Why You Want to Visit Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island State Park beckons across the smooth green waters of Hurricane Pass. It’s nearly low tide, and her sand bars glisten in the sun. Part white wet sand, part shallow waters shooting diamonds into the air as a soft breeze ruffles the surface. This is my happy place.
Like all barrier islands, especially those which remain undeveloped, Caladesi Island changes from month to month, season to season, year to year. As a state park, this island will remain undeveloped as will Caladesi’s sister to the north, Honeymoon Island.
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The sand bars surrounding Caladesi change with each storm that passes too close, the seas and wind shifting sands from point to point. Deeper channels of water open then close.
If you visit the island often enough, you also learn the patterns of marine life migration. One month the waters around the island will be filled with spider crabs. Another month it might be horseshoe crabs. Yet another the stingrays dominate. It’s everchanging and beautiful.
History of Caladesi Island State Park
Long before Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island were separate state parks, they were one large island called Hog Island. Back then, Dunedin Pass separated Hog Island from what has become Clearwater Beach.
The barrier islands were mostly uninhabited except for a few hardy fishermen. Hog Island was occupied by one family, the Scharrers, but in 1902 Mrs. Scharrer passed away leaving behind her husband, Henry, and her seven year old daughter, Myrtle. Henry and Myrtle continued to live on Hog Island, carving out a pioneer existence raising hogs and chickens on the island, fishing the waters surrounding the island, and rowing more than a mile to Dunedin on the main land.
In 1985, Myrtle Scharrer Betz published her memoirs as Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise, recounting life on the pristine Gulf island.
The Hurricane of 1921 brought an end to Hog Island. The hurricane’s force split Hog Island in two, creating a new inlet we now call Hurricane Pass. While Honeymoon Island became a target for vacationers and developers, Caladesi Island remained untouched.
In the 1970s, the state of Florida began purchasing land on both islands with the intention of preserving them. In 1985, Hurricane Elena closed Dunedin Pass, making it possible to walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Our preferred way of accessing the island, however, is still on our kayaks.
Things to Do at Caladesi Island State Park
Though a barrier island and most often accessed by boat, Caladesi Island State Park offers lots of activities for nature lovers. Whether you catch the ferry across from Honeymoon Island, paddle to the island, or take your own boat, you’ll find fun things to do to fill your day at this award-winning beach.
1. Explore the Beach
Miles of white, pristine sand draws people to Caladesi Island beach. Named #1 beach by Dr. Beach in 2008, the state park fell off the list afterwards for seven years. The island has landed on the top beaches list every year since 2016, not a surprise to the locals who love it.
The beach is easy to walk on and covered with beautiful shells at the tide lines. Though sea grass is often strewn over the sand, that is just another indication of how untouched this island remains. Birds nest here, and the beach slopes gently into the teal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you access the island by kayak or private boat, stay late to see one of the most spectacular sunsets in Florida.
2. Swimming and Snorkeling
With those gently sloping beaches and warm, quiet waters, Caladesi Island is the perfect place to hang out in the water.
Throughout the year, marine life shelter in, live in, and feed in the waters around the island. Spider crabs to blue crabs to horseshoe crabs. Fighting conchs, welks, and lettered olives. Sea stars and sand dollars and starfish. Sting rays, dolphin, needlenose fish, bonnethead sharks, and so many more.
Some we see up close in just a foot of water. Others, like the sand dollars and conchs, wind up in the inches of water on sand bars when the tide goes out. And small fish gather in schools that rarely appear frightened of people. Quite the contrary. They often follow us as we swim.
3. Kayaking
Kayaking or paddle boarding around this state park opens up so many opportunities to see marine life up close. Most of the eastern side of the island is mangroves and the waters are relatively shallow, comprised of grass and mud flats.
I’ve seen bonnethead sharks and sheepshead swimming beneath my kayak in one of the channels. One morning we headed out early for kayak fishing and were treated to three or four dolphins hunting fish in the shallow waters.
There are mangrove trails to further explore this important part of the shoreline. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to mostly circumnavigate the island with a very brief portage where Dunedin Pass has filled in. If you don’t have your own kayak or SUP, rentals are available from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway and nearby outfitters. Some also offer kayak tours to and around the island.
