Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park
4.5
About
One of Florida's few remaining undisturbed barrier islands.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
38 within 5 kms
Attractions
57 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Jerry WSouth Point, Ohio63 contributionsGorgeousAbsolutely gorgeous! Very easy ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park (it was either $16 or $18 per adult, I can’t recall the exact price). We saw dolphins on the ferry ride over! Be prepared to see rattle snakes! 😂 that part kinda through me for a loop. Gorgeous shelling and there wasn’t a lot of people there at all. Definitely going back next time I’m in the area.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten February 11, 2023
- Andrew WIndianapolis, Indiana258 contributionsBeautiful Island Along The GulfWe used the Caladesi Ferry which takes you from Honeymoon Island State Park to Caladesi Island State Park. If you haven’t been to Caladesi Island, I highly recommend visiting! It’s a beautiful island - one of the few untouched islands along the Gulf.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten March 8, 2023
- Merci Deez7 contributionsBeautiful Island get away 🏖️Beautiful island get away only an hour from Tampa. The ferry ride was informative and entertaining thanks to the Captains and 1st mates. Tasty bites available onsite. Lovely beach! 🏖️Soft white sand and shell collector’s paradise 💕Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten April 15, 2023
- mplegalOrlando, Florida336 contributionsUnspoiled BeautyWe decided to take our friends, who live in Minnesota and annually vacation in the gulf coast, to Caledesi Island, which is one of the continually top rated beaches in the U.S. You can only get to the island by boat, and there is a ferry service provided at Honeymoon Island State Park (cost is $18.00 per person). The ferry ride is approximately 15 mins long and it is not uncommon to see plenty of dolphins on the trip. Upon arrival, there is a 108 slip marina and when you disembark, you arrive at the snack bar/ranger station. The snack bar features burgers, hot dogs, snacks, soft drinks and beer. From there, it’s a 5 min walk over the boardwalk to unspoiled beauty! The beach is simply beautiful, there are 3 miles of hiking trails and you can also rent kayaks and explore through the mangroves. Be advised, your time on the island is limited to a few hours if you take the ferry across. You are given a return time on your ferry ticket stub (do not discard this stub). You can reach the island via private boat or kayak; however you travel, it will be a memorable experience!Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten April 17, 2023
- Nancy K8 contributionsDunedin at its best!Went to the regular beach one day and the pet beach the next. Actually like the pet beach better. Beautiful, and staff is extremely friendly. great family place!Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten April 17, 2023
- Michelle H3 contributionsHighly recommend this excursion!What a blast! Doug and Tony made the trip to Caladesi island and back so much fun! They were obviously concerned about safety, and informative about Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. Well worth the money whether you are going to hunt for shells, to just get away from the big crowds at Clearwater beach, or just to relax and absorb the sun.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten April 28, 2023
- SJC67AEffingham, United Kingdom103 contributionsBeautiful Island VisitAmazing island retreat. The ferry across is fun and a great trip in its own right. Beautiful natural beach with good facilities on the island. We did a 1 hour kayak tour through the mangroves and along the coast that we brilliant.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2023
- Melissa HGainesville, Florida38 contributionsTotal RelaxationBeautiful experience, favorite beach in Florida! Not a place to go if your in a hurry or have other plans- it’s for total relaxation! Nature is wonderful, turtles eating, all types of birds, flowers blooming! White sandy beach and crystal clear water! So many sea shells of all shapes and sizes!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten June 4, 2023
- DTP1952Jefferson City, Tennessee118 contributionsShould do at least once.First warning - bring bug spray. Waiting area for the ferry sits over back waters and was buzzing with mosquitoes; we all got chewed up. The ferry ride was very enjoyable. Saw one dolphin. The walk from the marina to the beach is about 5 minutes. It's mostly boardwalk which makes it easier. Second warning - the walk into the water has lots of shells; you may want to wear water shoes. You can take your own chairs and umbrellas but not a beach wagon to haul them in. Two chairs and an umbrella are available to rent for $35, no cash. You are limited to four hours on the island. We found that to be plenty of time. All in all glad we did this.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten June 13, 2023
- Jessica C4 contributionsIt’s worth itPay the ferry and take the trip!! Beautiful white sand beaches and tons of shells. We went from 11a-3p and that was plenty long to swim and find sea shells. We also saw many crabs, small sting rays, dolphins and birds. It’s worth the extra trip!Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten August 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,384 reviews
Excellent
997
Very good
264
Average
84
Poor
30
Terrible
9
Lori F
Martinsburg, WV15 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
This was the highlight of our trip. I wanted to find fighting conchs and did, a lot of them and turbans too. The boat out was great.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meathbutterfly
Dublin, Ireland44 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Excellent day trip Highly recommend if you bringing tourist friends Am from Ireland and was great to see natural environment Beach, Mangroves and huge variety of sea shells Got to see a baby armadillo Beach not packed which was lovely Very relaxing There is a ferry to bring you over from Honeymoon Island at cost $18 and we got to see Manatee and dolphins Our captain Ron and his 2nd Mate Keith were Excell Great sense of humor Can hire 2sunchairs & umbrella $35 plus tax You can bring your own
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nathaliasouzabh
King of Prussia, PA761 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
The ferry ticket is $18 per person. It’s quick to get there, 15ish minutes. On our way there we saw a dolphin. The ferry sailor was really nice!
