Learn how your comment data is processed. TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. Dunedin, FL 34698. 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! I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. You can get to the island by private boat, kayak, ferry, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the park. 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. Private boat lift and floating dock right in your . It's truly an island paradise! Generally considered an easy route. If you arent bringing your own food onto the island, there is a caf where you can order lunch and drinks. However, boaters can dock overnight at the 108-slip marina as long as they register before sundown. More information can be found on the Caladesi Island Ferry website. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. Cruises are an excellent way to spend a few days, weeks or months of vacation visiting many . Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abf2008044e57c08c8e226cf51577ad9" );document.getElementById("ge423fe4ca").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi, I'm Stacey! 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. Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip! Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat, which helps keep it more private. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { The journey time is 20 minutes. 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. If you are wondering how to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida you are in the right place. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. 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. You can find the complete trail route here. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. There are four ways to get to the island - private boat, kayak, ferry, or walking from Clearwater Beach. And never, ever, ever collect live shells - if you notice something living inside, place the shell back where you found it immediately. The best place to rent a Calades Island kayak from is Sail Honeymoon. It remains one of the very few remaining underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida. If you rent a boat for a day in Tampa then Caladesi Island would be a great stop to make! It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. , Are there alligators in Caladesi state park? In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. All Rights Reserved. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. I would ask the park staff for help finding them. If you do go over on the Caladesi ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. This post may contain some affiliate links. They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . 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. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Just dont expect to see a large number of sea life here. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . amzn_assoc_region = "US";
listeners: [], It truly is an island paradise - and somewhere we highly recommend visiting if youre spending week or so in Clearwater. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Lanie, Billerica, Massachusetts. 13 Delicious Quick Service Meals at Disney World That Vegans Will Love! On top of seeing the plants and wildlife that inhabits Caladesi Island you can also find the remains of an old homestead. , How long does it take to walk to Caladesi Island? The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . 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. 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. The ferry ride takes 20 minutes and takes you across hurricane pass, the water way between Honeymoon and Caladesi. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. - Gary McKechnie When you go. 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. It is full of opportunities for relaxing at the Caladesi beach, enjoying the nature trails, Caladesi Island shelling, and swimming. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Facebook; . Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. But keep in mind that it's a 4-mile one-way journey from North Clearwater Beach. 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. You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. If you decide to walk, you will need to pass some scratchy trees, and depending on the tides, you will probably need to get in the water. There are two ferry boats. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. It is not an overly difficult walk but roundtrip it is about 6 miles. The large island bar opens to the living room. Can I share it on our website BarrierBeach ? Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. Geneva Airport to Les Menuires 3 Valleys Transfers, Do Plant Cells Have Cytoskeleton? 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. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. Caladesi Island State Park. { View Website. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Can you rent beach chairs at Caladesi Island or Honeymoon Island? This blue water beach in Florida is so pretty from above. Or, there are docks where the ferry boat docks. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. The best place to park if you want to walk out to the state park is at the northern end of Mandalay Avenue. How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. When you first get off of the ferry, look for the Shells of Caladesi Island display. Large backyard features plenty of space to park your boat, trailer, RV, work truck, and jet skis as deed restrictions allow. The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. Prices for a single kayak start at $35 for two hours and go up from there. Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! 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. 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. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! You can find the startpoint for the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi here, just off of Somerset Street. These include: Elevated boardwalks to the beach and free beach wheelchairs, Picnic facilities with tables and grills. Caladesi Island is physically connected to Clearwater Beach via a sandy land bridge, which is accessible at low tide and can be accessed by walking. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather. In this video we share our experience walking to one of the best Florida beaches and share tips along the way. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. 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. The paddle to the island takes about 20 minutes. Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. event : evt, The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. Feel free to bring your coolers, chairs, umbrellas, wagons, food etc. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if youre unsure. Caladesi Island Ferry, (727) 734-1501, departs from Honeymoon Island beginning at 10 a.m. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. The state park is a hidden gem, with stunning beaches that have not yet become overpopulated. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. , What to do if you see an alligator in Florida? Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. You can find 2 cafes on Honeymoon Island, and you can buy food and beverage. Tickets must be bought in person at the ticket office in the carpark. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park Honeymoon Island is a state park accessible by bridge from Dunedin. Dunedin. It is a six mile walk round trip from the most northern part of Clearwater, so three miles each way through the sand. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. 34. 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. 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. 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. 3.7/5 Good! Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . 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. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. Here are the costs for going to Caladesi Island on the ferry leaving from Honeymoon Island. You can even find whole sand dollars among the beautiful collection of shells. Blvd. 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. 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. It may look close and shallow to the naked eye but it is not. This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! With a beach that was named the No. It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. 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). Just make sure you are aware of any regulations concerning size, numer, season, etc. forms: { There are no overnight Caladesi Island State Park camping facilities or lodging available on the island. (at $2.57 per gal.) You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. Yes, I know! The trail itself is very easy, and completely flat, but would be more challenging in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? 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. Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. Although its certainly possible to make the journey during high tide, do note that there will be sections that you are required to wade through - nothing too deep, but something to be aware of if planning the trip with children or with spontaneity. The walking is close to 3 miles and takes approximately 90 minutes. Fun Activities To Do At Caladesi Island State Park. 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. You can rent a slip in advance, or chance turning up. There is a large parking lot and the ticket office. Caladesi Island was "Voted Best Beach 2008 " so if you are looking to relax, Caf Caladesi offers beach chairs and umbrellas for rental. No, you cannot rent beach chairs on Caladesi Island, but you can rent on Honeymoon Island please check this complete article for all you need to know about honeymoon island. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. 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 Hidden Gems in Florida, you Wont Believe it! I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. No pets are allowed on the ferry. Check out our recommendations for camping chairs for kids here! (727) 515-9575. And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! 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! Cross the causeway from Dunedin and pay the entry fee of $8 per car. The walk to the island is not a short one but can be done. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. 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! Closer to Caladesi Island, ospreys dive for fish and carry them in their talons to their nests. But before we jump into the amazing things to do in Caladesi Island State Park, lets review some practical information: Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Caladesi Island State Park is west of Dunedin, Florida, and just north of the very popular Clearwater Beach. You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. 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!) You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. Fishing is allowed in designated areas around the island so bring your fishing poles if you want to catch your own dinner. The entrance fee is $6 per boat for up to 8 people. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! The four miles of flat beach with the nearby shallow waters make Caladesi State Park a great place to go snorkeling, especially for families. You can also catch a ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi, but you would need to drive to Dunedin to get to it. Half the fun of any day trip to Caladesi is the journey. You can take $1.00 off your ticket with this Caladesi Island Ferry coupon. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature, and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. The sun is strong though so dont forget your shade, sunhat and sunscreen. What items are allowed on the ferry and island? The terrain is flat and easy to walk along with a few sandy spots. For this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. HOA is only $120 a month which covers gates, all clubhouse amenities, basic cable and internet.