Caladesi Island: Things To Know Before Visiting!

How To Get To Caladesi Island

The most common way to get to Caladesi Island is to take the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park.

However, you can also go in your own boat, on foot, or via kayak or paddleboard.

By Ferry

If you’d like to travel by ferry, you’ll first need to drive across the Dunedin Causeway to the Caladesi Island Ferry Ticket & Information booth on Honeymoon Island.

Ferry service begins at 10 a.m. daily and runs every 30 minutes.

During the twenty-minute ferry ride, the captain will give you interesting information on the area.

You’ll have four hours to enjoy the park before the return trip.

This isn’t the most economical method as you’ll need to pay an entry fee to Honeymoon State Park to get to the ferry terminal, then purchase roundtrip tickets to Caladesi Island.

💰 Entrance To Honeymoon Island State Park Costs:

$8 per vehicle with two to eight people

$4 for a single-occupant vehicle.

$2 for pedestrians, cyclists, and extra passengers

💰 The Caladesi Connection Ferry Costs:

$18 per adult.

$9 for children ages 6 to 12.

Children ages 5 and younger ride free.

Private Boat Or Rental Kayak

If you want to book your own private boat, Caladesi Island is a perfect day trip (or overnight docking experience).

Zoom over the waves, pay the affordable docking fee, and enjoy.

Another option is to rent a kayak or paddleboard and paddle to Caladesi Island.

This way, you’ll get a workout and immerse yourself in the beauties of mangroves, sand, and sea.

There are over three miles of kayak trails on Caladesi. Rest up and venture into the mangrove pathways.

On Foot

Another option is to walk three miles from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island.

The walk is easiest during low tide and goes along the shore. At high tide, you’ll need to wade through a few sections.

Be sure to take all the supplies you need for the day, including plenty of water and money for the entrance fee.

Things To Do On Caladesi Island

Swim

The gorgeous clear water at Caladesi is a temptation worth giving into. Float, dive, splash, and scan the waves for dolphins and stingrays.

Relax On The Beach

Rent a beach chair and umbrella set from the park, crack open your favorite beach read, or slip a hat over your eyes and snooze.

Rent A Kayak

Explore the mangroves and shores from a kayak or paddleboard rented from the park.

Hike The Nature Trails

Nature trails crisscross the middle of the island, giving you a chance to see various habitats, animals, and scenic vistas.

Use insect repellent, stay hydrated, and watch out for rattlesnakes.

Fish

Drop your line in for a chance to catch snapper, trout, snook, flounder, whiting, and sheepshead.

Snorkel

The clear water around Caladesi is a wonderful place to snorkel.

You can get a closer look at the fish and hunt for shells up to eight or ten feet from shore.

Have A Picnic

Nothing beats a tasty picnic on the beach. Pack your favorite fare, claim one of the pavilions, and relish your homestyle spread in style.

Shelling

Eye-catching shells, shark teeth, and more dot the sands on Caladesi Island. Take a bag along to store your treasures.

But if you find live shells and sand dollars, put them back where you found them.

Go To The Café

Caladesi Café offers tasty lunches at affordable prices. And if you get parched, a Café piña colada will go down smoothly.