allowed on the ferry. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abf2008044e57c08c8e226cf51577ad9" );document.getElementById("ge423fe4ca").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi, I'm Stacey! 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. 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 was "Voted Best Beach 2008 " so if you are looking to relax, Caf Caladesi offers beach chairs and umbrellas for rental. Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? It's quite a walk from the ferry loading dock to the beach on the other side of the island. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stacehomem-20";
How to get by boat to Easter Island. Cruises to Easter Island Caladesi State Park Guidelines Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. Click here to view the Caladesi Island State Park Florida map. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. . Caladesi island, Tampa, USA - Ultimate guide (February 2023) How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. Trips depart every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. Closer to Caladesi Island, ospreys dive for fish and carry them in their talons to their nests. The tickets listed above are the cost of a roundtrip ticket. (at $2.57 per gal.) Blvd. Snead Island Boat Works. 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). You just have to register before dark. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. Kayakers and those with small boats can launch directly from the Honeymoon Island Causeway which is about a 15-minute boat ride away from Caladesi Island. } The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. Day Trip Guide to Caladesi Island, Florida - Rachel's Crafted Life If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. Quick Answer: How To Get To Caladesi Island - BikeHike As ever, please be a responsible and respectful visitor, and give all wildlife the necessary space and distance when observing. Officially, the only way to get to Caladesi Island is via the waterways - by private boat or ferry. If you are planning a helicopter tour for a special occasion then a sunset tour would be especially special. There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . $2 per person for pedestrians, kayakers or SUP paddleboards. There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. Adults: $16 Children (6 12): $85 and Under: Free. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. } Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Caladesi Island State Park. It is a beautiful beach with very small waves, making it a great place to go swimming. Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. Get ready for a relaxing day on the water with Captain Nick around Clearwater. $114. , Can you bring chairs to Caladesi Island? CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK (Dunedin) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor 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. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. 3 ROOKER ISLAND - Pinellas County, Florida - 14 Photos - Yelp Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. You also need to pay the entrance fee to the Honeymoon Island State Park which is between $2 and $4 per adult. 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. Cruises are an excellent way to spend a few days, weeks or months of vacation visiting many . 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, ? You can even find whole sand dollars among the beautiful collection of shells. 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. How To Visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida, according to a LOCATION:Offshore island - Dunedin FL 34698 - 727-469-5918 HOURS:Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. You can make your reservation online or first-come, first-served in the marina. Dont forget to include a visit to Honeymoon Island while you are here, you will love your adventure in this piece of paradise. Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? The best beach access is at Somerset Road. 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 get to the island by private boat, kayak, ferry, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. Egmont Key Ferry from Fort Desoto Park | Hubbard's Marina Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. 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. Keep your eyes peeled in the water for stingrays, crabs and an abundance of tropical fish, but dont forget to look up to spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, sandpipers, pelicans, osprey and cormorants. Want to know more? 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. Visiting Caladesi Island and this part of Florida is one of the great things to do in Orlando with kids because it is one of the closest beaches. 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. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
Your email address will not be published. A Short Guide to Visiting Caladesi Island | One of Florida's Last Untouched Islands, The Best Travel Water Filter Bottles For Your Next Trip, A Short Guide To Cala Galdana | An Excellent Base in the South of Menorca, 10 Wonderful Things to do in St Pete, Florida, A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Clearwater, Florida, 22 Wonderful Airbnbs in St Pete, Florida | For City and Beach Lovers, The St Pete Revival Story | A New Side to Florida, Our Favourite Hipster Foodie Hangouts in Downtown St Pete. Private boat lift and floating dock right in your . During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! thank you for this very interesting article. , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? 7 Ways to Explore Caladesi Island State Park Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. ENTRY FEE: The boat fee is $6 per boat. The ferry has plenty of room to store all the beach gear you will inevitably need to bring along including coolers, chairs and umbrellas. When you first get off of the ferry, look for the Shells of Caladesi Island display. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
For this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. 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. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. Once you get to the island, there are lots of fun things to do and places to explore. 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. At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. Caladesis protected status means that there is plenty of potential wildlife spotting to be done along her shores (as well as inland). amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
So feel free to bring them for a hike but only if you kayak over or bring them on your own private boat. Walk through the slider doors onto a large covered patio. How to plan your visit to Caladesi Island, one of America's Top 10 These include the Caladesi Island Ferry, using a private boat, or renting a kayak. 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. And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! Check Prices for Shell Bags on Amazon Here! 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. 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. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. 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. Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. 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. 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 walk itself is just under three miles from Clearwater, and should take someone of good fitness no more than 90 minutes to complete. You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) Greatfallswhitesox is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. Caladesi Beach. I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. Caladesi Island State Park: What to See & Do and How to Get There There's more than just the four miles of pristine beach at Caladesi Island to enjoy. There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. You can also get to Caladesi Island by a private boat ($6 per boat / kayak is $2 per person). There are about 45 shells shown on the board. From a conservation point of view, please only take a small number. The four miles of flat beach with the nearby shallow waters make Caladesi State Park a great place to go snorkeling, especially for families. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. 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. Yet, you will still have to pay a $6 entrance fee per boat with up to eight people. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and providing you with an unforgettable experience. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designate areas only. I would ask the park staff for help finding them. Book Caladesi Island Tours & Tickets in Tampa Today - Viator Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. The trail itself is very easy, and completely flat, but would be more challenging in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. 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. , How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. The Captain of the boat stopped in both directions so we could all enjoy the dolphins that were swimming around us. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if youre unsure. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. You can rent a slip in advance, or chance turning up. 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!