Take a day trip to the serene Caladesi Island State Park. 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. Whether you are kayaking or taking the ferry to the Caladesi Island beach, I recommend that you pack lightand only bring what you can carry easily. 2023 Greatfallswhitesox. You can also catch a ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi, but you would need to drive to Dunedin to get to it. (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? You can also take a day tour from Orlando with a speed boat. Visitors may spot dolphins leaping alongside the ferry, but they won't see any alligators. You can also get to Caladesi Island by a private boat ($6 per boat / kayak is $2 per person). It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . 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. The ferry is the most popular and easiest way 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! Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. 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. You can fish off the shore, from a kayak, or on a boat. This can be reserved if you call in advance. All natural beach with tons of shells. If you love walking along the beach, you will enjoy this beautiful walk. 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. Enjoy your day trip to Caladesi Island. If you are wondering how to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida you are in the right place. 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. 5316 Us Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL, 34652. This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. More Florida Adventure Posts You'll Love! The Caladesi Island Kayak Experience It will definitely take some effort, but paddling through the clear waters is an experience worth having. There is no camping at Caladesi Island, but the 108-slip marina is equipped with water and electricity for overnight boat stays. 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. If you arent bringing your own food onto the island, there is a caf where you can order lunch and drinks. There are a number of facilities at the disposal to Caladesi Island visitors. frat boys, and something quite commercialised over all. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. For travelers up to the task, you can also walk to the park. 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. Caladesi Island State Park is right off of the coast near Clearwater, Florida. Caladesi island shelling is a lot of fun! You can check the tide schedule here. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if youre unsure. Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. Caladesi Island Ferry, (727) 734-1501, departs from Honeymoon Island beginning at 10 a.m. Both parks also have concession stand/restaurants and pay phones. 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. Welcome to CS Ginger! 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 . No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. , Is it hard to kayak to Caladesi Island? According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. The round-trip is $16 per adult and $8 per kid from 6-12 years. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. You can find the startpoint for the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi here, just off of Somerset Street. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! I like the tips, it makes it easier to visit the island. You can rent two of the wonderfully photogenic blue sunbeds and a matching parasol for $30 for four hours or alternatively just show up and your towel down wherever you fancy! Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . 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 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. Head out to exclusive beaches, only accessible by boat near beautiful Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Tarpon Springs. I veganize your favorite classic recipes and transform them into irresistible meals that are made entirely from plants! Honeymoon and Caladesi were once part of a single island. The walk to the island is not a short one but can be done. But the adage holds particularly true for Caladesi: it is accessible only by boat, a ferry that runs hourly from Honeymoon Island. 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. Trips depart every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. If you are planning a helicopter tour for a special occasion then a sunset tour would be especially special. They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . Departures from Honeymoon Island State Park begin at 10 a.m. and take place every half hour. You can also easily bring your own chairs across on the ferry. 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. From the boardwalk, there is a T intersection that will have signs for the Island Trail. If you want to explore more of the mangroves, you can paddle through the island on the Mangrove Kayak Trail. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! Rental of both single and double kayaks is available form Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway (maps). What items are allowed on the ferry and island? For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! 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. Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. , How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Finding SHELLS when there are no shell piles - Caladesi Island, Florida Solace in. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. How to Get Around: To reach Anclote Key, take a Sun Line Cruises ferry from Tarpon Springs or a Windsong Sailing Charters private sail (plus dinghy to reach the island) from New Port Richey.. 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. The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. A Caladesi Island day trip is the perfect way to escape Tampa, Florida for the day. 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! They are located on the south side of the causeway leading to Honeymoon Island. Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. Considered a real gem in Florida, with pristine beaches and unspoiled nature, Caladesi Island is also considered one of the best beaches in America, and for a reason. } And even better, when you visit Caladesi Island, you cannot skip visiting the Honeymoon Island State Park I will explain here how to take full advantage of your visit. 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. { You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. We wouldnt recommend this option! Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. Alcoholic beverage consumptionis allowed in designated areas only. But keep in mind that it's a 4-mile one-way journey from North Clearwater Beach. 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. 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. We love spending time here as a family when we are in Clearwater with kids. Contact the Caladesi Island Ranger Station at 727-469-5918 to reserve a pavilion. If you are traveling from Clearwater you will most likely get on the ferry at the Caladesi Island Ferry Tickets & Information area. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. Adults: $16 Children (6 12): $85 and Under: Free. 1 Cswy. 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. See address & details 1 Seminole Boat Ramp Stop: 10 minutes Kids ages 5 and under ride free. Caladesi Island is a short boat ride away from Clearwater Beach. