Although it is so close you can see it right from the Dunedin Causeway, Caladesi is only separated by a few hundred yard-wide channel from the beach at Honeymoon Island, a lot of visitors and locals alike have still not visited this wonderful island.  As avid kayakers, we enjoy the short trip across the channel to get there.  Once arriving at Caladesi, you will notice what makes this place so special.  The beach is pristine, with the northernmost beach looking like a giant heap of powdered sugar surrounded by light blue water.  Part of the barrier island chain, Caladesi shoreline is mostly soft powdery sand with few if any rock obstructions.  This makes entering the water for a swim easy and safe.  Also, kids love Caladesi because of the of myriad of medium and large sized seashells that can be found all about the beach.  Although a popular destination, Caladesi is an austere beach with no hotels, condos, restaurants, or other manmade structures visible to ruin your view.

The Beach at Caladesi Island

If you are up for the kayak ride, the best place to launch from is right off of the Dunedin Causeway which is located at the westernmost end of Curlew Road in Pinellas County.  As you drive over the causeway approaching Honeymoon Island, you will notice a service road on either side of the causeway paralleling the beach where you are basically driving right on the beach.  As you continue west towards Honeymoon Island, on your left side, you will notice a large wooden hut with a huge American flag flying and dozens and dozens of kayaks for rent.  This beach-side rental stand is called Sail Honeymoon and is the most convenient place to rent kayaks.

Rent your Kayaks from "Sail Honeymoon" on the Dunedin Causeway

If you would like to rent a kayak by the hour or for the day, this is the spot to do it and it is very convenient as you can rent it and launch it right off of the beach (without having to transport the kayak or load it onto your vehicle).  If you own your own kayak, this area is also the ideal place to park your car as the beach is wide; loading and unloading is easiest, and launching a kayak and paddling out to Caladesi island is a straight shot.  When parking your vehicle here, remember to secure all valuables, and if you are parking on the beach side of the service road remember to factor in the possibility of a high tide such that your vehicle does not get overcome by the saltwater.  Remember to pack cold water, hats, and sunglasses, and put on plenty of sun block as the sun here is very strong. 

Sitting on a sandbar near Caladesi Island

If you are a operating a powerboat or sailboat, Caladesi island does offer robust dock facilities which are located on the south east portion of the island adjacent the mangrove trees.  This full service marina can accommodate even large vessels, and the boat slips will even let you spend the night.  Reservations can be made on the Pinellas County web site. 

Camping is not allowed on Caladesi Island.  There are no trash cans available on the beach itself so remember to pack out whenever trash you brought to the beach.  Please respect any wildlife you see especially the nesting birds that have found home on Caladesi.  Enjoy our beautiful seashore! 

A lot of families will make a full day out a Caladesi and pack coolers, beach tents or umbrellas to provide shade for the kids, and plenty of beach toys to enjoy the spectacular white sand.

Map of Caladesi Island, FL

 
View FL - Caladesi Island in a larger map

Related Articles:
Kayaking with the Manatees on Crystal River
Kayaking at Sand Key, FL
Kayaking at Pass-a-Grill and Shell Key

Related Links:
Pinellas County Blue Ways Site
Pinellas Waterways Online Maps