The beach was almost empty. White and soft sand and the water clear and cold. Really good to relax.
A lot of shells in the shore.
There are some chairs and umbrellas (I think you have to pay $35 for them)
There are bathrooms, gift shop (with beer, water, soda, snacks).
The beach was almost empty. White and soft sand and the water clear and cold. Really good to relax.
A lot of shells in the shore.
There are some chairs and umbrellas (I think you have to pay $35 for them)
There are bathrooms, gift shop (with beer, water, soda, snacks).
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moira J
Haverfordwest, UK37 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
For the cost of tickets to an aquarium plus parking. We got to sit and watch the wildlife in its natural environment.
We hired deck chairs and spent a few hours just relaxing. Went for a dip in the warm water.
It truly is a little bit of paradise.
There’s a cafe and small shop by the ferry drop off. With ferries running every half hour until 4.30 pm.
If you visit honeymoon island then it’s worth the cost of the ferry $18 each to go to Caladesi.
You won’t regret it.
We hired deck chairs and spent a few hours just relaxing. Went for a dip in the warm water.
It truly is a little bit of paradise.
There’s a cafe and small shop by the ferry drop off. With ferries running every half hour until 4.30 pm.
If you visit honeymoon island then it’s worth the cost of the ferry $18 each to go to Caladesi.
You won’t regret it.
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica C
4 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Pay the ferry and take the trip!! Beautiful white sand beaches and tons of shells. We went from 11a-3p and that was plenty long to swim and find sea shells. We also saw many crabs, small sting rays, dolphins and birds. It’s worth the extra trip!
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim N
Cary, NC194 contributions
Jun. 2023
smooth operation, incredible amenities in honeymoon and caladesi islands. Very nice, Florida knows how to do beaches!
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TinaE31
Rineyville, KY18 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
This park may want to do something about its employees attitudes. We were so disgusted with them that we left and didn’t take the ferry over. First of all, the lady at the pay gate was totally rude. We paid with a $20 bill and she asked if we had anything smaller. We told her no, sorry and she got visibly upset. We then asked her where we catch the ferry as we’d never been there before. She rudely said, “second left” and forcefully threw her arm out the window with our change. Ok, first strike but maybe she was having a bad day. Then we get to the window for the ferry tickets and there was a lady in front of us. She told the man in the booth that she didn’t know how this works as it was their first time. She asked if she picks the times that she wants to go or what. The man rudely said “no I pick them for you.” Then he told her if she left now she would come back at 3:30 in the afternoon, she asked him if she could come back any earlier and then he was extremely rude and said “did I say you could come back earlier?” She turned around and looked at me with this look on her face and then said, “rude.” So then I went up to the window and I asked him if there’s anything over there like to get something to drink or anything and he was very rude and said “yeah there’s a whole concession stand over there get a flyer.” By then I was just done. We turned around and just left. We were looking forward to this and these two people just completely ruined it for us.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connector662333
Holiday, FL1 contribution
Jun. 2023 • Family
Caladesi water from what I have seen in photos look like blue Caribbean water. The water is not blue as the photos show. I call the color of water
as Dirty Jersey!
as Dirty Jersey!
