See Clearwater Beach is an independent guide to the area. We don't run, own, staff, or book any of the ferries, boat trips, tours, or rentals described below — every business named here is an independent operator. Contact them directly to confirm current prices and availability and to reserve. Prices below are researched estimates and change without notice.
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 Island Ferry — about $20 adult round trip (13+), $10 child (ages 6–12), free for kids 5 and under; departs hourly, with half-hour service mid-February through Labor Day and on weekends
- 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.
How to Book
The ferry, the state park, and the rental and tour businesses serving the island are each run separately. See Clearwater Beach isn't affiliated with any of them and can't book a crossing or a rental — we're a visitor guide. Check the ferry operator and Florida State Parks for current schedules and fees before you go, since both are weather- and season-dependent.
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