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Storm Update – Park and Overnight Accommodations Closed 

Effective March 1, 2025: To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the park and any associated overnight accommodations remain closed due to Hurricane Helene and/or Hurricane Milton. The Florida State Parks reservation team will email guests with affected reservations to make alternate arrangements or issue refunds. The park and its overnight accommodations will reopen as soon as conditions allow.

Florida State Parks
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Visitor on Beach at Caladesi

Caladesi Island State Park

A truly untouched island offering natural delights

Hours

The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per boat 

See all fees

Location

Offshore island
Dunedin FL 34698

Get directions

Contact Info

727-469-5918

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Public Notice
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Caladesi Island State Park

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.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

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.

Plan Your Visit

Don Bergeron
Learn

Manager's Message

Looking for a place to get away from it all? Caladesi Island State Park is the place for you. Whether you are coming over on the ferry for a few hours or spending the night in the marina on your boat, Caladesi Island has something for everyone in the family.
Vendor Services
Service

Food Service & Ferry

Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island.
3 kayaks sitting on the shore of the beach.
Learn

Paddling at Caladesi Island

Paddle under the canopy shade as you traverse the winding water trails of Caladesi Island. Your adventure may have you encounter various wildlife for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Experiences

Boating
Boating
Camping Boat
Camping Boat
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Shelling
Shelling
Swimming
Swimming
Weddings
Weddings

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station

Caladesi Island State Park Photo Gallery

Caladesi Island Beach View
Marina at Caladesi Island
Boardwalk to Beach
Hand making heart symbol with beach in the background
Seagulls in flight
Beautiful emerald colored water on beach
Island Overview
Fisherman in kayak
A view of the dense foliage at caladesi island.
Learn

Habitats of caladesi island

Caladesi Island State Park is home to a variety of different habitats that are critical to the survival of various animal and plant species.
A view of the mangroves along the water's edge.
Learn

Mangroves at Caladesi

On Caladesi Island State Park’s paddling trails, visitors can be immersed in a large forest of one of Florida’s most interesting plants: mangroves

People Make the Parks

Carly Burgess-Carelli

Staff Spotlight

Carly loves using her knowledge of the natural world to educate visitors on the unique habitats and wildlife found on the island.
Ron Van Atta

Volunteer Spotlight

Ron is a passionate volunteer at Caladesi Island State Park.
Friends of the Island Parks

Friends of the Island Parks

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Clean Marina

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

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Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay.

C/O Koreshan State Park
3800 Corkscrew Road
Estero FL 33928

Lighthouse at Egmont State Park

Egmont Key State Park

This secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay holds rich American history and stunning natural beauty. Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge - a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches.

4905 34th St. South, #5000
St. Petersburg FL 33711

Beach at Cayo Costa

Cayo Costa State Park

Paradise awaits you at Cayo Costa State Park, with 9 miles of untouched beaches accessible only by boat. This pristine park is a prime spot for fishing, snorkeling, beachcombing, and exploring this magnificent 2,436-acre piece of paradise.

4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381)
Cayo Costa FL 33922

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Programs
    • Research & Collecting
  • Get Involved
  • Events

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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