It truly is an island paradise - and somewhere we highly recommend visiting if youre spending week or so in Clearwater. These include: Elevated boardwalks to the beach and free beach wheelchairs, Picnic facilities with tables and grills. 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. You can find great options for a trip with a family, a couple, or solo there is an adventure for everyone. Just dont expect to see a large number of sea life here. 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 This does not apply if you are coming over on the ferry. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. Three Rooker island is a bird sanctuary for the black skimmer birds that looks like seagulls but are . 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. How to get there There are three popular ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park. forgetting about Catalina for the moment). Your email address will not be published. We wouldnt recommend this option! 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. LOCATION:Offshore island - Dunedin FL 34698 - 727-469-5918 HOURS:Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. From the marina, the beach is clearly sign-posted and requires only a few minutes walk along a raised walkway to reach it. Along the trail, be sure to look for the armadillos and maybe even a raccoon, although youre more likely to see their tracks. If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). 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. Get ready for a relaxing day on the water with Captain Nick around Clearwater. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. The island is only accessible by boat, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. You can find the startpoint for the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi here, just off of Somerset Street. You can rent a kayak on Caladesi Island (or launch your own) and explore the mangrove tunnels. Large backyard features plenty of space to park your boat, trailer, RV, work truck, and jet skis as deed restrictions allow. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. Planning a day trip to Caladesi Island? , What to do if you see an alligator in Florida? There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. The large island bar opens to the living room. 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. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. Want to know more? 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. 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! 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. Let's Pin the Planet together! (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 25 min to complete. Hidden Gems in Florida, you Wont Believe it! There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi 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. The drive from Clearwater to where you get on the Caladesi ferry is about 25 minutes. If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. If you want to try and time your visit around low tide this website can tell you what times will be best. The summer months are especially great for trophy snook. The docks are equipped with electric and water service and the pavilions have grills available for public use. Great info. 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. stand up paddleboarding on the Weeki Wachee River. Once you arrive on Honeymoon Island (past the entrance gates), there's a parking area where you'll go to catch the ferry. Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. If you love walking along the beach, you will enjoy this beautiful walk. This post may contain some affiliate links. The island has about four miles of beach. These include the Caladesi Island Ferry, using a private boat, or renting a kayak. Cross the causeway from Dunedin and pay the entry fee of $8 per car. Yes dogs are allowed on Caladesi Island but there are a few caveats. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if youre unsure. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! When we were there, we had the Caladesi Island beach almost to ourselves. Take a day trip to the serene Caladesi Island State Park. There are two picnic pavilions available for rent. I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes. As ever, please be a responsible and respectful visitor, and give all wildlife the necessary space and distance when observing. The terrain is flat and easy to walk along with a few sandy spots. Yet, you will still have to pay a $6 entrance fee per boat with up to eight people. 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. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. The white sugar sand beaches and swaying palm trees are dreamy! Greatfallswhitesox is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. Call ahead if you have special accessibility needs: 727-734-5263 Ferryboat Information By Private Boat Click here to view the Caladesi Island State Park Florida map. TOTAL FUEL USED 55 gal. $2 per person for pedestrians, kayakers or SUP paddleboards. I have more details below on this walk. 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. The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. 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. 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. Book your experience . With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! The paradisaical beauty of Caladesi Island State Park is worth every cent, especially when you book with us. ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the park. 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! Half the fun of any day trip to Caladesi is the journey. You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island. 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. It's paradise found. 15.22 mi from city center. 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. 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. Marina at Caladesi Island State Park. TOTAL DISTANCE 141nm. 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! This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. If you are traveling from Clearwater you will most likely get on the ferry at the Caladesi Island Ferry Tickets & Information area. } A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. Wear your bathing suit to the park so you can jump in the water as soon as you get there. Kids below five years old are free. You can even find whole sand dollars among the beautiful collection of shells. The ferry and the kayak rentals close in the event of bad weather. There are only two ways to get to Caladesi Island: take the Caladesi Connection ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park or walk over from Clearwater Beach. 1 Cswy. Dont forget the sunscreen and other sun protection. You cannot walk from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. Along the Caladesi beach, you will see a variety of wildlife, sea life, shells, and beautiful water. 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. This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. The best time to walk is 2 hours before low tide. Things to Do at Caladesi Island. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. Tickets for adults cost $16 per person, kids age 6-12 cost $8 and kids 5 and under are free. Boat camping . Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. Trips run every half hour February to September and hourly the rest of the year. According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abf2008044e57c08c8e226cf51577ad9" );document.getElementById("ge423fe4ca").