To Honeymoon Island
To
Bon Appetit Restaurant
To
State Park Website
|
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
|