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One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible only by boat, but is worth the extra effort. Whether it is a stroll along the island's pristine beaches or a kayak trip through the bayside mangrove forest, a trip to Caladesi Island is an unforgettable experience. Take a nature trail walk to the historic Scharrer Homestead through the island's interior and listen to the ocean breeze whisper through old-growth slash pines and feel the embrace of expansive live oaks. Discover why homesteader Myrtle Scharrer Betz called this place "Paradise" in her memoirs.
Caladesi Island State Park has a marina with floating docks with 30 amp electric service and water hookups. A covered pavilion with a grill is available for picnicking. A snack bar and gift shop is located in the marina. Three sites are ADA accessible.
The marina is a designated Clean Marina.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Reservations can be made online, first-come, first served in the marina.
Boat Camping
$24 per night, tax included, for reservable sites, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee (reserve by calling 800-326-3521).
$1 per foot, plus tax, non-reservable sites. T-Docks are non-reservable and rent for $2 per foot, plus tax.
Lots of mosquitoes 🦟 waiting in the mangroves for the ⛴️ ferry. Bring bug screen. Beach was lovely. Not crowded at all. They're the lovely breeze that day but it was hot. Hope you're from out of state. Definitely need 50 SPF or higher every 30 to 40 minutes. Head south to collect sand dollars in North to collect more shells. Staff were very helpful. Beach chairs were $35 plus tax. No pets allowed at this beach island.
The ferry from honeymoon island leaves every hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m. it was around $50 for 2 adults and 2 kids.
It's about a 15 minute boat ride, and the crew gives some history on the ride which was really nice. Your ticket has a specific return time 4 hours from when you arrive. They said you can leave earlier, but only if there is space available. They seemed full when we went on a weekday, so anticipate staying the full 4 hours.
There is a little grill/gift shop as you pull in to the marina. They sell food, ice cream, beer(but any beer must be consumed at the grill area). There are bathrooms there but only 2, so keep going another 100 yards toward beach, where there are 2 more bathroom facilities with many stalls in each. Just a few more steps down the boardwalk to the beach and it is beautiful. Tons of shells, you are able to take a many as you would like as long as there are no live critters in them. There is a nature path on the interior of the island, but be warned it is buggy. Bring bug spray or buy some at the gift shop if you plan on hiking. There were not any mosquitoes in the beach or by the marina, not sure if that is normally the case.
It was a relaxing way to spend a few hours, we packed lunches, but you could bring a beach chair, etc if you wanted. They also had rental items at the gift shop such as chairs.
It felt tropical, quiet and remote while really only being a boat hop away from everything.