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center. 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. , How long does it take to walk to Caladesi Island? You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. The sun is strong though so dont forget your shade, sunhat and sunscreen. Officially, the only way to get to Caladesi Island is via the waterways - by private boat or ferry. Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. There is a small cafe, which serves fish and chips, hamburgers and sandwiches, along with cold drinks and snacks. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! Get ready for a great time! Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. The overnight slip cost is $24 per night plus tax. This all varies with traffic as well. 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. 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. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. per night. If you are visiting during the winter months you might get lucky and see a manatee in the mangrove trees. There are four ways to get to the island - private boat, kayak, ferry, or walking from Clearwater Beach. 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. The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. The drive from Clearwater to where you get on the Caladesi ferry is about 25 minutes. Check Prices for Shell Bags on Amazon Here! 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. 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 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. To access by boat from Marker 14 on the Dunedin Causeway Channel, follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park marina. You will also be required to pay the $2 entry fee upon arrival to the island. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather. Check out our recommendations for camping chairs for kids here! 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. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. Simply dock at the marina and enjoy the park on an overnight visit. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. There are two ferry boats. . Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do on Caladesi Island. If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. amzn_assoc_linkid = "db6d1e224b56f5941d57485507252fd6";
. You can hike along the nature trail, rent a kayak and paddle through the three mile long mangrove trail, or even go fishing where your catch of the day may be snook, redfish, trout, or . Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. Where Do You Catch The Ferry To Caladesi Island? listeners: [], The walking trails all eventually lead from and back toward it too, so dont worry if you lose your bearings. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. The paradisaical beauty of Caladesi Island State Park is worth every cent, especially when you book with us. To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. 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. Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. There are docks you can use where the ferry boats dock or you can anchor wherever you would like. From a conservation point of view, please only take a small number. Caladesis protected status means that there is plenty of potential wildlife spotting to be done along her shores (as well as inland). 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. And if youre super lucky you may even spot some manatees and dolphins! The ferry and the kayak rentals close in the event of bad weather. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. You just have to register before dark. Caladesi Island State Park charges a fee to enter. 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. Mar 27 - Mar 28. You will want to look for shells starting an hour before low tide. 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. 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. Try to visit on a weekday so you can experience the beach with even fewer tourists. Print out a $1 off coupon here. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. 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. thank you for this very interesting article. Be sure to pack your own water and a snack because that's a long way in the sun! I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. You can rent a slip in advance, or chance turning up. TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. If you are driving, you reach Honeymoon Island State Park via the 2.5 miles long Dunedin Causeway Use this address on the GPS: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 Phone information: 727-469-5918 OFFICIAL WEBSITE, Combined, both islands have nearly a thousand acres of coastal wilderness to be explored. TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. My husband and I kicked off the summer by visiting the Island and we had a wonderful time! Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. This blue water beach in Florida is so pretty from above. Learn more about non-ferry fees and options at https://www.floridastateparks.org How Long: Up to four hours for ferry visitors. forgetting about Catalina for the moment). Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat, which helps keep it more private. A nice boat ride to Caladesi Island (about 20 minutes). Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. Just make sure you are aware of any regulations concerning size, numer, season, etc. The paddle takes about 20 minutes and you are still required to pay the $2 entry fee to the park. Your email address will not be published. If you werent keen to kayak across to the island but would still like a few hours with a paddle, consider renting a kayak to explore the three-mile Mangrove Kayak Trail. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
Honeymoon is pretty rocky. We will call you the evening before the day we set sail to go over all the specifics of your trip. Great info. Save your energy for playing at the Caladesi beach and take the ferry! 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. Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. 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. Hello Kathleen, I am glad you found my article helpful. Blvd. - Clearwater Beach (From 705.90) PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. (function() { , Is there a concession stand on Caladesi Island? These include: Elevated boardwalks to the beach and free beach wheelchairs, Picnic facilities with tables and grills. Fishing is allowed in designated areas around the island so bring your fishing poles if you want to catch your own dinner. 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. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. 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. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. 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! When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. 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, ? It is easier to find shells out on the sandbar during low tide than high tide. It simply would not be safe. 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. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. When you first get off of the ferry, look for the Shells of Caladesi Island display. There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. window.mc4wp.listeners.push(