Caladesi Island is located three miles offshore from Dunedin, FL 34698. You can get to the island via the Caladesi Island Ferry, which departs from Honeymoon Island, located at #1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin FL 34698. The ferry runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather and attendance permitting.
Vibe
An untouched, secluded paradise close to Clearwater Beach.
Accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island rewards the extra effort to reach it with unforgettable, pristine beaches—with awards that rank it among or atop the best beaches in the nation. Here, expect to see beachgoers hunting for shells like conchs, whelks and olives; swimmers splashing in the shallow, clear waters; and nature lovers of all kinds enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
See, feel
The 20-minute ferry ride to Caladesi feels like an adventure, with visitors clutching coolers and beach bags while the kids point at dolphins and chatter excitedly. When you arrive, a short journey down an accessible boardwalk reveals a beach heaped with pure white, powdery quartz sand, stretching for four miles along the island’s wild western shore. The water is glorious: sparkling clear, emerald-hued and shallow. It’s a natural beach, so expect some seagrass.
Though the water is usually calm, winds, tides or offshore systems can occasionally cause rough conditions.
On or near the beach
Take a dip, or stroll along the shore to discover wonders like the island’s northern tip, resplendent with shallow tide pools. Birders will appreciate the healthy populations of roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, great blue herons and oystercatchers, black skimmers, terns and plovers.
Anglers can ply the waters for species that include pompano, Spanish mackerel, cobia, ladyfish and tarpon.
A kayak trip through the mysterious bayside mangrove forest is a magical experience, as is a nature trail walk to the historic Scharrer Homestead, where the ocean breeze whispers through old-growth slash pines and graceful live oaks.
Or you can make getting there half the fun by kayaking to Caladesi.
Pack a picnic, or splash over to Cafe Caladesi, sited mere steps from the ferry dock, to fuel the fun with casual beach fare that includes fish and chips, burgers and fruit smoothies.
Here’s a list of and more information about the park’s experiences and amenities.
Accessibility
Accessible features at Caladesi include the ferry from Honeymoon Island to the park; elevated boardwalks to the beach; picnic facilities with tables and grills; the Caladesi Café (for food and gifts); and restrooms.
Beach wheelchairs are available for free. Inquire at the ranger station.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Facilities
Amenities at Caladesi State Park include Cafe Caladesi, serving up beach fare; a small gift shop; the Caladesi Discovery Center, a three-story, open-air observation tower; beach chair, beach umbrella and kayak rentals from Florida Beach Services; restrooms and showers.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk. Visitors are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at the welcome station and on the beach.
Parking
Parking for the ferry to Caladesi is located at Honeymoon Island State Park.
