Visiting Caladesi Island with Kids

If you are visiting the Clearwater/St Pete Beach area, I recommend venturing out and visiting Caladesi Island with kids. The calm waters make it a perfect family day trip from nearby Clearwater Beach, and my kids loved the ferry ride over. We even saw dolphins on the ride!

Check out these frequently asked questions in preparation for your family’s visit to Caladesi Island with kids.

What is Caladesi Island?

Caladesi Island is a barrier island located off the western coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. It is secluded, with no cars allowed on the island. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the island’s trails, there is something for everyone.

Where is Caladesi Island located?

Caladesi Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida. It is just west of Dunedin, and north of Clearwater Beach.

Is Caladesi Island free?

There is no admission fee to access the island. However, there is a fee to ride the ferry over to the island from Honeymoon Island State Park AND a fee to access the State Park.

Is Caladesi Island good for kids?

Yes! My kids loved this day trip, and I recommend visiting Caladesi Island with Kids. The ferry ride was beautiful, but quick enough that no one got bored. As I mentioned above, we even saw dolphins on the ride over! The walk from the ferry to the beach is short enough for my littles to walk it without asking to be carried.

As for the beach, it is perfect for kids. The sand is soft, with shells for them to gather, but not so many that it hurts their feet. The water is clear and gentle. You can see fish right from the water’s edge, which the kids loved!

We opted out of the hiking trails, due to the risk of rattlesnakes and the need to stay on the trails for safety. We did not trust Baby J at age 4 to stay with us and on the trails.

The kids loved the popsicles offered at Cafe Caladesi and were more than content with the snack shack-type food and chips offered there for lunch.

How do I get to Caladesi Island?

There are two ways to get to Caladesi Island: by boat (ferry, private boat, or kayak), or by walking from Clearwater Beach, depending on the tides!!

Are there guided tours/adventures to Caladesi Island?

Yes! I think this is the path we will choose next time, as the kids were not up for a full day on the island and tours offer more things to keep them engaged and busy!

Viator offers everything from Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner that stop at Caladesi Island to a Guided Nature of Florida’s Gulf Coast Eco Tour, including Caladesi Island.

I would advise checking Viator’s Caladesi Island Tours and Tickets offerings if you aren’t up for a full day on Caladesi Island, but still want to check it out.

Where is the ferry to Caladesi Island located?

The Caladesi Connection ferry is located in Honeymoon Island State Park. Keep in mind you do have to pay to drive into the State Park.

$8 per vehicle (two to eight people).
$4 single-occupant vehicle.
$2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Once you arrive at Honeymoon Island, purchase a ferry ticket at the booth and wait for the next departure time. The ferry runs from 8 am to sunset daily, 365 days a year. There is plenty of parking at the ferry, and a beautiful deck covered in mangroves to sit and await your ferry.

How Much Does the Caladesi Island Ferry Cost?

As of the time of this post, April 2023, per the Florida State Parks, costs for the Caladesi Connection ferry are as follows:

$18 per adult.
$9 for children ages 6 to 12.
Children 5 and younger ride free.

How long is the ferry ride to Caladesi Island?

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes and is absolutely beautiful. The captains who drive the ferry are very kind and knowledgeable about the island. They pointed out the dolphins for us, or we would have missed them.

Keep in mind that the ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up quickly during peak season. Arriving early in the day is recommended to secure a spot on the ferry. We arrived at 9 am and were first in line for our ferry, which was not full, but that was in November.

When you take the ferry over to Caladesi Island, the captain will give you a guaranteed return ferry time. You have a reserved space on that ferry back, which is helpful on those super crowded days. The guaranteed time is 4 hours after your arrival ferry. We did not make it that long, as the kids wanted to go to the pool but we had no trouble catching an earlier ferry. Again, that was in November, not peak tourist time.

Can I bring my boat to Caladesi Island?

Yes! If you prefer to bring your private boat, there are several public boat ramps nearby, including the Dunedin Marina and Clearwater Beach Marina. There is still a fee for bringing your boat, as well as marina fees. Be sure to check out the Florida State Parks website for details.

Can you walk to Caladesi Island?

Yes you can! It takes about 45-60 minutes to walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Please take note of the tides, as some of your walk could be in the water at high tide. I would love to try this in the future, when the kids are older.

How far is the walk from Clearwater to Caladesi Island?

