Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left on Florida's Gulf Coast. No roads, no hotels, no development. You get there by ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park, or by private boat to the marina on the island's bay side. The beach on the Gulf side is wide, quiet, and lined with sea oats. On a weekday you can walk for twenty minutes without passing another person.

The island has a three-mile kayak trail through the mangroves on the bay side, a short nature trail through the interior, and a small marina with a concession stand. Dolphins are common in the channel between the islands, especially in the morning.

The ferry runs from Honeymoon Island, about a 20-minute drive north of Sea Shanty Clearwater. It fills up on weekends in season, so arrive early or go on a weekday. The park charges a per-person ferry fee on top of the state park entrance fee.

Getting there

Drive north on US-19 to Honeymoon Island State Park (1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin). The ferry to Caladesi departs from the park's marina. Check the Florida State Parks site for current ferry times and fees.