Florida is a popular place to live and to visit, especially recently it has seen a large surge of people moving in. 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. Caladesi Island is a pristine barrier island just north of the ever popular Clearwater beach. A Caladesi Island day trip is the perfect way to escape Tampa, Florida for the day.
With powdery soft white sand covered in shells, clear emerald waters, mangrove trees and wildlife galore you really almost feel like you are on a deserted island paradise. There is so much to do and explore on Caladesi Island, it would be hard to do it all in a day but don’t let that stop you from trying. 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.
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. Thank goodness they did.
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General Info
Caladesi Island’s hours are from 8 am till sunset everyday.
Phone: 727-469-5918
How to Get to Caladesi Island
There are actually a few different ways to get to the island. Which one you choose will be determined by how long you have, your physical abilities and your budget. The options are a ferry ride, kayaking, walking or boating.
Caladesi Island Ferry
The Caladesi Island Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island just to the north. Cross the causeway from Dunedin and pay the entry fee of $8 per car. From there follow the signs to the ferry (the turn will be on your left). There is a large parking lot and the ticket office.
The ferry ride takes 20 minutes and takes you across hurricane pass, the water way between Honeymoon and Caladesi. The ferry has plenty of room to store all the beach gear you will inevitably need to bring along including coolers, chairs and umbrellas.
Each ferry ticket is a round trip ticket and gives you a four hour time slot on Caladesi Island. You can stay longer than four hours and go back on any return ferry as long as there is space. Preference is given to people in their correct time slot.
How Much Does the Ferry Cost
Tickets for adults cost $16 per person, kids age 6-12 cost $8 and kids 5 and under are free.
Caladesi Island Ferry Schedule
The ferry’s start running at 10 am and run every 30 minutes although times are sometimes seasonally adjusted. They are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas as long as weather permits.
More information can be found on the Caladesi Island Ferry website.
Kayaking to Caladesi Island
If you’re 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. It is only a 15 minute paddle through fairly shallow water with beautiful scenery all around. They are open 7 days a week unless there is bad weather.
Be sure to ask for directions from the Sail Honeymoon staff and keep an eye out for boats and other motorcraft while you are on the water. Prices for a single kayak start at $35 for two hours and go up from there. They also offer two person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks.
Walking to Caladesi Island from Clearwater
You can actually walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island if you would like to but there are some things you should know first.
It is a six mile walk round trip from the most northern part of Clearwater, so three miles each way through the sand. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen because there is no shade to protect your skin from the sun.
The path you need to walk does occasionally get covered in water or get blocked by plants depending on the tide. You may have to walk through the water at times to reach Caladesi Island.
I recommend parking as far north in clearwater as you can to cut down on your walk as much as possible. And have fun with it, the walk is long but you’re heading somewhere beautiful.
More Information about Tampa Beaches:
Tampa Beaches: The Ultimate Guide to Beaches in and Around Tampa Bay
Cypress Point Beach Park: What You Need to Know
Unforgettable Day Trip to Egmont Key
Beach Vacation Packing List for Peace of Mind
Private Boat
Caladesi Island is easily accessible by private boat. So if you own a boat or decide to rent one then feel free to head on over. There are docks you can use or I even saw people bring their boats close to the shallows and then swim the rest of the way to shore.
If you rent a boat for a day in Tampa then Caladesi Island would be a great stop to make!
Helicopter Tour
For a unique view of all the beaches in the area you can sign up for a helicopter tour. You may not be on the beach itself but the views are spectacular. If you are planning a helicopter tour for a special occasion then a sunset tour would be especially special.
Amenities
There is only one real building on the island, the ranger station which also houses the cafe and gift shop. A great, albeit expensive, place to grab some food and fun souvenirs. Further down the boardwalk on your way to the beach there is a second smaller building where you’ll find the restrooms, showers and drinking fountain.
There is a small picnic area and pavilion with a grill for public use. This can be reserved if you call in advance. For the kiddos there is a small playground to enjoy if they need a break from the beach. If you would like to stay the night on the island your only option is boat camping at the docks. There is no tent camping allowed on Caladesi Island.
You are welcome to bring all your own gear to the island but if you’d rather avoid the hassle then chair and umbrella rentals are available.
