Your imagination can get a
vigorous work-out at Caladesi Island. While walking the three
miles of undeveloped beaches, it's easy to imagine yourself as a
16th century Spanish explorer looking at the "new world" for the
first time. Or, you can enjoy a Robinson Crusoe fantasy of
having a tropical island to yourself. The island's unspoiled
beauty offers a glimpse of Florida the way it looked centuries
ago.
Caladesi Island State Park is located three miles
offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. It is one
of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in the state and the
600-acre park is accessible only by boat. The beaches front the
Gulf of Mexico and the bay side of Caladesi is a mangrove swamp,
offering refuge for numerous wading birds and shorebirds. Much
of the island's interior is a ridge of virgin pine flatwood and
live oak hammocks. A self-guided nature trail winds through the
island's interior. Park rangers are available to answer
questions.
Construction on the island is limited and
confined to one small area, preserving the remainder of the
island in its natural state. Construction includes boardwalks,
picnic shelters, bath houses, a ranger station and concession
stand. The boardwalks provide access from the beaches to the
bath houses and picnic areas while protecting the fragile dunes
and sea oats.
Transportation to the island is easily
arranged through the Caladesi connection, a ferry service that
operates from Honeymoon Island, Clearwater and connecting to
Clearwater Beach.
Once the boat returns to the mainland,
the island's silence is penetrated only by the periodic scream
of ospreys soaring overhead. Several of these birds of prey nest
on the island.
Except for a homestead established by University of
Zurich biologist Henry Scharrer in the late 1800s, the island
has remained unchanged except by nature. After Scharrer's death,
the island returned to its primitive state. Florida purchased
Caladesi Island for a state park at a cost of $2.9 million in
1968.
In addition to discovering Florida in its natural
state, Caladesi offers excellent opportunities for swimming,
fishing, shelling, boating and nature study. However, the island
is open only during the day, from 8:00 a.m. until
sunset.
Once the sun sets, the island is inhabited only
by a few boaters allowed to overnight at the small marina and
sea turtles who nest on the beaches during summer
nights.
Café Caladesi located inside Caladesi Island
State Park features casual style beach fare. Our menu includes:
Fish and Chips, Best Island Burger, and Fruit Smoothies. Relax
and enjoy the Ferry ride from Honeymoon Island aboard the
Caladesi Island Connection. Upon Arrival step inside the Café
Caladesi for an array of gifts ,souvenirs, and beach
accessories!
Caladesi Island was "Voted one of the top 5
beaches in the nation" so if you are looking to relax Café
Caladesi offers Beach Chairs and Umbrellas for rental. For the
adventurous, a Kayak trail takes you through Caladesi Mangrove
Tunnels into the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean Kayaks are available for
rental at the park.
CAFE CALADESI ON CALADESI ISLAND
STATE PARK
Park closes at sunset
for the general public- for private events , special
arrangements can be made
(727) 443-4369