I’ve been to Caladesi Island a number of times now and love it each time. Caladesi Island was originally part of a larger barrier island on the Gulf Coast, but after being pummeled by hurricanes enough times, particularly in 1921 when a hurricane pass was created, cutting the barrier islands apart.
There are three ways to get to Caladesi Island State Park:
- Take a private boat to its docks
- Take a public ferry from Honeymoon Island
- Go to Clearwater Beach and walk north for a long time until you see the Caladesi Island welcome sign
It may seem weird that I suggest walking to an island, but, in fact, that has been an option since 1985 when Hurricane Elena filled in Dunedin Pass. This is how I have accessed Caladesi Island in the past, mostly because I like long walks, but also because you don’t have to pay entrance fees or ferry fees with this option.
Warning – the walk is long and you may want to consider wearing shoes or a sturdy pair of sandals. My feet ache just thinking about the time I did the entire walk in my $5 sandals.
Once to the island you will find the state park accommodations you would expect: bathrooms, concession stand, pavilions, picnic tables.
There is a sandy three mile hiking trail (watch out for rattlesnakes). The highlight for me is the kayak trail which is one of the best ways to experience the island. You can paddle right up to the Scharer Homestead Ruins from the early 1800s. Kayaks can be rented for $25 per person.
Then, of course, there is the beach, undisturbed by development and high-rise condos, which is one of the finest natural beaches in all of Florida. Dr. Beach named Caladesi Island Beach the #1 beach in the USA in 2008.
There is no tent camping or RV camping on the island. If you want to camp you will have to do it by boat. This seems like a very interesting option to me, but I have not had a chance to try it out yet as I don’t have a boat or have access to a boat. Boat camping is $24 per night, plus $7 per night if you want an electrical hook up. You can stay up to 14 days straight.
There are nearly 4 miles of beach to explore. The park is 1474-acres and was previously known as both Sand Island and Hog Island. The island was donated to the Florida Park Service in 1966 by the City of Dunedin, saving it from death by construction. I highly recommend this day trip. For more info, here is a link to the official park brochure.
Also, you will love your visit even more if you read Yesterday I Lived In Paradise, written by Myrtle Scharrer Betz, who lived as a homesteader on the island as a child with her father.
Further Information:
Location: Offshore Island, Dunedin, FL 34698
Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8:00am – Sundown
Admission: $6 per boat | $2 per kayaker | If coming from Honeymoon Island State Park – $8 per vehicle
Ferry: $14 Adult | $7 Child (6 – 12) | 5 and under ride free
Phone: 727-469-5918
Website: Official Website
Doing it on the cheap…
There is a Groupon for the ferry that provides discounted rates. There is also a coupon that provides $1 off per person for the ferry. I would presume the offers cannot be combined.
The Florida State Park System has free days throughout the year. The best way to keep track of the free days is to either join their mailing list or to follow them on social media.
(updated 10/08/2019)