Things to Do on Caladesi Island
Beach
Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do on Caladesi Island. It has white quartz sand that doesn’t burn your feet. You will only share the miles of pristine beach with a limited number of people so you will get your own space. Play games, eat snacks, take a nap, whatever is your preference. The sun is strong though so don’t forget your shade, sunhat and sunscreen.
Caladesi Island Shelling
The beautiful sand is covered in hundreds and thousands of seashells and many of them are in perfect unbroken condition. Although the shelling capital of the US and maybe even the world is Sanibel Island down south near Fort Myers Caladesi Island is still a popular shelling destination. You can even find whole sand dollars among the beautiful collection of shells.
The best time for shelling is at low tide. If you want to try and time your visit around low tide this website can tell you what times will be best.
Swimming and Snorkeling
You can definitely go swimming while on Caladesi Island. During the summer when the weather really starts heating up you are going to want to get into the water to cool off! The water is clear so snorkeling is fun although you may not see much more than small fish here or there.
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. There will be signs posted on land with instructions on how to do this if you’re unsure.
Hiking
There are a few nature trails to explore like the beach loop or hammock loop. The terrain is flat and easy to walk along with a few sandy spots. On top of seeing the plants and wildlife that inhabits Caladesi Island you can also find the remains of an old homestead. The Sharrer family used to live on the island and raise hogs and a few remnants of the bygone time still remain. I would ask the park staff for help finding them.
Kayaking
You can rent a kayak on Caladesi Island (or launch your own) and explore the mangrove tunnels. This provides a nice break from the sun in the shade and is a fun place to spot some aquatic wildlife up close.
More to Do Around Tampa and Clearwater
- Best Fun Things to Do in Tampa, FL
- 14 Fun Day Trips from Tampa, FL
- 29 Free Activities for Kids in Tampa
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in designated areas around the island so bring your fishing poles if you want to catch your own dinner. Just make sure you are aware of any regulations concerning size, numer, season, etc. The Caladesi Island website can tell you more.
Camping on Caladesi Island
There is no camping allowed on the actual island itself but if you have a boat or have access to a boar overnight then boat camping is allowed on the docks. The docks are equipped with electric and water service and the pavilions have grills available for public use.
You can reserve a spot online in advance for $24 dollars a night plus tax.
FAQ
Can you walk or swim to caladesi island?
You can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater beach, especially when the conditions are right like at low tide. It may require you to walk through the water at times though.
You cannot walk or swim to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island however. It may look close and shallow to the naked eye but it is not. You would have to cross Hurricane Pass which is very deep, deceptively far and frequented by boats and other motorcraft. It simply would not be safe.
What items are allowed on the ferry and island?
You can bring almost any item you would need for a comfortable day trip to Caladesi Island and beach day onto the ferry. Feel free to bring your coolers, chairs, umbrellas, wagons, food etc.
There is no alcohol allowed on the beaches of Caladesi Island but you can stop in for a drink at the island cafe.
Are dogs allowed on Caladesi Island?
Yes dogs are allowed on Caladesi Island but there are a few caveats. No dogs are allowed on the Caladesi Island ferry nor are they allowed on the beaches. They are however allowed on the rest of the island as long as they are on a leash.
So feel free to bring them for a hike but only if you kayak over or bring them on your own private boat.
Tips for a Nice Day Trip to Caladesi Island
- Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. There is a cafe if you need to buy anything but it is pricey so to save money I recommend bringing your own. If you bring reusable water bottles there is a water fountain to refill your water bottle.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen and other sun protection. There is not really any shade on the beach so sunscreen will be your best friend. I also recommend a hat, an umbrella or tent of some kind and a t-shirt or lightweight clothes.
- The ferry and the kayak rentals close in the event of bad weather. So to avoid a wasted trip I recommend always checking the weather before leaving home.
- Have fun and enjoy this nearly untouched beach paradise right by Tampa!
Practical Information For Clearwater, FL
Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Tampa Travel Guide.
Day Trip to Caladesi Island
Enjoy your day trip to Caladesi Island. Whether you go for shelling, hiking or relaxation I know it will be a great trip!
If you have any other questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them.
