Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida, is located off of the Gulf Coast in the western waters of the "Sunshine State.'' As an island it is not accessible by car; it can only be reached by private boat or by ferry. The ferry leaves every hour (starting at 10 AM) from Honeymoon Island State Park, in Dunedin, which is located near Tampa, in the southern part of the State.
There is an admission charged for the ferry although children under 4 years of age ride for free. No pets are allowed. The park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM to sunset. There is no camping on the Island. Visitors by ferry are given four hours to visit on the Island before they are expected to return to the mainland.
It was during a hurricane, in 1921, that the Island was separated from Honeymoon Island which it had been part of previously.
Some people have been known to walk to the Island from Clearwater Beach. It is a one hour walk through shallow water.
Water and electric hook ups are available for visitors that arrive on their own boats through the Dunedin Causeway Channel (about 1 mile from Marker 14) to the 108-slip marina. Boats are permitted to remain docked overnight with passengers aboard.
In the cooler months, on a monthly basis, the State Park Rangers, (who run the facility), host a complimentary breakfast and talk on the deck of the Cafy Caladesi. The Rangers also host guided nature hikes on every Sunday at 1 PM starting out from the Ranger Station. The hike lasts about one hour.
In the Mangrove salt water forest there is a marked trail for kayaking; boats can be rented at the marina on the Island.
Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida, is on an undeveloped Island which has been rated as having the best beaches in The United States. Its 3 miles of white sand beach is a main attraction to some, while other visitors prefer to wander the nature trails. Picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. There is also a snack bar and gift shop in the park.
Fishing is permitted to anyone in compliance with Florida saltwater fishing regulations.
Setting fires, alcohol, firearms and fireworks are all prohibited in the park.
It is not uncommon to see dolphins in shallow waters near the island, as well as a variety of birds at home around and on the Island. Small mammals like armadillos and rabbits as well as some snakes also inhabit the park.
Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida, has been inhabited by only a handful of people over the years. Myrtle Scharrer is said to have been the only person born into a home on Caladesi Island, in 1895. In 1946 she deeded the 157 acres as a park, to the Audobon Society and the Clearwater Marine Science Center.
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