There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. The best place to park if you want to walk out to the state park is at the northern end of Mandalay Avenue. 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! And never, ever, ever collect live shells - if you notice something living inside, place the shell back where you found it immediately. Head out to exclusive beaches, only accessible by boat near beautiful Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Tarpon Springs. 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. The round-trip is $16 per adult and $8 per kid from 6-12 years. 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. on: function(evt, cb) { Where the boardwalk ends at the beach, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs. If you want to try and time your visit around low tide this website can tell you what times will be best. How to visit Ten Thousand Islands, Florida | A Comprehensive Guide + 8 Things to do, Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida: Complete Guide + Insider Tips, https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! When you first get off of the ferry, look for the Shells of Caladesi Island display. The short trip on St. Joseph Sound takes about 20 minutes. So feel free to bring them for a hike but only if you kayak over or bring them on your own private boat. Be sure to pack your own water and a snack because that's a long way in the sun! Cruises are an excellent way to spend a few days, weeks or months of vacation visiting many . 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. 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 access a voucher for $1 off per person here. Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. For this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. Sightsee the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. 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. You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. 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. The waters around Caladesi Island are teeming with marine life, making . Caladesi Island Ferry The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. Caladesi Island State Park. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Private boat lift and floating dock right in your . - 134 Woman.ru, Kuat NV 2.0 two-bike hitch bike rack review, Strangers said she was abrasive and gauche, but as Paul McCartney sank into whisky-soaked oblivion, only Linda knew how to save him, Understanding Subaru Outback Roof Rack Weight Limit, Is there a bathroom on Caladesi Island? Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house. There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe. There are about 45 shells shown on the board. 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! - 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. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. The Barrier Islands are only accessible by boats and your private trip is no exception. Whilst Clearwater did sometimes fulfil a few of those preconceptions, a trip to Caladesi blew them out of the water. 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. A boat charter through Sandbar Rehab is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace and spend some time out on the beautiful water. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. There is a small souvenir shop there as well. I like the tips, it makes it easier to visit the island. 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. You can save $1 off your ferry ticket (good for up to 6 people) by using this coupon. You just have to register before dark. 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. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. per night. You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax. Caladesi Island was voted one of the top beaches in the U.S., Caladesi Beach is a pristine, undeveloped island haven off the coast of Clearwater Beach. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Caladesi State Park Guidelines Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. It was in the mid-1500s when the Spanish explorers first surveyed this coast. Cross the causeway from Dunedin and pay the entry fee of $8 per car. TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. We will call you the evening before the day we set sail to go over all the specifics of your trip. 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. To get to Caladesi, most people ride the $14 ferry 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. listeners: [], You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. 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. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. 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. I hope that you have the best time during your visit to Caladesi Island State Park! We also saw a bunch of armadillos roaming around the island so keep an eye out for them. stand up paddleboarding on the Weeki Wachee River. Yes, I know! So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home. You can fish off the shore, from a kayak, or on a boat. Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. A slightly annoying additional cost is the need to pay the entry fee to Honeymoon Island in order to access the ferry terminal; thatll set you back $8 per vehicle. Required fields are marked *. Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. 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. Departures from Honeymoon Island State Park begin at 10 a.m. and take place every half hour. If youre looking at visiting some of the other beautiful beaches on this side of Florida, we recommend looking into nearby Marco Island and Lovers Key State Park. This can be reserved if you call in advance. You can rent a slip in advance, or chance turning up. Kids below five years old are free. ENTRY FEE: The boat fee is $6 per boat. Kayak | A great option if youd like a little more adventure, its possible to kayak across to the island. 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, ? 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. You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. It is a six mile walk round trip from the most northern part of Clearwater, so three miles each way through the sand. The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. Ferry Coming from Honeymoon Island, you'll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Generally considered an easy route. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. Yes dogs are allowed on Caladesi Island but there are a few caveats. , Is it hard to kayak to Caladesi Island? Get ready for a relaxing day on the water with Captain Nick around Clearwater. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. There are not many untouched areas left to explore, but there are still some remote areas to explore where you can get a feel for Florida before the people. Plus, if you want to just sit on the Caladesi Island beach and relax, it is a beautiful place to do that! Geneva Airport to Les Menuires 3 Valleys Transfers, Do Plant Cells Have Cytoskeleton? Learn how your comment data is processed. The paddle takes about 20 minutes and you are still required to pay the $2 entry fee to the park. 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. 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 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. During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! 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. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. Thanks! . If you do go over on the Caladesi ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Caladesi Island State Park: Helicopter Tour of Clearwater Beaches, Sand Key and Belleair Country Club (From 104.22) Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter (From 451.60) Half- Day Private Boating On The Tahoe Funship! Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. 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. Honeymoon is pretty rocky. Click here to view the Caladesi Island State Park Florida map. 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. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. 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. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. Hop aboard a private cruise with Captain Nick on this Clearwater Afternoon Pontoon Cruise. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. 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. $114. Bottom line is to get into all this IF you may like kayaking (i.e. The oak and palm hammock are really unique and fun to see. You know the deal, sort of like that scene in Top Gun. This isolated island features 4 miles of pristine white sandy beaches, a 3-mile mangrove-shaded kayak trail, and a peaceful nature path. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. 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 only one real building on the island, the ranger station which also houses the cafe and gift shop. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. We are able to adjust location pickup, just be sure to ask. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. The ferry starts at 10AM and runs every 30 minutes . Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! Seasonally adjusted weather permitting. According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. If you want to explore more of the mangroves, you can paddle through the island on the Mangrove Kayak Trail. Take a day trip to the serene Caladesi Island State Park. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! 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. If you want to walk onto the island, you can walk from Clearwater Beach. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01N4BU0E1";
Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. 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! (727) 469-5918. Officially, the only way to get to Caladesi Island is via the waterways - by private boat or ferry. Yes, you are allowed to bring chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc on the ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi. If you are boating over to the island on your own boat, you can dock overnight at the marina. Walk through the slider doors onto a large covered patio. Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. Thank goodness they did. Adults: $16 Children (6 12): $85 and Under: Free. 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. Things to Do at Caladesi Island. Caladesi island shelling is a lot of fun! Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. 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. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island over to Caladesi Island. Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. These include the Caladesi Island Ferry, using a private boat, or renting a kayak. forms: { The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. 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. 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. The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. Kids ages 5 and under ride free. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designate areas only. All natural beach with tons of shells. You will have to pay a $6 entry fee at the marina, and additional charges if you decide to stay overnight. (If you're of the yachting class, enjoy the island's 110-slip marina. It has white quartz sand that doesnt burn your feet. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. Caladesi Island was "Voted Best Beach 2008 " so if you are looking to relax, Caf Caladesi offers beach chairs and umbrellas for rental. 1 Cswy. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. 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. (function() { 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. 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. 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. You can either anchor wherever you can get to. Another option is to take a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park from Honeymoon Island State Park or even wade over Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. 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. Whilst this is a well-recognised activity here, we were personally a tad uncomfortable about the amount of shells being collected by some people. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
, Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? The walking is close to 3 miles and takes approximately 90 minutes. If you don't want to shlep your own gear, you can rent chairs and an umbrella for $30 for four hours on the island. They are however allowed on the rest of the island as long as they are on a leash. Caladesi Island has a circular loop trail that covers the internal portion of the island, the length of which is approximately three miles. Click Here Caladesi Connection Accessibility & Inclusion Policy Here is my backyard, and the place to choose to call home. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. Facebook; . Caladesi Island. "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 . Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. LOCATION:Offshore island - Dunedin FL 34698 - 727-469-5918 HOURS:Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. 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. Hey, Roger! View Website. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. The slip spots have 30 amp electrical and water hookups. 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. https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. 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. 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. It has deep and fine-grained white sand. , Can you bring chairs to Caladesi Island? Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. $16 per adult (age 13+) for round-trip ferry. The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. VeganDisneyCouple 59K views 3 years ago Custom Gheenoe Low Tide 25 (40C020) 15K views 2 years ago We got a new Gheenoe LT25!! From a conservation point of view, please only take a small number. I've lived in Florida for 30 years and I just recently got to visit Caladesi Island State Park for the first time. 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. Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do on Caladesi Island. 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. Dont forget to include a visit to Honeymoon Island while you are here, you will love your adventure in this piece of paradise. 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! If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! event : evt, This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. You can expect to find lots of open space on the beach with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. 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 best time for shelling is at low tide. I wish I had found it sooner! If you want to walk to the island, it is only possible to do so at low tide. 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. Starting from Clearwater North Beach, the walk is about 3 miles. Three Rooker island is a bird sanctuary for the black skimmer birds that looks like seagulls but are . Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. The ferry and the kayak rentals close in the event of bad weather. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check out our recommendations for camping chairs for kids here! Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. When to go The best time to travel to Caladesi Island are May and October. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. Caladesi Beach. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island.