Caladesi Island

Caladesi Island, located off of Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, is a great place to go if you really want to get away from it all! It feels as if you traveled to the Caribbean in just a 15 minute boat ride. You'll start with a short ferry ride from Honeymoon Island that will take you around the mangroves and into the marina. The colorful boat captains will entertain you and educate you on the island and all of it's wonders. Caladesi is fully equipped with restrooms, showers, water fountains and picnic tables and you can even rent a shelter for a small fee. There is also a snack bar and gift shop. Caladesi wasn't rated #1 Beach in America 2008 for no reason! It's famous for it's pristine white sands and blue green water. You can also enjoy nature trails, whether on foot or in a kayak. See how many osprey and gopher tortoise you can find!
The locals rave that it's the best beach for shelling in central Florida and I would have to agree. You can find conch, coral, clams, sea urchin and so much more! I hear fishermen have great luck fishing along the shore too! I highly recommend this beach whether you are traveling to central Florida on a vacation or if you are looking for a day/weekend trip. I'm already planning my next visit! So pack a lunch, a good book, some sunscreen and you're ready for an instant vacation! On your way home, stop by the Dunedin Brewery for freshly brewed beer, fish tacos and some live music or stroll through downtown Dunedin for some window shopping and sight seeing.

For more info on park fees, hours and rules go to www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland.

For info on Dunedin check out:
www.dunedinbrewery.com
www.dunedin-fl.com/visitors.htm