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DTP1952
Jefferson City, TN118 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
First warning - bring bug spray. Waiting area for the ferry sits over back waters and was buzzing with mosquitoes; we all got chewed up. The ferry ride was very enjoyable. Saw one dolphin. The walk from the marina to the beach is about 5 minutes. It's mostly boardwalk which makes it easier. Second warning - the walk into the water has lots of shells; you may want to wear water shoes. You can take your own chairs and umbrellas but not a beach wagon to haul them in. Two chairs and an umbrella are available to rent for $35, no cash. You are limited to four hours on the island. We found that to be plenty of time. All in all glad we did this.
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mimimingo
Florida271 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Friends
We've been coming to Caladesi Island for a couple of years since moving to the area. We always have a wonderful few hours enjoying the soft sand and beautiful water. Family always requests going there. Today on our visit, after we loaded our beach buggy with chairs, coolers, umbrellas, etc, we got to the building to purchase ferry tickets, and were abruptly told wagons or beach buggies aren't allowed on the ferry. We tried to ask why, since we have in the past years, and were rudely told, "It's been a new rule since the first of the year." At 70+ years of age, it's quite a chore carrying everything to the ferry and then to the beach. BE AWARE, NO USE OF WAGONS OR BEACH BUGGIES! The captains and first mates operating the ferries are absolutely the best guys who definitely enjoy their job.
Written June 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beth b
Pataskala, OH1 contribution
Can you take your own foldable beach chairs and umbrella onto the ferry to the island?
Nomad08386299603
Lawrenceburg, IN
whats the longest time you can stay on the island?
hmonta401044
Palm Harbor, FL2 contributions
The park is open from 8AM until sundown.
libby2647111
indiana23 contributions
What is the chance of seeing a rattlesnake? Are people seeing them on the beach or hiking?
John D
4 contributions
Edit: I was there yesterday. I asked the ferry skipper how they were getting snakes on a barrier island.
Answer: They swim there, and he sees them occasionally just shaking their way through the water.
Granted, that’s a little disconcerting, but the beach is a wide open space with zero shade. Not a place snakes tend to hang out. The interior of the island however has plenty of space for the slithery kind, so stay to the boardwalks and beach if you want to minimize the already unlikely chance of seeing one.
Where is the best place to rent a kayak to paddle to Caladesi?
lee9
Plantation, FL831 contributions
As you drive up the cause way you will see on the left side of the road a couple of places, before entering the park.
Departure20285780619
Clearwater, FL
Are there any good restaurants close by the park
Donna G
Oldsmar, FL400 contributions
Frenchy's is before you drive over the causeway. Excellent restaurant with in & outdoor seating. There is also a little diner & an English restaurant in the shopping center. There is a subway & McDonald's in the s/c & an ice cream shop across the street on the corner, but you need a car.
Departure20285780619
Clearwater, FL
Hi can you bring a cooler and sandwiches
DeanR1963
Fort Wayne, IN168 contributions
Yes you can
karibos
Tampa, FL112 contributions
Says no alcohol on island but do they inspect your bags?
Sandy34698
Dunedin, FL121 contributions
I do not believe so, but I would think it best if you followed the rules.
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Claim your listingCALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Caladesi Island State Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Caladesi Island State Park:
- Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter (From C$822.50)
- Clearwater Beach Private Pontoon Boat Tours (From C$478.42)
- Half-Day Private Boating On Buccaneer Funship - Clearwater Beach (From C$1,302.30)
- Half- Day Private Boating On Tahoe Funship - Clearwater Beach (From C$1,302.30)
- Private Boating On Pontoon Clearwater Beach (From C$753.96)
- Hotels near Caladesi Island State Park:
- (3.59 km) Palm Court Motel
- (5.88 km) Meranova Guest Inn
- (3.19 km) Hampton Inn Dunedin
- (5.48 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater North/Dunedin
- (8.39 km) Palm Pavilion Inn on Clearwater Beach
- Restaurants near Caladesi Island State Park:
- (0.00 km) Cafe Honeymoon
- (0.01 km) South Beach Pavilion Cafe
- (0.76 km) High & Dry Grill
- (8.86 km) The Salty Crab Bar & Grill North Beach
- (3.79 km) The Ozona Pig
- Attractions near Caladesi Island State Park:
- (0.42 km) Honeymoon Island State Park
- (0.78 km) Sail Honeymoon
- (9.35 km) Clearwater Beach
- (5.71 km) ParrotDise Express Boat Tours
- (7.76 km) Escape Thrill