The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. The ferry has plenty of room to store all the beach gear you will inevitably need to bring along including coolers, chairs and umbrellas. I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . From there follow the signs to the ferry (the turn will be on your left). Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. My kids enjoyed playing on it as we made our way back to the ferry. The journey time is 20 minutes. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. There are a few nature trails to explore like the beach loop or hammock loop. 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. There's more than just the four miles of pristine beach at Caladesi Island to enjoy. Make sure to bring along a shell bag to make bringing your shells back home easier. Where the boardwalk ends at the beach, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs. 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. 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! Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. This guide has the answers to all of your questions + tips for having the best experience while you're visiting the island. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. The marina has electrical and water hookups for you to use. Thanks. I like the tips, it makes it easier to visit the island. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. Closer to Caladesi Island, ospreys dive for fish and carry them in their talons to their nests. This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. But those in the know and health, can also paddle over from the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Clearwater Beach. Simply dock at the marina and enjoy the park on an overnight visit. } Large backyard features plenty of space to park your boat, trailer, RV, work truck, and jet skis as deed restrictions allow. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. frat boys, and something quite commercialised over all. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. 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! (727) 515-9575. Here is my backyard, and the place to choose to call home. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. Marina at Caladesi Island State Park. They are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas as long as weather permits. But the adage holds particularly true for Caladesi: it is accessible only by boat, a ferry that runs hourly from Honeymoon Island. But here you can find all the details on how to get to Caladesi Island: If you have your own kayak, paddleboard, or boat, you can visit Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island it is short and easy paddling. Be sure to pack your own water and a snack because that's a long way in the sun! In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, there are hiking trails, boat docks, a ranger station, a concession stand, and of course abundant . 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. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. There is also a small playground near the beach. Caladesi Island Ferry, (727) 734-1501, departs from Honeymoon Island beginning at 10 a.m. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? 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. They are located on the south side of the causeway leading to Honeymoon Island. 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. Boat camping . 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 can expect to see lots of birds along the shore. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. 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. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island. The Caladesi Island Kayak Experience It will definitely take some effort, but paddling through the clear waters is an experience worth having. One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. , How long does it take to walk to Caladesi Island? My husband and I kicked off the summer by visiting the Island and we had a wonderful time! Honeymoon Island State Park is connected to the city of Dunedin on the mainland by a 1.5-mile-long man-made causeway, right to the park entrance, and from there you can take a ferry or rent a kayak and go visit Caladesi Island, State Park. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! 3.7/5 Good! We visited during our road trip around Florida and consider it to be one of our favorite beaches in Florida. The four miles of pristine white virgin beach which edges Caladesi Island is wild, rugged and a world away from polished stretches of sand elsewhere in Florida. Though, during the summer months, things can get lively near the municipal marina, so you may choose to explore the resort or private marinas for a more peaceful night stay. Along the trail, be sure to look for the armadillos and maybe even a raccoon, although youre more likely to see their tracks. This post may contain some affiliate links. Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Cruises are an excellent way to spend a few days, weeks or months of vacation visiting many . It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. 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 white quartz sand that doesnt burn your feet. You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. 15.22 mi from city center. The waters around Caladesi Island are teeming with marine life, making . Your email address will not be published. You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. How to Walk to Caladesi Island From Clearwater Beach! It's accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island. Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and providing you with an unforgettable experience. You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island. From the boardwalk, there is a T intersection that will have signs for the Island Trail. What items are allowed on the ferry and island? The best beach access is at Somerset Road. Or, there are docks where the ferry boat docks. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. $8 per child. In fact, Caladesi Island is one of the best State Parks in Florida to go kayaking. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. Enjoy your day trip to Caladesi Island. There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. Caladesi Island was "Voted Best Beach 2008 " so if you are looking to relax, Caf Caladesi offers beach chairs and umbrellas for rental. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. 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. Snead Island Boat Works. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Caladesi Island has a circular loop trail that covers the internal portion of the island, the length of which is approximately three miles. HOW TO GET THERE 1. For travelers up to the task, you can also walk to the park. Dunedin. It is full of opportunities for relaxing at the Caladesi beach, enjoying the nature trails, Caladesi Island shelling, and swimming. 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. Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. Bottom line is to get into all this IF you may like kayaking (i.e. If you are traveling from Clearwater you will most likely get on the ferry at the Caladesi Island Ferry Tickets & Information area. 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. Your email address will not be published. Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. Although the shelling capital of the US and maybe even the world is Sanibel Island down south near Fort Myers Caladesi Island is still a popular shelling destination. 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. This does not apply if you are coming over on the ferry. Caladesi island shelling is a lot of fun! The paradisaical beauty of Caladesi Island State Park is worth every cent, especially when you book with us. Required fields are marked *. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Nice beaches on the East side of the Northern tip. As ever, please be a responsible and respectful visitor, and give all wildlife the necessary space and distance when observing. This is absolutely the best guide you can find on the web on how to explore Caladesi Island in Florida, and here I cover pretty much everything you need to know to make your visit memorable. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. Hop aboard a private cruise with Captain Nick on this Clearwater Afternoon Pontoon Cruise. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. Whilst this is a well-recognised activity here, we were personally a tad uncomfortable about the amount of shells being collected by some people. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. The best time for shelling is at low tide. There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. The terrain is flat and easy to walk along with a few sandy spots. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center. Offering pool or garden views, each unit comes with a kitchen and it is only 3.7 miles to Honeymoon Island. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. The walking trails all eventually lead from and back toward it too, so dont worry if you lose your bearings.