Whoever said there was no untouched beauty left in Florida has never been to Caladesi Island State Park. This diamond in the rough is one of the few remaining examples of a secluded island paradise. Four miles of undeveloped white-sand beach and dunes border this island in the Gulf of Mexico, providing an ideal escape for sun-seekers and nature lovers.
In fact, Caladesi Island was voted number one in the annual ranking of the top 10 beaches by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Director of Coastal Research at Florida International University.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, the island boasts acres of lush mangrove forests; one of the few tree species that survives in salt water. Mangroves are also increasing the size of the island as their immense root system traps the soil and continues to spread. Explore this area on foot through the three miles of trails or by kayak on trails that wind through the forest. The vegetation on Caladesi Island provides an ideal nesting site for tortoises, loggerheads, and green sea turtles, and occasionally for eastern diamondback rattlesnakes.
Caladesi Beach is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Popular sightings include American oystercatchers, black skimmers, royal and lesser terns, and snowy, Wilson’s, and whistling plovers. On the bay side of the island, watch for great blue herons, snowy egrets, and roseate spoonbills. See if you can spot the osprey nests nestled atop the barren pine snags.
Hours of Operation: Open from 8 am to sunset year-round. Call (727) 469-5918 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland/ for more information.
Directions: Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat from Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
By Ferry: Ferry service to Caladesi leaves Honeymoon Island State Park every hour starting at 10 a.m. People can call the ferry service directly at 727-734-1501.
By Boat: From channel marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge, head approximately 212 degrees on your compass for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers towards Caladesi Island State Park Marina.
Pets: Fido is fine as long as he is on a leash, but pets are not allowed on the beach.
Fishing: Fishing is permitted in designated areas.
Facilities: picnic pavilions, snack bar, gift shop and kayak rental. Boaters have access to a 108-slip marina that offers overnight docking with power and water hookups. Offshore anchoring is also available. Beaches are not ADA accessible (beach wheelchair is available and can be used on the beach)