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi, I'm Stacey! This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! You can visit Caladesi Island State Park for a few hours, or you can plan to spend the day. Given the sunny nature of Floridian days (even during the winter months), its advisable to begin your walk as early as possible and be sure to carry plenty of water. It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. 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. Check out our recommendations for camping chairs for kids here! Hop aboard a private cruise with Captain Nick on this Clearwater Afternoon Pontoon Cruise. They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . I've lived in Florida for 30 years and I just recently got to visit Caladesi Island State Park for the first time. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. All natural beach with tons of shells. Feel free to bring your coolers, chairs, umbrellas, wagons, food etc. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. Make sure to bring along a shell bag to make bringing your shells back home easier. ); For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bottom line is to get into all this IF you may like kayaking (i.e. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! So if you own a boat or decide to rent one then feel free to head on over. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. There are no overnight Caladesi Island State Park camping facilities or lodging available on the island. We are here to show you that traveling as a family is not as hard as you might think. The oak and palm hammock are really unique and fun to see. Your email address will not be published. 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.. For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. 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. { You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. Home Travel Ultimate Guide to Caladesi Island, By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated January 31, 2023 2 Comments. You can either anchor wherever you can get to. You can access a voucher for $1 off per person here. Caladesi Beach. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. They are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas as long as weather permits. Adults: $16 Children (6 12): $85 and Under: Free. 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. Ferry Coming from Honeymoon Island, you'll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. 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. Can I share it on our website BarrierBeach ? You can also catch a ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi, but you would need to drive to Dunedin to get to it. 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. 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. Play games, eat snacks, take a nap, whatever is your preference. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. 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. The waters around Caladesi Island are teeming with marine life, making . Reservations can be made here. However, boaters can dock overnight at the 108-slip marina as long as they register before sundown. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. Hey, Roger! You can fish off the shore, from a kayak, or on a boat. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. The marina has electrical and water hookups for you to use. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dunedin, FL 34698. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. 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. 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. frat boys, and something quite commercialised over all. Starting from Clearwater North Beach, the walk is about 3 miles. There are a few nature trails to explore like the beach loop or hammock loop. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 13 Delicious Quick Service Meals at Disney World That Vegans Will Love! When you rent your kayak or if you are taking your own, be aware that you will need to cross the boat channel, so make sure you are aware and safe. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . , Are there alligators in Caladesi state park? Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. I wish I had found it sooner! The best place to park if you want to walk out to the state park is at the northern end of Mandalay Avenue. The best place to rent a Calades Island kayak from is Sail Honeymoon. (727) 515-9575. 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. If you are looking to escape the crowds in Tampa and Clearwater, take the ferry out to beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. Learn more about non-ferry fees and options at https://www.floridastateparks.org How Long: Up to four hours for ferry visitors. Here are some further articles you may enjoy: If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
The Barrier Islands are only accessible by boats and your private trip is no exception. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! 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. Where Caladesi was once a separate island, a few years ago, and deposits connected it to Clearwater Beach for over 2 miles. There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. 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. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. 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. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. 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. It's a mere ten-minute boat ride (depending on your speed) and approximately three miles away from its popular neighbor. Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. If you are visiting during the winter months you might get lucky and see a manatee in the mangrove trees. 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. Fill a backpack or a beach bag with the following items:
However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. You can make your reservation online or first-come, first-served in the marina. , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. To access by boat from Marker 14 on the Dunedin Causeway Channel, follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park marina. There's more than just the four miles of pristine beach at Caladesi Island to enjoy. After exploring the beautiful beaches and trails on Caladesi Island, it is time to see it from the sky. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. View Website. At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather. Further down the boardwalk on your way to the beach there is a second smaller building where youll find the restrooms, showers and drinking fountain. , Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? You can expect to find lots of open space on the beach with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. If you want the best helicopter tour of Caladesi Island and the surrounding Clearwater Beaches, I suggest booking a guided tour with Tampa Bay Aviation. Located off the Gulf of Mexico west of Clearwater, the island can be reached by a private (or rented) vessel. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. You can get to the island by private boat, kayak, ferry, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. 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.
Nashville Tornado Siren Today,
Sunderland Medicine Entry Requirements,
Best Headbands For Glasses Wearers,
Apple Valley Community Center Open Gym,
Kilgraston School Staff,
Articles H