Contact Information
# 1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, 34698
(727) 469-5918
One of the few completely natural islands along
Florida´s Gulf Coast, Caladesi´s white
sand shores have been rated as one of the nation´s
best beaches. The park is accessible only by private
boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park.
Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and
beachcombing.
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.
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
The driving directions for Caladesi Island SP are
the same as those for Honeymoon Island SP. The ferry
service to Caladesi leaves from HISP hourly beginning
at 10 AM. Folks can call the ferry service directly
727–734–1501. From I–75 (north
of Tampa): I–75 south to I–275 south
towards Tampa. Follow I–275 south to Hillsborough
Ave west (SR–580). Take SR 580 west to SR–586
fork then left. Follow SR–586 into park. From
I–75 (south of Tampa): I–75 north to
I–4. I–4 to I–275 north. I–275
to Hillsborough Ave west (SR–580). SR–580
west to SR–586 fork then left. Follow SR–586
west into park.
ACTIVITIES
Visitor Service Provider
The Park Concession offers food, beverages, beach
supplies and souvenirs. Kayak, umbrellas and beach
chairs are available for rent.
Birding
Caladesi Island State Park offers one of the best
birding areas in SW Florida. The park is home
to many actively nesting Osprey, Oyster Catchers,
Snowy Plovers and Least Terns. Roseate Spoonbills,
Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons and many other
species are often observed feeding in the bay,
beaches, estuaries and maritime hammock.
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.
Fishing
Surf and pass fishing can yield catches of flounder,
Snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead
and tarpon. Do you need a Fishing License?
Kayaking
Kayaking is very popular throughout the inner
waterways; Caladesi Island offers a 3-Mile kayak
trail throughout the mangroves and bay.
Picnicking
Two covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills
are located within the Marina area. These pavilions
may be reserved for a fee. Picnic shelters and uncovered
picnic tables are also located near the beach, walking
distance of the restrooms. Pack a basket or cooler
and enjoy a leisurely picnic in our shady, picnic
area. Let the kids climb on the playground, or swing
on the swings.
Nature Trails
A 3-mile self-guided nature trail winds through
pine flatwoods and coastal hammocks allowing visitors
to observe the great variety of vegetation and
wildlife found at the park. This trail also offers
kiosks with information regarding the historical
significance of the island and the people who
made it their home.
Shelling
With over 3 miles of shoreline on the Gulf of
Mexico, Caladesi Island State Park has some of
the best shelling opportunities on the Gulf Coast.
Live shelling is prohibited.
Showers
Outdoor showers are located behind the bathhouses
at each boardwalk leading to beach.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity in the calm Gulf
waters and the park boasts 3 miles of excellent
beachfront. Consistently ranked as one of the
top 10 beaches in the country.
Wildlife Viewing
West India Manatee and Bottlenose Dolphin can be
seen in the waters surrounding the island. Gopher
Tortoises and their burrows are plentiful in the
scrub and dune area.
