Caladesi Island – A little piece of paradise
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 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. The mangroves are also increasing the size of the island as their immense root system catches the soil and continues to spread. Explore this area on foot through the three miles of trails or by kayak along trails that weave through the forest. Caladesi Island’s vegetation provides an ideal nesting ground for tortoises, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, and the occasional eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Caladesi Beach is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Popular sightings include American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, King and Lesser Terns, and Snowy, Wilson’s, and Piping Plovers. On the bay side of the island, watch for great blue herons, snowy egrets, and roseate spoonbills. See if you can spot osprey nests nestled atop barren pine snags.
Hours of Operation: Open from 8 am to sunset throughout the year. 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 from Honeymoon Island State Park every hour beginning at 10 am People can call the ferry service directly at 727-734-1501.
By Boat: From Channel Marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge, bear an approximate heading of 212 degrees on your compass for approximately 1 mile. Follow channel markers to Caladesi Island State Park Marina.
Pets: It’s okay to bring Fido as long as he’s 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 rentals. 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)