how to get to caladesi island by private boat

For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. The best place to park if you want to walk out to the state park is at the northern end of Mandalay Avenue. This guide contains everything you need to know + answers to all of your questions about visiting Caladesi Island State Park. Dunedin. Three Rooker island is a bird sanctuary for the black skimmer birds that looks like seagulls but are . 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. 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. You can buy onlinethe single-use day pass admission ahead of your visit. One of the best ways to experience the island is by snorkeling. When it comes to beaches in Florida, the St. Pete / Clearwater region really is spoiled for choice. The passes just off the shore make great waters for catching tarpon, snook, redfish, seatrout, flounder, grouper, sharks, and more. btw, another more mild option is to paddle from Two Harbors to Avalon on rental kayaks. For this reason, it's less crowded than some other beaches in the area. HOA is only $120 a month which covers gates, all clubhouse amenities, basic cable and internet. There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. Dont forget the sunscreen and other sun protection. Key Vista has a fenced secure area for boat & RV parking for a minimal fee when available. Rogue Fitness Stickers - Logo Stickers - CrossFit, CrossFit Workout Routines With The Best CrossFit Exercises. The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. 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. 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. , How far is the walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island? There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbecue grills. Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and the ride is about 20-minutes long. 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. 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 short trip on St. Joseph Sound takes about 20 minutes. Off The Beaten Path Florida: 20 Hidden Gems Revealed by a Local! amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
We are able to adjust location pickup, just be sure to ask. Caladesi Island State Park is a wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island. Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. Ferries departing Honeymoon Island starts at 10:00 am and leave every half an hour. $2 per kayaker. The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there. Along the trail, be sure to look for the armadillos and maybe even a raccoon, although youre more likely to see their tracks. Visitors may spot dolphins leaping alongside the ferry, but they won't see any alligators. There is a picnic area, playground, restrooms, concession (Caladesi Cafe), and showers available on the island. Caladesi is much better than Honeymoon I think. It's the most popular and easiest way to get to the island unless you have your own boat. (1,040 reviews) "We stayed for a couple nights and the room was clean, modern, had a fridge and microwave. 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. They charge a daily rate of $6.00 per boat for up to 8 people and $2.00 per extra . There were a few other people looking for shells as they walked the beach. 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. The large island bar opens to the living room. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. Caladesi Island is one of the many beautiful islands located off the coast of Florida. There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. 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. ); 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. Get ready for a great time! Pack enough snacks and water for the day or plan to get lunch at Caladesi Cafe. event : evt, The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. 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). There are about 45 shells shown on the board. How to Walk to Caladesi Island From Clearwater Beach! If youre wondering if you can swim on Caladesi Island the answer is YES! 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. Mar 27 - Mar 28. And have fun with it, the walk is long but youre heading somewhere beautiful. From the marina, the beach is clearly sign-posted and requires only a few minutes walk along a raised walkway to reach it. This guide has the answers to all of your questions + tips for having the best experience while you're visiting the island. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. There is usually a lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Caladesi Island kayaks are available to rent at the marina for $25. 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. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. 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. Cross the causeway from Dunedin and pay the entry fee of $8 per car. This does not apply if you are coming over on the ferry. Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. Dunedin, FL 34698. The best place for kayaking on Caladesi Island Florida is on the east side of the island. Located in Dunedin and around 2,300 feet from Dunedin Marina and is less than a 10-minute drive to Honeymoon Island. But those in the know and health, can also paddle over from the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Clearwater Beach. $16 per adult (age 13+) for round-trip ferry. The Caladesi Island State Park ferry runs daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. 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. No, you cannot go camping or stay overnight on the beach as there are no cabins or hotels on the island. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. You can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island over to Caladesi Island. The ferry and the kayak rentals close in the event of bad weather. 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 Ferry The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. Check out our recommendations for camping chairs for kids here! 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. If you are wondering how to visit Caladesi Island State Park in Florida you are in the right place. Caladesi Island State Park charges a fee to enter. It will take you across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island where you pay an entrance fee. Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to 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. This 15th floor immaculate condo has rare and spectacular 180 degrees of unobstructed views in every direction. 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. 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. 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 is not the official way to enter the island, and I havent personally done it. frat boys, and something quite commercialised over all. 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. Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. How to Get to Caladesi Island There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. The Caladesi Island website can tell you more. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Tickets must be bought in person at the ticket office in the carpark. Caladesi island is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon island, making it an exclusive beach paradise. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. I have more details below on this walk. Caladesi Islands hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday. The trail will take you through salt marshes, mangrove swamps, down to the beach, and through the coastal scrub on the island. Rental of both single and double kayaks is available form Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway (maps). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You will have to pay a $6 entry fee at the marina, and additional charges if you decide to stay overnight. Once you get to the island, there are lots of fun things to do and places to explore. In 1921, a hurricane struck and dug the sand, forming the so-called Hurricane Pass the waterway that separates the two islands. Honeymoon Island is located 8.7 miles away. Where the boardwalk ends at the beach, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs. This blue water beach in Florida is so pretty from above. Another alternative to the ferry or kayak is exploring Caladesi Island by walking north on Clearwater Beach. 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. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating. The tickets listed above are the cost of a roundtrip ticket. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. , Are there rattlesnakes on Honeymoon Island? This is one of the best things to do on Caladesi Island. 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. I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. Check Prices for Shell Bags on Amazon Here! TOTAL FUEL COSTS $141. Pets are permitted in designated areas only and they must be kept on a leash that's no longer than 6 feet. $8 per child. Walk through the slider doors onto a large covered patio. They rent single and double kayaks. Required fields are marked *. Where is Caladesi Island State Park, Florida? You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. Generally considered an easy route. Well, more like a jolly good walk than a hike, but a wonderful way to spend an hour lost in nature. Great info. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. It is full of opportunities for relaxing at the Caladesi beach, enjoying the nature trails, Caladesi Island shelling, and swimming. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! 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. It has deep and fine-grained white sand. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. 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. 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 want to explore more of the mangroves, you can paddle through the island on the Mangrove Kayak Trail. Admission to Caladesi Island is $6 per boat or $2 per kayak. However, boaters can dock overnight at the 108-slip marina as long as they register before sundown. Prices for a single kayak start at $35 for two hours and go up from there. Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coast's best kept secret - that is open to the public. 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! Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner. Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat, which helps keep it more private. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. The paddle to the island takes about 20 minutes. The ferry only takes about . Fishing is allowed in designated areas around the island so bring your fishing poles if you want to catch your own dinner. (And yes, I know this has been said before, and better.) The ferry runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. At least one company on the island near Avalon will transport the kayaks to Two Harbors. The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. 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. Bottom line is to get into all this IF you may like kayaking (i.e. To get to Caladesi, most people ride the $14 ferry from Honeymoon Island. 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. My husband and I kicked off the summer by visiting the Island and we had a wonderful time! It was in the mid-1500s when the Spanish explorers first surveyed this coast. Fees Admission $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. It is the beach closest to the restrooms and caf. It's been voted one of the top beaches in the United States because it's one of the . Located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. The low tide exposes a whopping 30 yards of beach so make sure to dock your boat far in the water. 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. You can also take your kayak from Honeymoon Island and paddle about 15 minutes to Caladesi Island. . Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. You can expect to find lots of open space on the beach with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks. 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. The ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi makes it really easy to visit. 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. Thanks. 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 accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island. So feel free to bring them for a hike but only if you kayak over or bring them on your own private boat. 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. 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. 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. $9 for children ages 6 to 12. 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! You can rent a kayak on Caladesi Island (or launch your own) and explore the mangrove tunnels. If you want to walk to the island, it is only possible to do so at low tide. A Florida fishing license may be required. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. Snead Island Boat Works. 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. 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. Entrance is $6 per boat, for up to 8 people. Caladesis protected status means that there is plenty of potential wildlife spotting to be done along her shores (as well as inland). Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. ENTRY FEE: The boat fee is $6 per boat. Although its certainly possible to make the journey during high tide, do note that there will be sections that you are required to wade through - nothing too deep, but something to be aware of if planning the trip with children or with spontaneity. If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. Swimming, fishing, boating, and fires are allowed in designated areas only. 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 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 . Learn how your comment data is processed. If you dont have your own, you can rent a kayak, stand-up board, or a sailboat on the Dunedin Causeway and it is a short 15 minutes to the island from here. - Gary McKechnie When you go. Have fun and enjoy this nearly untouched beach paradise right by Tampa. Here the water is so shallow and clear that you get to see all kinds of wildlife, like stingrays, sharks, crabs and lots of fish. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. They are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas as long as weather permits. The ferrys start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. There are a number of facilities at the disposal to Caladesi Island visitors. 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. TOTAL FUEL USED 55 gal. 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! The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature, and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. Wild camping is illegal, and there is no accommodation, however you are able to spend the night in your boat, in the dock. It is so cool to see all of the shells that can be found on the island, even if you dont find them yourself. Cruises to Easter Island 2023, 2024 and 2025 A Cruise in Easter Island with the image of a moai statue. Don't miss the ferry ride to Caladesi Island! If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. , Which is better Honeymoon Island or Caladesi? Kids below five years old are free. The entrance fee is $6 per boat for up to 8 people. What a great place I chose to call home- Caladesi Island in Florida is among one of the best State Parks in the U.S. The best time to walk is 2 hours before low tide. There are two ferry boats. listeners: [], In this video we share our experience walking to one of the best Florida beaches and share tips along the way. 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. It's just south of Honeymoon Island State Park. Finding SHELLS when there are no shell piles - Caladesi Island, Florida Solace in.