4. Nature Trails
An exceptional pine forest offers several miles of nature trails to hike and explore the higher ground on the island. The nature trail winds among trees that are 100 years old or more, both pines and a small stand of oak trees. The trail also takes hikers past the Scharrer homestead though only the chimney and foundation remain. While walking, keep an eye out for osprey, hawks, gopher tortoises, and diamondback rattle snakes as well as many other species of flora and fauna.
5. Caladesi Cafe and the Marina
The ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park brings visitors to the marina. From this point, take the boardwalk to the beach for sunbathing, walking the shoreline, shelling or swimming. Spend an hour under the canopy of the nature trail. Then head back to the marina and Caladesi Cafe for a light meal and cold, refreshing drink. Private boat owners can also dock their boats at the marina.
6. Stay the Night (BYOB – bring your own boat)
One of the more unique ways to experience Caladesi Island State Park is to spend the night there; however, you have to have your own private boat on which to sleep. There is no campground on the island, and camping on the beach is not allowed.
There are also no Caladesi Island hotels. However, Dunedin and Clearwater Beach both have hotels near Caladesi Island State Park. Those who can stay overnight on the island are treated to spectacular sunrises and the amazing quiet of an untouched paradise.
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About Nearby Dunedin, Florida
Caladesi Island State Park, though owned and managed by the State of Florida, is officially in the quaint town of Dunedin, Florida. IYKYK! Dunedin holds the distinction of being one of Florida’s most popular small towns. It’s small town vibe, vibrant downtown area, and proximity to Clearwater Beach and Tampa make it a favorite among residents of the Tampa Bay area and visitors to this part of Florida.
Dunedin has lots of things to do, such as shopping, watersports, beaches, cycling or walking on the Pinellas Trail, golf, museums, and art galleries. It’s also a very dog-friendly town, prompting the nickname “Dogedin”. If food is your thing, Dunedin’s restaurants often land on the area’s “best of best” and “best of the Bay” lists. If you don’t have a boat to enjoy a night at Caladesi Island, FL, enjoy the next best thing – spending a night or two at one of the beautiful hotels or B&Bs in Dunedin.
Closing: Visiting Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island is one of the most beautiful places in Florida, a real glimpse into “old” or “real” Florida. With a couple miles of pristine beaches, it’s a favorite with locals and visitors, as are so many of Florida’s beaches. If you’re coming to enjoy them with kids, these family-friendly beaches might be the perfect choices for you. Prefer to enjoy the beach with your dog and other dog-lovers? They are welcome, leashed, at Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, as well as these other dog-friendly beaches around Florida. Wherever you choose to enjoy the sun and sea – on a quiet barrier island like Caladesi or a more popular spot like Clearwater Beach – relax, enjoy your time, and admire the natural beauty around you.
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Love Caladesi Island. It’s beautiful. My favorite beach ever. Last time I was there I actually took a small bottle of sand back home to Connecticut.
Loved the post and the video. Ah, to walk on soft in warm sea water!
It looks so beautiful there, especially from above!
Such a relaxing spot!
Wow Caladesi seems stunning! I’d love to visit to see the different wildlife as they change over
It’s amazing! I hope you have a chance to see it one day.
Definitely looks like I could use a little Caladesi air – been craving for an island vacay for the LONGEST time!
Time to get to the beach!
Honestly, I’m not a “special” beach person since I grew up around it and went to school right next to it! So it takes a lot to impress me, but your description and words have definitely provided me with an incredible view of Caladesi Island – I’ve got to see if it lives up to the hype!
Totally understand! I grew up on boats and beaches, lived on a boat for 2 years, so it really has to be a very special beach. This is really the only one I go to even though we have tons of great beaches around. I hope you have a chance to see Caladesi and that it lives up to the hype for you!
I lived in Tampa years ago and loved visiting Caladesi Island, the beach there is do beautiful! I didn’t know the history of the island, thanks so much for sharing!
Yes, it is! Thanks for reading!
Thank you for the description of changes etched by the elements. It sounds like a fascinating place to visit, especially for those with a boat to stay in overnight. I love the fact it’s a state park and will remain undeveloped.
Yes! It’s fantastic that it won’t be developed. Florida really is pretty good about trying to preserve special land like this.
What a beautiful place to visit, it sounds and looks marvellous, Thank you so much for sharing it and all your tips.
Thank you for stopping by and for your lovely comment!
I love this hidden gem. I would love to explore and finally try kayaking . Thanks for the detailed guide.
Thanks, Kayy! I do hope you try kayaking soon. It’s so much fun!