Caladesi Island State Park
Rising from the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Caladesi Island State Park is one of the few completely untouched barrier islands along Florida’s west coast. Accessible only by boat, this pristine sanctuary offers an escape to a Florida that existed before development—powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear Gulf waters, and a lush interior of old-growth slash pines and massive live oaks.
Homesteader Myrtle Scharrer Betz called this place “paradise” in her memoirs, and visitors today quickly understand why. Whether walking the beach in search of shells, paddling through winding mangrove kayak trails, or exploring the historic Scharrer Homestead via the nature trail, Caladesi delivers an authentic island experience that no developed beach can match.
Take the Caladesi Island Ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, or arrive by private boat or kayak. Those with boats can even stay overnight at the marina boat slips—waking up on an untouched Gulf island is a bucket-list Florida experience.
Park Fast Facts
Caladesi Island State Park is located offshore near Dunedin, Florida. Access is by ferry from Honeymoon Island or by private boat.
| 📍 Location | 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 |
| 🗺️ Region | Gulf Coast / Tampa Bay Area |
| 📐 Total Area | 600+ acres |
| 🏖️ Beach Length | 3 miles of shoreline |
| ⏰ Hours | 8 a.m. to sundown daily |
| 📞 Phone | (727) 469-5918 |
How to Get There
| Access Method | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚢 Caladesi Island Ferry | Departs from Honeymoon Island State Park (fee + park entry) |
| ⛵ Private Boat | Dock at the marina (108 slips, 4-hour daytime limit) |
| 🛶 Kayak/Canoe | Paddle from Honeymoon Island or Dunedin Causeway |
| 🏊 Walk (rare) | During low tide from Clearwater Beach (very long walk!) |
Ferry Information
| Ferry Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🚢 Departure Point | Honeymoon Island State Park |
| ⏰ First Ferry | 10:00 AM (weather permitting) |
| ⏰ Last Return | Approximately 4:30 PM |
| ⏱️ Ride Duration | ~20 minutes |
| 💵 Cost | Adults ~$16, Children ~$8 (plus Honeymoon Island entry) |
| 📞 Ferry Info | Florida Beach Services |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach | 3 miles of pristine, undeveloped Gulf shoreline |
| 🏊 Swimming | Calm, blue-green Gulf waters |
| 🐚 Shelling | Excellent shelling on uncrowded beaches |
| 🛶 Kayaking | 3-mile mangrove kayak trail (bayside) |
| 🥾 Hiking | Nature trail to Scharrer Homestead |
| 🎣 Fishing | Saltwater fishing from shore |
| 🍽️ Picnicking | Picnic pavilions near ferry dock |
| 💒 Weddings | Beach weddings available (permit required) |
Mangrove Kayak Trail
The island’s 3-mile kayak trail winds through a pristine mangrove forest on the bayside of the island. Paddle under shaded canopies and encounter wildlife including:
- 🐬 Dolphins in the bay
- 🐢 Sea turtles (seasonal)
- 🦅 Ospreys and eagles
- 🦩 Great blue herons and egrets
- 🦀 Fiddler crabs in the mangroves
Overnight Boat Camping
| Marina Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚓ Boat Slips | 108 slips available |
| ⏰ Day Use | 4-hour limit during day |
| 🌙 Overnight | Overnight boat camping available! |
| 💧 Facilities | Restrooms, showers at marina |
| 📞 Reservations | Call park for availability |
Historic Scharrer Homestead
Follow the nature trail through old-growth slash pines and massive live oaks to the site of the Scharrer Homestead. The Scharrer family lived on this remote island in the early 20th century. Myrtle Scharrer Betz grew up here and later wrote memoirs calling Caladesi “paradise.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Caladesi Island State Park?
Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat. The most popular option is the Caladesi Island Ferry, which departs from Honeymoon Island State Park (about 20 minutes ride). You can also arrive by private boat, kayak, or canoe. There’s no bridge to the island.
How much does the ferry to Caladesi Island cost?
The ferry costs approximately $16 for adults and $8 for children. Note that you must also pay the entry fee for Honeymoon Island State Park ($8 per vehicle up to 8 people) to access the ferry departure point.
Can you stay overnight on Caladesi Island?
Yes! If you have a boat, you can stay overnight at the marina boat slips. The park offers overnight boat camping for those who arrive by private vessel. There are no land-based camping facilities on the island—ferry visitors return to Honeymoon Island before sunset.
Is Caladesi Island good for shelling?
Excellent! Because Caladesi is boat-access only with fewer visitors than mainland beaches, the shelling is exceptional. The 3 miles of pristine shoreline offer great opportunities to find shells, especially early morning or after storms.
Can you kayak to Caladesi Island?
Yes! You can paddle from Honeymoon Island State Park or the Dunedin Causeway. It’s approximately a 1-mile paddle from Honeymoon Island. Once on Caladesi, you can also explore the island’s 3-mile mangrove kayak trail on the bayside.
Is Caladesi Island really one of America’s best beaches?
Yes! Caladesi Island has been ranked #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman) and consistently appears on “best beaches” lists. Its boat-access-only status means less crowding and a pristine, undeveloped shoreline that’s increasingly rare in Florida.
Escape to Island Paradise
Experience one of the last untouched barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Pristine beaches, mangrove kayak trails, and overnight boat camping await at Caladesi Island!
