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. The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. For travelers up to the task, you can also walk to the park. It is full of opportunities for relaxing at the Caladesi beach, enjoying the nature trails, Caladesi Island shelling, and swimming. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. 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. 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! Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. $114. No pets are allowed on the ferry. (If you're of the yachting class, enjoy the island's 110-slip marina. 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! Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? Caladesi Island State Park for Families - Tips For Family Trips You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. 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. There are a few nature trails to explore like the beach loop or hammock loop. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. 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. 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! 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. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. A nice boat ride to Caladesi Island (about 20 minutes). Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! 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. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. . With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! 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. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
They are however allowed on the rest of the island as long as they are on a leash. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. The best time to walk is 2 hours before low tide. Copyright All Rights Reserved. - Gary McKechnie When you go. Itinerary You'll start at Seminole Boat Ramp 198 Seminole St, Clearwater, FL 33755, USA Address is 198 Seminole St Clearwater, FL. Trips depart every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . Caladesi Island State Park, FL, Boat Tour - Bay Excursions The ferries begin running at 10:00 a.m. every day, with numerous returns and departures, and you can stay on the island for 4 hours. We saw a great blue heron and lots of pelicans. 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. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. After exploring the beautiful beaches and trails on Caladesi Island, it is time to see it from the sky. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Visitors may spot dolphins leaping alongside the ferry, but they won't see any alligators. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . I hope that you have the best time during your visit to Caladesi Island State Park! It is a beautiful beach with very small waves, making it a great place to go swimming. Hello Kathleen, I am glad you found my article helpful. Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do on Caladesi Island. Hours & Fees | Florida State Parks Call ahead if you have special accessibility needs: 727-734-5263 Ferryboat Information By Private Boat Another popular spot for boaters to park is Three Rooker Bar. You can bring your own food to Caladesi Island. Caladesi Island State Park: Kayaking to an island paradise Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. 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. 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. If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. 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. The ferry starts at 10AM and runs every 30 minutes . Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. When we were there, we had the Caladesi Island beach almost to ourselves. 3 ROOKER ISLAND - Pinellas County, Florida - 14 Photos - Yelp Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. Closer to Caladesi Island, ospreys dive for fish and carry them in their talons to their nests. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designate areas only. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. The paddle to the island takes about 20 minutes. Geneva Airport to Les Menuires 3 Valleys Transfers, Do Plant Cells Have Cytoskeleton? It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . event : evt, You do not need to pre-book your the return ferry trip time, but its a good idea in high season to take a note of the timetable and get in the queue before the ferry arrives (it can get quite busy). If you bring reusable water bottles there is a water fountain to refill your water bottle. One of the best places to go snorkeling is near Main Beach. The most exclusive way to get to Easter Island by boat is on one of the cruises that include the island as a stopover in their itineraries through the South Pacific and those called Around the World. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! (727) 515-9575. $2 per person for pedestrians, kayakers or SUP paddleboards. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. About Us - Caladesi Island Ferry Caladesi Island, A Local Weekend Getaway - Riviera Dunes Marina $2 per kayaker. There are 108 places available. Marina at Caladesi Island State Park. There are multiple spots to park your car in Clearwater, however wed recommend picking a carpark at the northern section of the beach to not needlessly add extra distance to your walk to Caladesi. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. 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. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. 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. If you need help accessing the beach, you can contact the ranger station and they will assist you. Play games, eat snacks, take a nap, whatever is your preference. 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. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. Caladesi Island State Park Information Entrance Fees by Private Boat $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. 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 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. Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. Wear your bathing suit to the park so you can jump in the water as soon as you get there. It simply would not be safe. Want to know more? To ride the ferry . 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { The walking is close to 3 miles and takes approximately 90 minutes. You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. 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. 3.7/5 Good! On top of seeing the plants and wildlife that inhabits Caladesi Island you can also find the remains of an old homestead. Offering pool or garden views, each unit comes with a kitchen and it is only 3.7 miles to Honeymoon Island. 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. This is the side facing the mainland. 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. Learn more about non-ferry fees and options at https://www.floridastateparks.org How Long: Up to four hours for ferry visitors. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. This all varies with traffic as well. From there follow the signs to the ferry (the turn will be on your left). How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. The two islands weren't always connected, but they are now. At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. The overnight slip cost is $24 per night plus tax. Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Learn how your comment data is processed. Travel smarter and safer You can do your quick quote below and find out how little you can pay for the essential benefit of Travel Insurance for your next trip! 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. Question: How To Get To Caladesi Island State Park - BikeHike For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! Thanks! There are a number of facilities at the disposal to Caladesi Island visitors. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. callback: cb 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. I would ask the park staff for help finding them. , Are there alligators in Caladesi state park? Caladesi Island Boating Guide | Boatsetter 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. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. You can find great options for a trip with a family, a couple, or solo there is an adventure for everyone. There are docks you can use or I even saw people bring their boats close to the shallows and then swim the rest of the way to shore. 