Park Summary for Print - Caladesi Island State Park

Welcome to Caladesi Island State Park

One of the few completely natural islands along Florida´s Gulf Coast, Caladesi´s white sand shores have been rated as the nation´s #1 best beach. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Saltwater anglers can fish from their boats or throw a line out into the surf. Nature enthusiasts watch wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island´s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach; picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups for boaters. The park also has a snack bar and gift shop. For ferry information call (727) 734-5263. Located one mile west of Dunedin off the Gulf Coast.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Caladesi Island State Park, please call 727-469-5918.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat or ferry.
The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from HISP hourly beginning at 10 AM. Folks can call the ferry service directly 727-734-1501.

By Boat: From channel marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge, take an approximate 212´degree heading on your compass for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park Marina.

Driving Directions
From Orlando: I-4 west to I-275 south to SR-60 west. Cross Courtney Campbell Causeway, then turn right on US Hwy 19 north. Left on Curlew Rd. (SR-586). Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

From north of Tampa: I-75 south to I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave. exit.
West to slight left at Curlew Rd. (SR 586). Pass fork at SR-580. Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

From Bradenton and South: I-75 north to I-275 north to Roosevelt Ave. exit (Follow signs for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, last exit before the Howard Franklin Bridge). Stay right on SR-686 west when SR-688 forks to left. Right (north) on McMullen Booth Rd. (CR-611) to cross over the Bayside Bridge. Left on Curlew Rd. (SR 586). Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 for up to 8 people per private boat.
- Kayakers: Admission Fee $1.00. Catch the ferry at Honeymoon Island for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Entrance fees at Honeymoon Island are: $5.00 for up to 8 people per car / $1.00 for an individual entrance. The ferry travels to Caladesi Island for a 4 hour stay.
Ferry fees are: $10.00 per adult, $6.00 for children ages 4 - 12.
Children under 4 years old are free. Sorry, no pets are allowed on the ferry.

Pavilion Fee

- Rental fees are $32.10 per pavilion. Call ahead at least two weeks for Pavilion reservations.

Activities at Caladesi Island State Park

	Beaches Come relax or play on our beach Beaches are not ADA accessible (Beach Wheelchair is available and can be used on beach)
	Boating Boaters can enjoy the 108 slip bayside marina, or in calm weather, anchor offshore. Overnight docking with electric and water hook-ups is permitted in the bayside marina, but boaters must register before sundown. 3 slips in the parks marina are dedicated for ADA accessibility
	Canoeing/Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking are available. Canoeing and Kayaking features at the park are not ADA accessible.
	Concessions Food and/or drinks can be purchased here The cafe is ADA accessible.
	Facilities ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the park. The Ranger Station is ADA accessible.
	Fishing Fishing is allowed in designated areas Do you need a Fishing License? Fishing is not ADA accessible (Beach Wheelchair is available and can be used on beach)
	Nature Trails Hiking trails are available The nature trails are not ADA accessible (Beach Wheelchair is available and can be used on nature trail)
	Pet Camping Pets are permitted on boats staying overnight in the park's marina at Caladesi Island State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Quiet hours must be observed from 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles provided at the beginning of the designated Pet Walk. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner and remain on the owners boat. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the boater being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the marina. Pets are not permitted on the park's beach at any time.
	Pets Pets are permitted on a 6 foot hand-held leash and must be under the owners control at all times. Pets are not permitted on the ferry to Caladesi Island.
	Picnic Area Picnic tables are available Picnic pavilions are ADA accessible
	Playground For added enjoyment, the park has a children's playground conveniently located in the picnic area. The playground has swings, three slides of different sizes, crawl through, climbing bars and fun stuff to do on the ground (in the sand). It has a small pavilion for parents to hang out in the shade while the children play. At the playground we have a "For Kids by Kids" informational kiosk that has information about the park from a kid’s point of view.
	Showers Public showers are provided
	Swimming Swimming is available in designated areas Swimming is not ADA accessible (Beach Wheelchair is available and can be used on beach)
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Caladesi Island State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Caladesi Island State Park Ranger Programs

Caladesi Island State Park Volunteer Information

Our volunteers have contributed tremendously to the park. If you would like to help, please contact the park at 727-469-5918.
Volunteer Opportunities at Caladesi Island State Park
Marina Assistant
Marina assistant will be required to work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (as well as some holidays) beginning at 8:00 am. The marina assistant will assist the ticket booth operator with vessel registration. The position involves placing reserve/occupied signs, documenting vessel registration numbers, keeping service docks clear and other visitor services.
Marina Host
This seasonal position requires the applicant to reside on their own boat within the park's marina. Responsibilities include: routine maintenance of park grounds, greeting and orienting marina guests and assisting park rangers with daily operations. We are seeking folks who have skills with routine carpentry, plumbing and public speaking. Applicants who are selected will be given a boat slip to accommodate their watercraft, one 30 AMP electric hook-up & water hook-up. This position when open has a minimum length of stay of one month and a maximum of three months.