Caladesi Island State Park is one of only a handful of completely undeveloped barrier islands left on Florida's Gulf coast. No hotels. No roads. No boardwalk. Just three miles of powder-white sand, Australian pines, osprey nests, and some of the clearest shallow water in the state. "Dr. Beach" has ranked Caladesi as America's #1 beach multiple times, and it's the best half-day trip you can make from Clearwater Beach.
How to Get to Caladesi Island
Caladesi is reachable by passenger ferry only — there's no bridge, no road, and private boats need a shallow-draft hull to navigate the channel. The ferry runs from the south end of Honeymoon Island State Park, about a 20-minute drive north from Clearwater Beach.
- Drive north from Clearwater Beach via Edgewater Drive / Alt-19 to Dunedin (~20 min)
- Cross the Dunedin Causeway into Honeymoon Island State Park (vehicle entry ~$8)
- Park at the marina on the south end of Honeymoon Island
- Catch the Caladesi Connection ferry — $16 adult round trip, $8 child, departs every 30 minutes
- Ferry ride is about 15 minutes each way
Hours & Timing
Honeymoon Island State Park opens at 8 AM and closes at sundown year-round. The first ferry to Caladesi usually leaves around 10 AM and the last return is 4:30–5 PM depending on season. You must catch the last ferry back — there is no way off the island if you miss it.
Plan for a minimum 3 hours on the island (4 hours is better). Arrive at the ferry terminal by 9:30 AM to make the first boat — it fills quickly in peak season.
What to Bring
- Water. There's a small café on the island, but lines are long. Bring more than you think you need.
- Snacks / lunch. A sandwich and some fruit goes a long way.
- Sunscreen. Reef-safe if you can — the Gulf is clear and you'll want to snorkel.
- A beach chair or towel. Minimal rentals are available, don't count on them.
- Cash or card for the ferry + park entry.
- Swim shoes if you're sensitive to shells — parts of the shore have lots of them.
What to Do Once You're There
- Walk the beach. The north end has a three-mile stretch that gets quieter the farther you walk.
- Swim and snorkel. The water is shallow and warm most of the year. Small fish, sand dollars, and the occasional starfish.
- Hike the Hammock Trail. A 3-mile loop through coastal pine forest — great for bird watching.
- Kayak the mangrove tunnels. Rentals are available at the marina; plan for 60–90 minutes.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Caladesi is the antidote to a day on crowded Clearwater Beach. Pair a morning dolphin tour and an afternoon on Caladesi and you'll have seen two of the best things the Florida Gulf has to offer. For a longer trip-planning view, see our full Clearwater Beach vacation guide.
Local tip: go on a weekday morning. Weekend ferries can sell out and the last-return boat runs full by 4 PM. A Tuesday or Wednesday gives you the island with a quarter of the crowds.Back to the Must-Do List