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. Boat camping . Caladesi Island Ferry The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. Caladesi Island State Park charges a fee to enter. 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 this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. on: function(evt, cb) { If you are wondering how to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida you are in the right place. The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. 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. In fact, Caladesi Island is one of the best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking. Take a day trip to the serene Caladesi Island State Park. Be sure to pack your own water and a snack because that's a long way in the sun! It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. If youre up for a workout and an adventure you can rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin causeway and kayak across St Josephs Sound to Caladesi Island. There's more than just the four miles of pristine beach at Caladesi Island to enjoy. Florida by Water: Escape to an Island -- National Geographic 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. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. Departures from Honeymoon Island State Park begin at 10 a.m. and take place every half hour. When is an island not an island? When it's Caladesi - Tampa Bay Times You will have to pay a $6 entry fee at the marina, and additional charges if you decide to stay overnight. , How long does it take to walk to Caladesi Island? If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. Or, there are docks where the ferry boat docks. Print out a $1 off coupon here. You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. Dunedin, FL 34698. Caladesi Island - Island Hopping - Clearwater Beach Fishing Charters - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) 1 Cswy. Trips run every half hour February to September and hourly the rest of the year. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? Head out to exclusive beaches, only accessible by boat near beautiful Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Tarpon Springs. The Captain of the boat stopped in both directions so we could all enjoy the dolphins that were swimming around us. We are able to adjust location pickup, just be sure to ask. , Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. 2023 Greatfallswhitesox. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Always check the weather conditions and tides ahead of your visit here. The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. Caledesi Island State Park - Dunedin, Florida - Romantic Honeymoon Island You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island. The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Walk through the slider doors onto a large covered patio. Caladesi Island State Park is right off of the coast near Clearwater, Florida. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. There is no hotel or restaurant here, but you can find restrooms and even a little place to get snacks. If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. 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. You can also arrange rental of a picnic pavilion (contact in advance). It truly is an island paradise - and somewhere we highly recommend visiting if youre spending week or so in Clearwater. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. 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. I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Caladesi Island is accessible by private boat or via the Caladesi Connection ferry service. Honeymoon Boat Island, FL, Boat Tour - Bay Excursions 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. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. 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. If you are visiting during the winter months you might get lucky and see a manatee in the mangrove trees. 11 Baymont St APT 1505, Clearwater, FL 33767 - Zillow Make your reservation online, or call us at (727) 595-0000 today! When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. 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! It remains one of the very few remaining underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida. For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. 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. 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. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. 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! So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. If you arent bringing your own food onto the island, there is a caf where you can order lunch and drinks. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. 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. , Is it hard to kayak to Caladesi Island? Cruises are an excellent way to spend a few days, weeks or months of vacation visiting many . My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. Caladesi Island: A Snorkeler's Paradise - DesertDivers Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. The four miles of flat beach with the nearby shallow waters make Caladesi State Park a great place to go snorkeling, especially for families. Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip! There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, 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. There is a small souvenir shop there as well. All natural beach with tons of shells. Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. A Caladesi Island day trip is the perfect way to escape Tampa, Florida for the day. It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . This is one of the best things to do on Caladesi Island. It is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in the United States, the 600-acre State Park is accessible only by boat or kayak. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. The sea water is rather cold in winter, while the period from June to September is a rainy season. The trail itself is very easy, and completely flat, but would be more challenging in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. However, boaters can dock overnight at the 108-slip marina as long as they register before sundown. 38K views 2. (Florida's 'gators only live in fresh water.) Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. Snead Island Boat Works. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. If you are going to be in the area with your own boat or a rented boat, you can drive your own boat to Caladesi Island. Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. Plus, if you want to just sit on the Caladesi Island beach and relax, it is a beautiful place to do that! btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. Cruising Close To Home: Caladesi Island & Clearwater Beach There is a small cafe, which serves fish and chips, hamburgers and sandwiches, along with cold drinks and snacks. You can stay all day if you come in your own boat/kayak or walk in. What items are allowed on the ferry and island? Your email address will not be published. More Florida Adventure Posts You'll Love! I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Great info. View Website. Finding SHELLS when there are no shell piles - Caladesi Island, Florida Solace in. Depending on how long you want to spend on the island, you can pick a two-hour or four-hour rental. Free admission for children under 5. 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. Day Trip Guide to Caladesi Island, Florida - Rachel's Crafted Life (2023) The passes just off the shore make great waters for catching tarpon, snook, redfish, seatrout, flounder, grouper, sharks, and more. } And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! This post may contain some affiliate links. 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. We will call you the evening before the day we set sail to go over all the specifics of your trip. You can also get to Caladesi Island by a private boat ($6 per boat / kayak is $2 per person). Whilst this is a well-recognised activity here, we were personally a tad uncomfortable about the amount of shells being collected by some people. By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (maps). The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! Hey, Roger! It's truly an island paradise! Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. Thanks. Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. Feel free to bring your coolers, chairs, umbrellas, wagons, food etc. Tip: Shuffle your feet in the sand to avoid being stung by a stingray.