Distance-wise, the walk from North Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island is just over 2 miles. Please keep an eye on the tides if you choose to walk, and all other posted safety signs and rules.

Can you drive to Caladesi Island?

Nope! There are no roads or bridges connecting the island to the mainland, making it completely free of cars and traffic.

When is the best time to visit Caladesi Island?

Photo of beach on Caladesi Island with text overlay "Caladesi Island, FL 25 Essential Travel Questions, answered."

The best time to visit Caladesi Island depends on your preferences and interests. If you’re a fan of cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, then the fall and winter months are ideal. From September to February, temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s, making it perfect for hiking or kayaking.

We have seen it in the 80s in November, so please remember no one can predict the weather!

On the other hand, if you’re looking to soak up the sun and heat, then the summer months from May to August are perfect for you.

What amenities are available on Caladesi Island?

Once you’ve made it to Caladesi Island, you exit the ferry in front of Cafe Caladesi, which is one-stop shopping for food, drinks, and a souvenir/beach shop. They have Caladesi Island souvenirs, along with your typical beach shop knick-knacks and snack-shack type foods.

Does Caladesi Island have food?

Yes! Cafe Caladesi is operated by Florida Beach Services and is located right at the ferry exit. The cafe serves hot food such as hot dogs and burgers, cold drinks (including beer, wine, and cocktails), and popsicles. My kids were thrilled with the food choices!

There are picnic tables on the island if you bring your own food. Next time, we will bring food and a cooler as the adults did not love the food from Cafe Caladesi and it is expensive for what it is (snack-shack type foods, mostly fried).

If you are heading over from nearby Clearwater Beach, check my recommendations for The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Clearwater Beach for amazing options that cater to the whole family.

Are there restrooms on Caladesi Island?

Yes, there are restrooms and changing rooms on the way to the beach. They are elevated on the boardwalk path between the ferry and the beach. The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained when we visited.

Can you bring beach chairs on the Caladesi Island ferry?

Yes, you can bring beach chairs on the ferry. Be warned if you are carrying a ton of beach stuff for the family; it is a bit of a walk on a raised deck/boardwalk to the beach. We elected to rent beach chairs and an umbrella as we didn’t know if the kids would need to be carried from the ferry to the beach.

Can you rent beach equipment on Caladesi Island?

Yes, there is a place to rent beach equipment on Caladesi Island! The concession stand, located near the picnic area, offers rentals of beach chairs, umbrellas, and even kayaks.

Chairs and umbrellas are available for $15 each per day, and kayaks for $25 per hour or $55 for a half-day rental. Be aware that by renting chairs and umbrellas, you are limited to the crowded space right in front of the boardwalk to the beach entrance as the team members set them up for you. Bringing your own chairs would allow you to space out a bit further down the beach for space.

What activities can I do on Caladesi Island?

Caladesi Island offers a variety of outdoor activities for your visit including hiking, kayaking, swimming, and fishing just to name a few!

Can you swim on Caladesi Island?

Oh my goodness, the water and the swimming is perfect for kids. A highlight of our trip for sure! The water is calm, crystal-clear, and warm. The island has over three miles of shoreline and shallow waters. Per the parks department, lifeguards are on duty during peak season for added safety (not in November when we went).

We saw lots of fish while swimming, without any equipment, and there are designated spots for snorkeling.

Are there hiking trails on Caladesi Island?

There are marked hiking trails on the island, including Beach Loop and Hammock Loop, boasting local wildlife, such as ospreys, bald eagles, and armadillos. FYI, there are also rattlesnakes, so our ferry captain advised us to stay on the trails and not wander.

Can you rent kayaks on Caladesi Island?

Kayak rentals are available on-site, so you don’t have to worry about bringing yours. You can also kayak over to the island as noted above if you do have equipment.

Can you fish on Caladesi Island?

Sure can! Fishing enthusiasts will be pleased to know that fishing is allowed on Caladesi Island in designated areas. Please check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ahead of time for any regulations on size, number, method of capture, and season.

Is Caladesi Island pet-friendly?

As per the Florida State Parks, pets are not allowed on the Caladesi Island beach at any time. They are permitted, leashed, in the rest of the park. However, pets are not allowed on the ferry to Caladesi Island, so you will need an alternate route to get there

Are there seashells on Caladesi Island?

The beaches on Caladesi Island offer a variety of beautiful seashells to discover. The kids loved gathering shells. Be sure to leave any live animals on the island, please!