Caladesi Island

A popular spot for sunseekers, Caladesi Island and its pristine beaches feel like an untouched edge of Florida. From swimming and shelling to fishing and paddling, there’s plenty to do at the state park. The 108-slip bayside marina allows offshore anchoring, while a discovery center features an open-air observation tower. You can also visit the ruins of the historic Henry Scharrer Homestead, which sits on the south end of the island.

The Caladesi Island Connection ferry to Honeymoon Island State Park offers round-trip rides for 4-hour visits to Caladesi Island. Many local boating, fishing, and kayaking tours include stops at Caladesi Island.

• For optimal wildlife viewing, hike the 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) nature trail that winds into the remote interior.

• Boaters can camp in the park for a small fee.

• Rent a kayak to explore 3 miles of mangrove tunnels around the island.

• The contemporary Cafe Caladesi serves up food and beverages every day of the week.

Caladesi Island is not accessible by car, but the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park is, and you can take a ferry between the two destinations. You can also access Caladesi Island from other towns on the Gulf Coast by taking a private boat or kayak, or by signing up for a guided tour.

Caladesi Island State Park is open every day of the year, from early in the morning until sunset. No matter the day, most people visit in the afternoons. Beat the heat and the crowds by arriving in the morning or visiting late to catch a remarkable sunset.

Caladesi Island deserves to be seen from as many vantage points as possible—after snorkeling the shoreline and hiking the interior, consider viewing it from above. Helicopter tours launching from Clearwater and other Gulf Coast towns offer serene views of Caladesi Island.

Yes, a visit to Caladesi Island State Park is worth it for those who want to see one of the last underdeveloped barrier islands in the state of Florida. The island, accessible by ferry from the popular Honeymoon Island, features exhibits, a cafe, paddling, hiking, shelling, swimming, boating, and fishing.

The ferry ride to Caladesi Island State Park from the Honeymoon Island Docks takes about 20 minutes, and two ferries typically run throughout the day. Keep in mind that you’re allowed to have up to four hours on the island depending on when you purchase a ticket and the ferry hours.

You can’t walk to Caladesi Island State Park. This barrier island is only accessible by on-water travel, such as the ferry from the Honeymoon Island Docks or by kayak. However, there are two nature hiking trails on Caladesi Island that you can walk—the Beach Loop and the Hammock Loop.

Yes, Caladesi Island State Park has food available for purchase at Cafe Caladesi. The cafe serves food like fish and chips, fruit smoothies, and burgers. It’s not a difficult restaurant to find as you’ll see it, along with the gift shop, right when you step off the ferry dock.

Yes, Caladesi Island sees significant crowds when compared to other natural areas. The Caladesi Island ferry claims that it shuttles over 70,000 visitors annually. Honeymoon Island State Park, where you catch the ferry, is one of the most visited state parks in Florida, drawing in approximately one million people annually.

Yes, Caladesi Island State Park is equipped with public restrooms for visitors. These bathroom facilities are also all ADA-compliant. Beach wheelchairs are available to use for free at the ranger station, so even guests with limited mobility can take advantage of assistance to get from the park trails to the restrooms.