Caladesi Island State Park

Dunedin (Clearwater Area), FL

Caladesi Island State Park is a true oasis. Located north of Clearwater and south of Honeymoon Island State park, Caladesi can only be accessed by boat, ferry or kayak and is absolutely beautiful! Once named America’s best beach, this island is a step back in time where one can explore the many nature trails, paddle through a mangrove tunnel on a kayak or relax on an unspoiled beach.

During this trip, I opted for a little adventure and rented a kayak from Sail Honeymoon Watersports rentals. I loved the experience but I would strongly recommend you take the park’s ferry boat for $14. It’s a quicker and much easier to get to the main part of the park, allowing you to spend more quality time exploring Caladesi Island while not having to be as concerned about the weather — especially, if you have kids.

If you’d like to visit the park by kayak or SUP, I’d recommend you rent from Sail Honeymoon Watersports and paddle to the northern tip of the island in Hurricane Pass. It is a much quicker paddle and equally as beautiful. Of course, the ultimate way to visit the park is by traveling on your own boat and docking in the park’s fantastic marina or anchoring just off of one of the unspoiled, gulf-side beaches.

Besides it’s beauty, one of the best things about the park is all the amenities it offers. The park offers beach chair and umbrella rentals, kayak rentals, an amazing marina, well-kept restrooms and showers and a great concession stand!

If you are in the Clearwater area of Florida and want to visit “old Florida” or find a quiet beach to anchor and relax in the water then Caladesi Island State Park is the perfect spot and a great lazy location!

Check out other awesome Florida parks like Boneyard Beach, Anastasia Island, Canaveral Nat’l Seashore and Kelly Park at Rock Springs!

I utilize the service and benefits of Boat U.S. They are a great organization that every boater should consider. You should too. Click HERE to learn more.

BEACH INFORMATION

LAT/LONG:
28.03’04”N 82.82’34”W

SETTING:
Natural/State Park

SAND:
White, Soft, Shells near water

WATER TEMPS:
Winter: low 50’s to 70 Summer: mid to high 80’s

PARKING:
Boat access only

SHOWERS:
Yes

BATHROOMS:
Yes

STAIRS:
Ramp/Boardwalk

PICNIC AREA:
Yes

WAVES:
Calm/Gulf of Mexico

WALKING DISTANCE TO BEACH:
Long walk from marina

COST TO PARK:
Ferry rates ($14 Adult, $7 (ages 6-12), Free (5 and under)

LIFEGUARDS:
No

WATER CLARITY:
Very Clear

SETTING:
Natural/State Park

RESTAURANTS NEARBY:
Park Concession Stand

NEARBY HOTELS:
Best Western Yacht Harbor Inn

BOAT INFORMATION

LAT/LONG:
28.02’39”N 82.82’56”W

SETTING:
Natural/State Park

SAND:
White, soft, shells near waterline

BEST SPOT TO ANCHOR/BEACH:
Many, but we like the southern, gulf-side of the park because of the natural shoreline, weathered trees and desolate beach

NEARBY RAMP:
Seminole Boat Ramp (198 Seminole St, Clearwater, FL 33755)

CURRENT:
No

DEPTH:
Shoreline/Shallow

WAVES/WAKES:
Calm

FAMILY FRIENDLY:
Yes

WATER CLARITY:
Very Clear

RESTAURANTS NEARBY:
Park concession stand

NEARBY HOTELS:
Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn