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| SPOTLIGHT | | Wild
and naughty beaches and jungle, Wildlife,natural heritage and sun-kissed islands.
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CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
For serenity
and seclusion, Caladesi Island State Park is ideal. Shore birds and sea turtles
build their nests undisturbed among the dunes. Gulf breezes ruffle the tresses
of auburn hairgrass. A beautiful island showcase, it is one of the few remaining
undeveloped barrier islands in the state.
The park is comprised of six islands with a total of approximately 668 upland
acres and more than2,500 acres of surrounding mangroves and tidal flats and sea
grass beds. Officials finalized acquisition plans in 1968, then was opened to
the public in 1972. Caladesi Island was created in 1921 after a savage storm created
Hurricane Pass and separated it from what was then Hog Island. The origin of the
name is uncertain, however, it first appeared in print in the early '30's.
Along
the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, sand dunes line the open beach. Only the hardiest
plants can survive there -- sea oats, beach morning glory and sea purslane. Turtles
and birds find it an ideal location for nesting areas. The coastal strand is host
to several species of grasses and trees such as palmetto, hercules club and sea
grape. Periodic storm tides cover the area, limiting the plant community's diversity.
Flood and fire are constant threats; however, two species call the coastal strand
home -- the burrowing gopher tortoise and its occasional roommate, the Eastern
diamondback rattlesnake.
Farther in is the maritime hammock, which provides
a more stable environment because of higher elevation and a relatively closed
canopy. Live oak, red bay, sabal palm and Southern red cedar thrive here, protected
from salt spray and increased water evaporation. The "high ground" of
Caladesi is free from floods except under extreme storm conditions. Slash pines
dominate the open canopy forest that contains an understory of wax myrtle and
palmetto. Park staff keep growth under control with ecological burns during the
lightning season, providing maintenance while minimizing danger.
Mangrove
forests prevail on Caladesi's eastern coast. One of the few trees that thrives
in salt water, there are four species that shelter the island and nurture many
of its animal residents. Given time, the mangrove roots trap additional soil and
actually add to the island's size.
Hours of Operation
Florida
State parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving
Directions
Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat or Ferry.
By Boat
From channel marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway
Bridge, take an approximate 212-degree heading on your compass for approximately
1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park Marina.
Driving Directions
The driving directions for Caladesi Island
SP are the same as those for Honeymoon Island SP. The ferry service to Caladesi
leaves from HISP hourly beginning at 10 AM. Folks can call the ferry service directly
727-734-1501. From I-75 (north of Tampa): I-75 south to I-275 south towards Tampa.
Follow I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). Take SR 580 west to SR-586
fork then left. Follow SR-586 into park. From I-75 (south of Tampa): I-75 north
to I-4. I-4 to I-275 north. I-275 to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). SR-580 west
to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 west into park.
Park Activities
Visitor Service Provider
The Park Concession offers food, beverages,
beach supplies and souvenirs. Kayak, umbrellas and beach chairs are available
for rent.
Birding
Caladesi Island State Park offers one of
the best birding areas in SW Florida. The park is home to many actively nesting
Osprey, Oyster Catchers, Snowy Plovers and Least Terns. Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy
Egrets, Great Blue Herons and many other species are often observed feeding in
the bay, beaches, estuaries and maritime hammock.
Boating
Boaters can enjoy the 108 slip bayside marina, or in calm weather, anchor offshore.
Overnight docking with electric and water hook-ups is permitted in the bayside
marina, but boaters must register before sundown.
Fishing
Surf and pass fishing can yield catches of flounder, Snook, trout, redfish, snapper,
whiting, sheepshead and tarpon. Do you need a Fishing License?
Kayaking
Kayaking is very popular throughout the inner waterways; Caladesi Island offers
a 3-Mile kayak trail throughout the mangroves and bay.
Picnicking
Two covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills are located within the Marina
area. These pavilions may be reserved for a fee. Picnic shelters and uncovered
picnic tables are also located near the beach, walking distance of the restrooms.
Pack a basket or cooler and enjoy a leisurely picnic in our shady, picnic area.
Let the kids climb on the playground, or swing on the swings.
Nature
Trails
A 3-mile self-guided nature trail winds through pine flatwoods
and coastal hammocks allowing visitors to observe the great variety of vegetation
and wildlife found at the park. This trail also offers kiosks with information
regarding the historical significance of the island and the people who made it
their home.
Shelling
With over 3 miles of shoreline on the
Gulf of Mexico, Caladesi Island State Park has some of the best shelling opportunities
on the Gulf Coast. Live shelling is prohibited.
Showers
Outdoor
showers are located behind the bathhouses at each boardwalk leading to beach.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity in the calm Gulf waters
and the park boasts 3 miles of excellent beachfront. Consistently ranked as one
of the top 10 beaches in the country.
Wildlife Viewing
West
India Manatee and Bottlenose Dolphin can be seen in the waters surrounding the
island. Gopher Tortoises and their burrows are plentiful in the scrub and dune
area.
Park Fees
Admission Fees - $4.00 for up to 8 people
per private boat.
- Kayakers: Admission Fee $1.00. Catch the ferry at Honeymoon
Island for entrance onto Caladesi Island. Entrance fees at Honeymoon Island are:
$5.00 for up to 8 people per car / $1.00 for an individual entrance. The ferry
travels to Caladesi Island for a 4 hour stay.
Ferry fees are: $9.00 per adult,
$5.50 for children ages 4 - 12.
Children under 4 years old are free. Sorry,
no pets are allowed on the ferry.
Pavilion Fee
- Rental
fees are $32.10 per pavilion. Call ahead at least two weeks for Pavilion reservations
RESOURCES
Along the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, sand dunes line
the open beach. Only the hardiest plants can survive there -- sea oats, beach
morning glory and sea purslane. Turtles and birds find it an ideal location for
nesting areas. The coastal strand is host to several species of grasses and trees
such as palmetto, hercules club and sea grape. Periodic storm tides cover the
area, limiting the plant community's diversity. Flood and fire are constant threats;
however, two species call the coastal strand home -- the burrowing gopher tortoise
and its occasional roommate, the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Farther
in is the maritime hammock, which provides a more stable environment because of
higher elevation and a relatively closed canopy. Live oak, red bay, sabal palm
and Southern red cedar thrive here, protected from salt spray and increased water
evaporation. The "high ground" of Caladesi is free from floods except
under extreme storm conditions. Slash pines dominate the open canopy forest that
contains an understory of wax myrtle and palmetto. Park staff keep growth under
control with ecological burns during the lightning season, providing maintenance
while minimizing danger.
Mangrove forests prevail on Caladesi's eastern
coast. One of the few trees that thrives in salt water, there are three species
that shelter the island and nurture many of its animal residents. Given time,
the mangrove roots trap additional soil and actually add to the island's size.
Boquilla
Beaches
Bocachicha
Beaches | |
 |
Top Beaches |  |
| |
 Bahia
Honda State Park, Florida | | IIn out
list of the Best Beaches in America First on the list is Bahia Honda Beach in
Florida. Bahia Honda has several white sandy beaches for you to enjoy. Calusa
is the smallest beach here; it is located on the northwest side of the island.
There are several small pavilions in this area and a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh
water showers. Loggerhead is the shallowest beach and is located on the south
side of the island. It is known for the large shallow sand bar just a few feet
offshore. It shares the same bathhouse with the Calusa beach. Sandspur is the
largest beach; it is located on the southeast end of the island. There are three
large pavilions in the Sandspur area and a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh water
showers. | | |
| Hapuna
Beach, Hawaii | | Next on our list of
best beaches in America is Hapuna Beach in Hawaii. This is another wonderful sandy
beach, 1/2 mile long and almost 200 feet wide during the summer months. Swimming
conditions here are usually excellent. There is easy access to the water, full
facilities, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. Snorkeling is great at
the south end of the beach where the fish are varied and there is a coral reef. |
| |
| Fort
Desoto Park, Florida | | Fort Desoto Park
in Florida is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to
Tampa Bay. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park
which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much
more. | | |
| Hulopo'e
Beach, Lanai, Hawaii | | Hulopoe Beach
in Hawaii is one of the most protected beach and the safest place on the Hawaii
island to swim. It's beautiful white sand beach and underwater coral formations
makes it the central recrational area on Lanai. The Manele Bay Hotel sits on the
bluff overlooking this perfect site. The beach is located in a protected Marine
Life Conservation Area so there are numerous and colorful fish as well as unique
coral formations found here. To the left of the beach is Pu'u Pehe Rock, also
known as Sweetheart Rock. | | |
| St
Joseph Peninsula State Park, FL | | Joseph
Peninsula in florida has miles of white sand beaches, striking dune formations,
a heavily-forested interior and a favorable climate for year-round outdoor recreation
characterize this peninsular state park. The 2,516-acre park is bounded on three
sides by the waters of St. Joe Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. | |
|
Ocracoke
Island, North Carolina  |
| Ocracoke Island is accessible only by water or air,
and is part of Hyde County. It is one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks
of North Carolina where the pirate Blackbeard is known to have once roamed. The
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with the Pamlico Sound on one side and the Atlantic
Ocean on the other, its 16 miles of sun-swept wilderness beaches offer something
for everyone. | | |
| Kailua
Beach , Hawaii | | Kailua Beach often
rated as the "Best Beach in the World," is a generally wonderful place
to enjoy swimming and beach recreational activities. It has a very nice, fine
sandy beach. There are generally no significantly hazardous ocean or beach conditions.Kailua
Beach is a world-class wind surfing destination for pros and amateurs alike. There
are several shops in Kailua town which offer rental gear and that can arrange
for lessons. | | |
| Caladesi
Island State Park, Florida | | This Florida
state park has 3 miles of nature trail and 108-slip marina. Caladesi Island has
something for everyone. Picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and a park concession all
make the visit more comfortable. Fishing, shelling, and nature studies are all
ways to enjoy a visits. | | |
| Hamoa
Beach, Hawaii |
| Located just outside of Hana, this beautiful public
beach shares some facilities with the Hotel Hana Maui. Sea cliffs surround the
bay and the vegetation is lush. This beach has been voted one of Hawaii's favorite
beaches. Offshore is the little coconut-topped island of Alau. | |
|
| Cumberland
Island, Georgia | | Our final top ten
beach is Cumberland Island. This island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres
of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is well known for its
sea turtles, wild turkeys, wild horses, armadillos, abundant shore birds, dune
fields, maritime forests, salt marshes, and historic structures. Visit Cumberland
Island National Seashore for a natural experience: sun and sand, beautiful vistas
and relaxing atmosphere. | | |
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