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! You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. Caladesi Island Ferry The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. There is not a lot to see in the water here, but you do have a chance to see something. Click Here Caladesi Connection Accessibility & Inclusion Policy See address & details 1 Seminole Boat Ramp Stop: 10 minutes amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. , Can you take alcohol to Caladesi Island? If you are wondering how to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida you are in the right place. For a relatively small island, theres actually quite a large number of activities to keep you occupied on Caladesi Island! stand up paddleboarding on the Weeki Wachee River. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. If youre up for a workout and an adventure you can rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin causeway and kayak across St Josephs Sound to Caladesi 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. You can bring your own food to Caladesi Island. This is a popular trail for fishing, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Thanks! 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. Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide. Kayak Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . PICNIC PAVILION RENTAL: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! Once you get to the island, there are lots of fun things to do and places to explore. You can fish off the shore, from a kayak, or on a boat. (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. Upon arrival at Caladesi Island, you can pull into the dock area where the ferries dock. 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. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. Guide to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on the Weeki Wachee River, 10 Fun Activities to do at Rainbow Springs State Park, 159 Disney Cruise Tips That You Need to Know, Everything You Need to Know About Castaway Cay. 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. Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. The unique continental shelf off the coast of Florida is very flat making it a lot easier for shells to remain intact when coming to shore. TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. 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. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! Print out a $1 off coupon here. According to the ferry's website, there are two ways to. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. forgetting about Catalina for the moment). No pets are allowed on the ferry. Officially, the only way to get to Caladesi Island is via the waterways - by private boat or ferry. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? Our guides got you covered with everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect getaway! You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. 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. Hop aboard a private cruise with Captain Nick on this Clearwater Afternoon Pontoon Cruise. We also saw a bunch of armadillos roaming around the island so keep an eye out for them. The ferry is the most popular and easiest way to get to the island. Make sure to bring along a shell bag to make bringing your shells back home easier. Both parks also have concession stand/restaurants and pay phones. You can make your reservation online or first-come, first-served in the marina. Food. forms: { Reservations can be made here. Hidden Gems in Florida, you Wont Believe it! ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the park. You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax. The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. From the marina, the beach is clearly sign-posted and requires only a few minutes walk along a raised walkway to reach it. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. How much does it cost to go to Caladesi Island? You can stay all day if you come in your own boat/kayak or walk in. However, the most surprising beach experience we had during our west coast road trip was undoubtedly at Caladesi Island State Park. { 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. You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. 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. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
You will want to look for shells starting an hour before low tide. Its so lovely in fact, that if you did nothing else on the island, wed completely understand! Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. If you are leaving from Honeymoon Island, you will need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. The half-day charter can take you to many of the barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island. Many kayakers often spot different wildlife on their journey to the island. The Captain of the boat stopped in both directions so we could all enjoy the dolphins that were swimming around us. 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! The best place to rent a Calades Island kayak from is Sail Honeymoon. $114. 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. This post may contain some affiliate links. Along the trail, be sure to look for the armadillos and maybe even a raccoon, although youre more likely to see their tracks. Kids ages 5 and under ride free. (727) 469-5918. From the boardwalk, there is a T intersection that will have signs for the Island Trail. Rental of both single and double kayaks is available form Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway (maps). callback: cb How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. You can kayak out to the island, take your own boat or catch the Caladesi Ferry over. 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. If you need help accessing the beach, you can contact the ranger station and they will assist you. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 25 min to complete. 2023 Greatfallswhitesox. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. 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. Where is Caladesi Island State Park, Florida? Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. (And yes, I know this has been said before, and better.) One of the best places to go snorkeling is near Main Beach. You'll love the wood burning fireplace for cooler evenings. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Cost for the ferry is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children. Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. From the boat dock, take the boardwalk. Copyright 2023 Paula Pins The Planet - All Rights Reserved, or call 800-326-3521 or TDD at 888-433-0287, A Complete Guide to how to Visit Anna Maria Island, FL. ); Ferry fees are: $18 per adult. Large backyard features plenty of space to park your boat, trailer, RV, work truck, and jet skis as deed restrictions allow. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. Caladesi Island State Park. The entrance fee is $2 per person if you kayak over to the island. Just make sure you are aware of any regulations concerning size, numer, season, etc. 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. The paddle takes about 20 minutes and you are still required to pay the $2 entry fee to the park. Thank goodness they did. Great info. If you plan on taking the ferry from Honeymoon Island and you're active/retired military, bring your DD214 so you can get a discount on the ferry fare and so you can get into the state park for free. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. After exploring the beautiful beaches and trails on Caladesi Island, it is time to see it from the sky. 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. You can find the startpoint for the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi here, just off of Somerset Street. To ride the ferry, take Curlew Road (Hwy 586) out of Dunedin and drive west. 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. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. By far the most popular way of reaching Caladesi Island is with the regular ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (maps). Along with birdlife, you can see some sea life in the clear water like stingrays, lots of fish, and crabs. Plan to arrive 60 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding. You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. It is a nice and relaxing boat trip. A Florida fishing license may be required. The slip spots have 30 amp electrical and water hookups. If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! The beautiful sand is covered in hundreds and thousands of seashells and many of them are in perfect unbroken condition. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. It simply would not be safe. Full disclaimer here. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. Ferry Service Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park for entrance onto Caladesi Island. You can also get to Caladesi Island by a private boat ($6 per boat / kayak is $2 per person). Walk through the slider doors onto a large covered patio. 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/. 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. 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. There are 108 places available. 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, ? Half the fun of any day trip to Caladesi is the journey. To make sure everyone doesn't try to take the last boat back, your return ticket is for four hours after you arrive. - Gary McKechnie When you go. How to Walk to Caladesi Island From Clearwater Beach! , Can you walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? 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! Caladesi State Park Guidelines Hours are 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year. For questions, clients are advised to contact the business at (727) 734-5263. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. 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. Whether youre staying in the area or visiting as a day trip from Orlando, Florida, this is a great place to visit. Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. If you are traveling from Clearwater you will most likely get on the ferry at the Caladesi Island Ferry Tickets & Information area. This hotel is cool because it has a rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant and it is a perfect location for a happy hour with a million dollars views of the bay. Kayak | A great option if youd like a little more adventure, its possible to kayak across to the island. The paddle to the island takes about 20 minutes. Caladesi Island State Park Hours & Fees Hours The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. Also, keep in mind, you do need to pay the $8 entry fee to Honeymoon Island State Park to get to where the ferry leaves from. The ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi makes it really easy to visit. 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. $8 per child. thank you for this very interesting article.