Caladesi Island State Park
In 2008, when Dr. Beach rated Caladesi Island State Park as the number # 1 beach in North America, it was no tall story. Consistently rated among the top ten US beaches, Caladesi is sure to take your breath away.
Head of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman), calls Caladesi Island State Park a "well-kept secret." And this secret is something that draws many people to this place and fills them with wonder and admiration. At Caladesi Park, it is a world of its own. Consider yourself fortunate if you get a chance to visit this place and take pleasure in its beauty while it is still unspoiled.
Away from the noises of Clearwater Beach and even quieter than the neighboring Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi State Park is Sunshine State's gift to its visitors. The island was once part of Honeymoon Island until a hurricane in 1921 split the island in two. Accessible only by boat, either private boat or by the Caladesi Ferry Service departing from Honeymoon Island, Caladesi is bound to please you in every possible way.
Hop on a ferry, or sail in your boat, to touch the shores of Caladesi where nature trails and distinct bird species are in store for you. While you are on your way to the island, enjoy the scenic views around you and look out for bottlenose dolphins that might be frolicking in the Gulf waters. As you reach the island, you will immediately get a sense of what the fuss is all about.
Caladesi Island has three miles of extremely beautiful Gulf beaches with shallow, clear and calm waters. Quality of water, quality of sand and great beach management has been the criteria that set the position for Caladesi Island to be ranked among top ten US beaches for many years. Tall grass, seaweeds and exotic shells - you'll find them all here at Caladesi's natural beach. Unlike other beaches of Clearwater, Caladesi has been maintained as-is with no manicures or rakings. You'll still love it!
If you come by a ferry, you'll be allowed four hours of time to explore the island at your leisure. Overnight docking is also allowed for people who would love to wake up to the beach sunrise. You can rent beach umbrellas and chairs at the beach, and bask in the sun (if that's all you came for). For those who want more activity, kayaking, snorkeling, birding, swimming and shelling are some of the things to do at this island. Put on your flippers and mask to make the most of the warm, clean waters and encounter the local aquatic world.
You can also rent a kayak and paddle through the beautiful mangrove forests. Boating and fishing is yet another option. Other than the beach, there are plenty of places to walk around and explore on the island. A three-mile nature trail has a lot to offer. Even if you are the not from the explorer class, thick slash-pine forests and varieties of animals will keep you hooked for sometime. Osprey and gulls can be easily spotted; you can also see some wading birds like herons and egrets. Snakes, gopher tortoises and armadillos might also be in close proximity to your trail.
When hunger strikes after all that activity, a concession stand at the beach will answer your calls. You can enjoy a relaxing picnic with your friends and family members by renting a pavilion or even flocking together around picnic tables under the palm trees.
Admission prices are reasonable for the park. It is $4 for up to eight people per private boat, and ferry fees are $10 per adult and $6 for children ages 4 - 12. Children under four years enter free.
# 1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, Florida 34698
(727) 469-5918
http://www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland/
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