For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. Your email address will not be published. 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. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather. 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. 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. Visitors may spot dolphins leaping alongside the ferry, but they won't see any alligators. View from the ferry on the trip to Caladesi Island (photo by Marcea Cazel) A part of the Florida State Park System, Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. You can make your reservation online or first-come, first-served in the marina. The ferry only takes about . There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. You can find the complete trail route here. 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. Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. The round-trip is $16 per adult and $8 per kid from 6-12 years. The water is very shallow and clear, making it an easy and rewarding trip in your kayak. The most appropriately located is Avalon Public Parking (maps) although there are several other nearby. 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. 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. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. You can rent a kayak on Caladesi Island (or launch your own) and explore the mangrove tunnels. I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes. You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. Click Here Caladesi Connection Accessibility & Inclusion Policy HOW TO GET THERE 1. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
The island is only accessible by boat, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. 13 Delicious Quick Service Meals at Disney World That Vegans Will Love! No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. Where Do You Catch The Ferry To Caladesi Island? Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. If you are planning a helicopter tour for a special occasion then a sunset tour would be especially special. 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/. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? 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. ); The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close. Try to visit on a weekday so you can experience the beach with even fewer tourists. The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. You will also be required to pay the $2 entry fee upon arrival to the island. One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. Enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset and fireworks at . Want to know more? Caladesi Island Ferry, (727) 734-1501, departs from Honeymoon Island beginning at 10 a.m. The Barrier Islands are only accessible by boats and your private trip is no exception. 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. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. (727) 469-5918. Nice beaches on the East side of the Northern tip. thank you for this very interesting article. 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. 1 Cswy. The best time for shelling is at low tide. Or if you prefer to relax, bring a book and a chair so you can read the day away to the sound of the ocean. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. 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. Great info. Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. 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. Generally considered an easy route. Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island Private Boat Having your boat means convenient and independent access to Caladesi Island. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Honeymoon and Caladesi were once part of a single island. Plus, stop here on your way back to the ferry to see what kind of shells you found. But keep in mind that it's a 4-mile one-way journey from North Clearwater Beach. Trips depart every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. If you do go over on the Caladesi ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the 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. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. 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. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. From a conservation point of view, please only take a small number. 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. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and . forgetting about Catalina for the moment). It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. There is only one real building on the island, the ranger station which also houses the cafe and gift shop. Kayak rental costs $25 per person for four hours and can be found down at the marina. Alcoholic beverage consumptionis allowed in designated areas only. And never, ever, ever collect live shells - if you notice something living inside, place the shell back where you found it immediately. My kids enjoyed playing on it as we made our way back to the ferry. Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. We love spending time here as a family when we are in Clearwater with kids. This was our first time watching armadillos in the wild! By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (maps). Caladesi Island was "Voted Best Beach 2008 " so if you are looking to relax, Caf Caladesi offers beach chairs and umbrellas for rental. Caladesi island shelling is a lot of fun! There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. A Florida fishing license may be required. It is a three-mile trail, but you can turn around if you dont want to paddle that far. 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! TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. There are about 45 shells shown on the board. Yes, you are allowed to bring chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc on the ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi. 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. You'll love the wood burning fireplace for cooler evenings. 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. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. 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. Call ahead if you have special accessibility needs: 727-734-5263 Ferryboat Information By Private Boat Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. The beautiful sand is covered in hundreds and thousands of seashells and many of them are in perfect unbroken condition. Geneva Airport to Les Menuires 3 Valleys Transfers, Do Plant Cells Have Cytoskeleton? Contact the Caladesi Island Ranger Station at 727-469-5918 to reserve a pavilion. Although Caladesi Island can be reached by foot, riding a boat to get there adds some thrill to an otherwise mundane trek. The sea water is rather cold in winter, while the period from June to September is a rainy season. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. 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! Yes, I know! There is a small cafe, which serves fish and chips, hamburgers and sandwiches, along with cold drinks and snacks. 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. Rental of both single and double kayaks is available form Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway (maps). To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. 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. A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. It's paradise found. The journey time is 20 minutes. To get to Caladesi, most people ride the $14 ferry from Honeymoon Island. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. The oak and palm hammock are really unique and fun to see. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. If you love nature and are looking for a pristine beach area with options for plenty of other activities to keep everyone happy, I really recommend visiting Caladesi Island State Park and enjoying this hidden paradise in Florida. Officially, the only way to get to Caladesi Island is via the waterways - by private boat or ferry. The following activities are all fun family-friendly things that you can do while on the island! There is also a small playground near the beach. forms: { , Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. We are here to show you that traveling as a family is not as hard as you might think. , Are there alligators in Caladesi state park? Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. There is no public parking at the north end of Clearwater beach, youll need to either arrive by bicycle and lock up at a northern beach-access point or walk several miles on the beach. 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. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. Caladesi Beach. Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. 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. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. } document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. 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. } LOCATION:Offshore island - Dunedin FL 34698 - 727-469-5918 HOURS:Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. Pingback: Kayaking To Caladesi Island: A Beginners Guide KayakCritic. These include: Elevated boardwalks to the beach and free beach wheelchairs, Picnic facilities with tables and grills. Walk north and then you will see a sign for the nature trail and bridge. There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. So if you own a boat or decide to rent one then feel free to head on over. , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? The best place to rent a Calades Island kayak from is Sail Honeymoon. There are 108 places available. 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. The waters around Caladesi Island are teeming with marine life, making . You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! It is not an overly difficult walk but roundtrip it is about 6 miles. Your email address will not be published. Caladesi Island Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. 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. Half the fun of any day trip to Caladesi is the journey. If you are visiting during the winter months you might get lucky and see a manatee in the mangrove trees. It is easier to find shells out on the sandbar during low tide than high tide. 3.7/5 Good! 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! Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. The ferry and the kayak rentals close in the event of bad weather. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. The best time to walk is 2 hours before low tide. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island. It is a six mile walk round trip from the most northern part of Clearwater, so three miles each way through the sand. There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. To make hunting for shells easier, consider beginning no sooner than an hour before low tide. Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. We saw a great blue heron and lots of pelicans. 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. By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park ( maps) Starting at 10 am each day, there are departures every 30 minutes every day (except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving). This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. Itinerary You'll start at Seminole Boat Ramp 198 Seminole St, Clearwater, FL 33755, USA Address is 198 Seminole St Clearwater, FL. Private Boat | If you have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island independently. Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. 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. Dunedin, FL 34698. Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. 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. amzn_assoc_linkid = "db6d1e224b56f5941d57485507252fd6";
. The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. Things to Do at Caladesi Island. Outdoor showers are located at the North and South bath house.
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