does caladesi island have bathrooms

And also I see comments about shoes, do people go barefoot? Open Maps Widget for Google Maps settings to configure the Google Maps API key. It looks amazing Over time it transformed into an island as vegetation stabilized the sand. A snack bar and gift shop is located in the marina. The marina at Caladesi Island State Park has 108 floating boat slips. The trails are approximately three miles long. Saltwater anglers can cast a line from their boats or surf fish. What are your suggestions of where to park, shortest walk in, can you swim on the island? There are often stingrays in the ocean around Caladesi. There are also mangrove forests on the bay side near St. Joseph Sound, and and to the south towards Clearwater Beach State Park. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request. One other potential downside is that alcohol is generally prohibited on Caladesi Island. But not sure if parki g at Clearwater, walking, coming back to swim would be too long. Although they are right next to each other, most people agree that the beaches on Caladesi Island are much nicer than Honeymoon Island. Seaweed often accumulates in certain areas, especially at the northern end of the barrier island near Hurricane Pass. Beach combing or shelling is a popular activity for many visitors. Bring some sunscreen so you can reapply while youre on the beach hike. Boat campers must register for camping before sunset. Umbrellas and beach chairs can be rented on Caladesi Island. A sign at the trailhead advises that it takes approximately 1.5 hours to cover the entire trail. All Content and Design Copyright 2007-2018 B&W Management Inc. Also check out: https://ClearwaterBeachRentals.com, https://beachresortcondos.com/clearwater-beach/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/GOPR0563-2.jpg, https://beachresortcondos.com/clearwater-beach/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Clearwater-Beach-Rentals-Logo-2-No-Background-300x75.png. The sand is soft, fine and bright white, like sugar. Theme by 17th Avenue. Try to visit on a weekday so you can experience the beach with even fewer tourists. Your email address will not be published. Dogs are not allowed on any beaches in the park, or on the ferry. Contact the Caladesi Island Ranger Station at 727-469-5918 to reserve a pavilion. One of my favorite things about Caladesi Island is to walk to the end of the beach on the north side of the island. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; There is ample parking at the ferry dock parking lot inside Honeymoon Island State Park. Check out our Clearwater Beach Weather Page! The only development on Caladesi Island is the minimalist footprint of Caladesi Island State Park infrastructure. There is a large amount of boat traffic in St. Joseph Sound, especially around Hurricane Pass. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. Surprisingly, the snack bar also sells bottled beer and hard seltzer. Oyster reefs, mangroves and seagrass are all vitally important to Floridas natural environment. The ferry ride takes approximately 10-30 minutes. The Caladesi ferry runs every day except for during bad weather, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. It is possible to walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: There is also a reservation fee of $6.70 and there is a $7 fee for utilities. Snorkeling is less pleasant when wave action is high, when the water is not clear due to disturbed sand in the surf. Caladesi Island State Park is one of the best hidden gems in Florida. It is not recommended to swim from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi. Slips have water and electric hookups with 30 amp electric service. There is no other development on the island. Note: One of the most difficult things about getting to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach is finding good parking in Clearwater Beach, especially towards the north end of Clearwater Beach. I did not know I could walk there and have always wanted to visit the Island. Beer is sold at the snack bar, but can only be consumed at the snackbar. Ill be there early Dec and will def visit this quaint island, Im glad I was able to help. Your email address will not be published. I hope that you have the best time during your visit to Caladesi Island State Park! The land bridge is expected to widen again when the next storm hits and deposits sand again. Hiking the nature trails, including the Beach Loop and Hammock Loop, is the perfect way to view the flora and fauna that Caladesi Island has to offer. Besides the 1921 hurricane, Caladesi Island has been shaped by storms over the years. Pack light! We explored the entire island, went shelling, swam and snorkeled in the crystal clear water, and we even got the surprise of a lifetime when two beautiful dolphins swam right by us! They are permitted in the rest of the park as long as they are on a six-foot hand-held leash and must be under the owner's control at all times. You wouldnt want to do it with small children, Agreed. Archaeologists and anthropologists have found artifacts on the island, including burial shell mounds and evidence of other ceremonial sites. thank you for this very interesting article. Caladesi Island is located on Floridas central west coast. Visit the friends website for more information. Boat camping at the marina is the only way to camp overnight at Caladesi Island. If you need help accessing the beach, you can contact the ranger station and they will assist you. The crew will provide assistance when needed. How to Walk To Caladesi Island State Park + FAQ, 9 Fun Activities To Do At Caladesi Island State Park. Wed like to bike as far north as possible and then walk the rest. The exact origin of the name Caladesi is disputed. The biggest downside, depending on your perspective, is that getting to Caladesi Island is slightly difficult, and can be more expensive than other beaches. Check out all of our Clearwater Beach Rentals, B&W Management, Inc., 11 Idlewild St., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, Clearwater Beach Vacation Rentals - Clearwater Vacation Rentals - Clearwater Beach Condos. Thanks. There are two picnic pavilions available for rent. Strong tides and currents often dump shells on Caladesis beaches, especially after strong winds and storms. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ive never been to any of the group walks so Im not sure how well attended they are, but you can find more info here: https://www.meetup.com/gowalkers/. There are hardly any buildings, and there are absolutely no hotels or condos to interrupt the beaches natural beauty. . The cost for boat camping is $24 per night, including tax. He came to the Tampa Bay area while working on Henry Plants railroad and development projects. The water in the Gulf of Mexico can be incredibly clear when the water is calm, and there is not any wave action. There is not any public parking at the public beach entrance at Eldorado Ave. & Juniper Street. I would like to walk to the island but not sure if there is a place to park without getting tickets. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated #7 in 2017 and 2018. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! The map can't work without it. The marina is located on the bayside towards St. Joseph Sound, near the ferry dock. Reservations should be made by phone at least two weeks before the desired date. Swimming is available in designated areas. Your best bet may be to use the North Beach Parking Plaza which is $3/hour and a daily maximum rate of $30. They only allow Boat Camping. The snackbar has a gift shop which sells sunscreen, T-shirts and other basic supplies. Some boats operate recklessly. Then walked the beach for miles came back and swam. Campers must remain on their boat overnight, and cannot leave to roam the island. I am now going to set out from the Hilton tomorrow. After crossing the state park boundary it is approximately one additional mile to reach the state park facilities. Parking can be difficult to find but the further north you can find parking, the shorter the walk is. two ferry boats. If you plan on taking the ferry from Honeymoon Island and you're active/retired military, bring your DD214 so you can get a discount on the ferry fare and so you can get into the state park for free. Caladesi and Clearwater Beach were once separated by a body of water, Dunedin Pass, but the pass was filled with sand in 1985 by Hurricane Elena. Today we went to how eymoon island did the osprey trail and went out all the way to the end where rhe water is, walked back and sat at north beach and swam. From the Hyatt area of Clearwater Beach, it looks like its a little over 3 miles to where Caladesi Island starts, 4 to 4.5 miles to where the bathrooms are and a little over 5 miles to the northern edge of Caladesi Island. Picnic pavilions on Caladesi Island can be rented for $30 per day plus tax. is so, Experienced Gulfport today for the first time. Other sources suggest that the island may have been named Cayo de Caldees after a fisherman who established a camp on the island in the 1700s. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups, as well as a snack bar and gift shop. Thanks for your response Brad. While its possible to ride bikes on the beach, I wouldnt recommend it. Caladesi is technically pronounced Caladeezy, but many people pronounce it as cala-dessi. The walk may be difficult for many people, and is generally not advised unless you are physically and mentall prepared for an adventure. I veganize your favorite classic recipes and transform them into irresistible meals that are made entirely from plants! There are other fees as well. Hi Michele! Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Food anddrinks can be purchased through ourvisitorservices. Caladesi Island is one of the Gulf Coast's last uninhabited islands in the Tampa Bay area. Caladesi Island state park attracts a huge number of visitors annually. Hit this area during high tide and instead of a cool wave washing across your toes, you may be knee-deep. There are bike rental locations on Clearwater Beach though that will rent all types of bikes including breach cruises that have much wider tires to make riding on the beach much easier. I never have worn gym shoes and they really arent needed. Caladesi Island was not always uninhabited. $6 per boat (up to eight people); $2 each additional person. Unfortunately no. I usually park at the Hilton , how far is it from there or would you suggest parking somewhere else . There are also raccoons on the island, so visitors should ensure their trash and food is kept secure. Buried inside the shell mounds were the most beautiful shells I had ever laid eyes on and mostly shells that that had never been exposed to the sunlight !!! The island has only a marina, a ranger station and a small concession stand, Cafe Caladesi. The islands used to be separated by Dunedin Pass. While we were at the Island I made sure to find out everything that I could so I could share the most current and up to date information with you. To access the beach visitors are guided across the island via pathways. $16 per adult (age 13+) for round-trip ferry. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Caladesi Island became a state park in 1967 from a mixture of land donations and land purchases by the State of Florida for natural preservation. Im 71 years old. With all of Caladesi and Clearwater Beach behind you, you can sit in the soft sand and watch boats travel in and out of Hurricane Pass, the pass separating Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. I am a married mom of two children, ages 14 and 17, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. Camping is not allowed on Caladesi Island, except for boat camping in the marina. Contact the Statewide Information Line: The Caladesi ferry boats are designed to be accessible. The land bridge has narrowed and widened over the years. Many visitors rent kayak and SUP paddle boards to paddle across St. Joseph Sound to Caladesi Island, instead of taking the ferry. Paddling trails wander through a maze of mangrove tunnels, over lush seagrass beds and over bright white sand. Some areas of Caladesis beaches have photogenic, weathered driftwood. It's not a short walk by any means but it definitely can be done. Although it takes a bit more effort to get to Caladesi, I think it's 100% worth the trek. The cost to rent kayaks on Caladesi Island itself is $25 per person. Floridas state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. This is a rough guess in distance from the Pier 60 / Hilton area to Shell Tree (near the start of Caladesi Island) is ~2.75 miles away, to the first Caladesi Island bathroom: ~3.8 miles away, and to Hurricane Pass / North End of Caladesi Island: ~5.25 miles away. By Stacey Homemaker on June 9, 2019, Updated June 19, 2020 2 Comments. Visitors can also see many forms of native Florida wildlife on the island, and on the ferry ride to Caladesi Island. I say entrance because it is only marked with a sign on the beach. She was known to row a boat to Dunedin every day so she could attend school. If you want to shorten the walk, you can grab a ride (Uber/Lyft) to the corner of Eldorado Ave. & Juniper Street. If you take the ferry, there is a 4-hour time limit on the island. Not a crazy question at all! Pets must be on a 6 foot leash at all times. Some trees along the route are more than 200 years old. Some boat slips are reservable, and some are first come, first-served. Caladesi Island is located south of Honeymoon Island State Park, and north of Clearwater Beach. Your email address will not be published. The hurricane dumped large amounts of sand and connected Caladesi with Clearwater Beach, making it possible to walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Its all part of the island experience, but it is a slight inconvenience and is a downside for some people. America's Best Beach in 2008 is perfect for weddings. Instead, Honeymoon Island was saved and protected as a state park. Hi, Can you walk to the island and then take the ferry back to clearwater? I wish I had found it sooner! (~2 miles to the bathrooms and ~3.5 miles to the northern edge of Caladesi Island.) This short part can be avoided by following a trail that leaves the beach, but the trail can hold water after rains as well.). It is approximately four miles long, and is less than a mile wide at its widest point. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood. Caladesi Island is typical of barrier islands in Florida. How can we find out when is low and high tide? A short ferry ride is required, which increases the cost, especially for large groups. I'm Marcea nice to meet you. Hikers can retrace the original trail, or return along the beach. There is a welcome sign at the southern park boundary towards Clearwater Beach. Start the walk as it is transitioning from high tide to low tide. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach: The launch is for rental and personal use. Swimmers, kayakers and boaters should be on high alert for boat traffic, and use extreme caution. Caladesi Island can also be accessed by a difficult, 3-mile walk along the beach from Clearwater Beach. Looking forward to Caladesi and thank you again for the welcomed information. If you don't want to shlep your own gear, you can rent chairs and an umbrella for $30 for four hours on the island. Caladesi Island is physically connected to Clearwater Beach via a sandy land bridge, which is accessible at low tide and can be accessed by walking. There are usually fewer people, and there are fewer rocks on the beach. There are numerous hazards on Caladesi Island which visitors should be prepared for. Visitors should also remember that sand can be exhausting to walk through, and is much more difficult than dirt or pavement. Its common to see dolphins, and sometimes even manatees, on the ferry to Caladesi Island. From that beach entrance, head north for just over a mile and youll reach the start of Caladesi Island. The beaches on Caladesi Island are gorgeous. Late in her life Myrtle Scharrer wrote a memoir, Yesteryear I lived in Paradise about her experience living on Caladesi Island. The only area to really ride on the beach is right at the edge of the water where the most people are walking as well. Sometimes shoes are nice to have, but not needed. There is not any other option for camping on the island. Many types of shells can be found, including: Caladesi Island State Park is a part of the Florida Birding Trail. Boaters can enjoy the 108-slip bayside marinaor anchor offshore in calm weather. The beer is expensive and must be consumed on-site; it cannot be taken away. Hi There.. planning to visit USA (coming over from South Africa) in August 2020- will be Motorbiking- doing Route 66- Sturgis Rally etc in bout a month and a half so there is no rush for sightseeing etc. Keep an eye out for birds, crabs and fish. Contact the ranger station at 727-469-5918 to reserve a pavilion. One part of the walk to Caladesi Island involves walking past a small line of trees that touch the ocean waves even during low tide. Thank you, Paul! . It was settled by a family of pioneer homesteaders in the late 1800s, the Scharrer family. Live shelling is prohibited, but there are many types of shells to satisfy beachcombers. There are very few downsides to Caladesi Island. That area of Caladesi Island is just over a 3-mile walk. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01N4BU0E1"; The islands consisted of one large barrier island named Hog Island. Dangerous rip tides are often present. Boat traffic is intense in St. Joseph Sound and around Caladesi Island. Rentals are arranged from the cafe concession stand. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach, and picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. Thanks for the blog. Caladesi Island Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person on the island. Caledesi Island Ferry is a walk-on ferry from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater. Ferry boats leave frequently and regularly. Some sections of the beach may be under water during high tides, and may require wading through water or through mangrove trees. could we ride bikes between Clearwater beach and Caladesi island? I hope you have a great trip! Without a doubt, the beaches on Caladesi Island are the main attraction. You can get to the island by taking the Caladesi Island ferry, by private boat, by renting (or using your own) a SUP, jet ski, kayak, or by walking from Clearwater Beach. The island changes constantly as its shaped by the forces of nature. I can say this with 100% certainty because I've done it and you can see exactly what the walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach is like in this video. Working on a fun writing project to help visitors, Im a Pisces - my soul needs to be near, or, Visiting the @stpetepier is a must do when in the, Visiting clients - meh Have a wonderful time! Yes, you can walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Required fields are marked *. Native Americans survived by hunting on the island, and by fishing in St. Joseph Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy! Unfortunately, tent camping is not allowed on Caladesi Island. Caladesi Island is: Note: Caladesi Island cannot be directly accessed by car. A s, Made it down to Gulfport (just south of St. Peters, Discover The Smithsonian Museums . With Caladesi Island being so narrow, you can easily tell youre sitting on the furthest north part of the island. View the full menu for Cafe Caladesi. Were coming at the end of October and are planning to walk to Caladesi island. Hi, I'm Stacey! Thank you , It is accessible by a pedestrian ferry, personal boat, kayak or watercraft. You can share a link to my post but, no, you cannot share the entire article on your website. I stay at Clearwater and walk to the Island. Visitors should be sure to park in a safe, legal parking space to avoid parking tickets or being towed. Want to know more? Is there any public parking nearby. If you have any other questions about the Clearwater Beach area, feel free to leave a quick comment here and Ill respond as soon as I can. Ideally during the week during the off-season (Fall/Winter and October is actually one of the best months in terms of weather and some great local events!). Plus cost of admission to Honeymoon Island. Walking to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Conveniently located near major cities, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, One of the only pristine, undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, A wild, deserted island, but is still relatively easy to access. Is it possible for us to walk to the island from that hotel? Caladesi Island is a beautiful island and state park in the Gulf of Mexico. My family always visited Clearwater Beach because it's ranked as Florida's #1 beach. Enjoy over 3 miles of paddling through the majestic mangrove tunnels of Caladesi Island. On land the state park protects several natural habitats and ecosystem zones, including: The beaches of Caladesi Island are great for shelling. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The rule against alcohol could be viewed as a good thing, or a bad thing, depending on your view and preference. This isolated island features 4 miles of pristine white sandy beaches, a 3-mile mangrove-shaded kayak trail, and a peaceful nature path. Caladesi Island State Park is one of the completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast. . The terrain is mostly flat and is sandy in some areas. There is not any coral, or really anything to see on the sandy seafloor. Caladesi Island State Park has a marina with floating docks with 30 amp electric service and water hookups. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The distance from Pier 66 in Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island State Park is approximately 3 miles, and can be accessed by walking north along the beach. I also enjoy exploring beaches, visiting Black history sites, and learning more about the state's hundreds of years of history. Parts of the trail may be inaccessible during extreme low tides. Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement #drinklocal #floridab, Whats your favorite thing to do on a long weeke, Refreshing blueberry seltzer from @7venthsun brewe, Dinner is served! There is a shaded pavilion near the playground. Connections and channels have been made and lost repeatedly as sand is deposited and eroded. You can swim in the Caladesi Island area. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The water around Caladesi Islands beaches is not great for snorkeling, but it might be OK for beginners when conditions are right. That way youll be able to make it there and back before its high tide. Michele West. This guide has the answers to all of your questions + tips for having the best experience while you're visiting the island. Visitors can explore the beach, swim in the ocean, and explore the island. Very helpful. The park also has many different types of plants and trees which are native to Florida, and a wide range of diverse habitats. The Caladesi Island Ferry actually connects Caladesi Island to Honeymoon Island. You can catch the 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park (starting at 10 AM) for $14 roundtrip per adult ($7 per child aged 6-12, kids 5 and under are free).