Lyla Dejesus
Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island are two of Florida's most beautiful beach destinations. Honeymoon Island is one of three barrier islands on Florida's Suncoast, located between Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. Caladesi Island is nearby, about 3 miles from Honeymoon Island. The two islands are separated by a gulf of water known as Hurricane Pass, which was formed after a hurricane in 1921. The pass is about half a mile wide and can be crossed by ferry or by private boat. However, kayaking is a popular option for those seeking a more adventurous way to travel between the islands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3,000 feet or 15-20 minutes of paddling |
| Kayak Rental | $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, $60 for the entire day |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Scenery | Turquoise water, white sand, beautiful coastal scenery, wildlife, hiking trails, boat docks, a ranger station, a concession stand |
| Parking | Free |
| Restrooms | Available at Sail Honeymoon and Caladesi Island |
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What You'll Learn
- Kayaking from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island is a 20-minute paddle through shallow waters
- Sail Honeymoon offers kayak rentals for \$35 for two hours, \$45 for four hours, and \$60 for a full day
- Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, so you can either kayak or take a ferry from Honeymoon Island
- The kayak trail at Caladesi Island State Park leads you through mangroves and shallow waters full of fish and other wildlife
- Honeymoon Island is one of three barrier islands on Florida's Suncoast, located between Clearwater and Tarpon Springs
Kayaking from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island is a 20-minute paddle through shallow waters
Kayaking from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island is a fun and relatively easy adventure. It is a 20-minute paddle through shallow waters, covering a little over 3,000 feet. The route takes you through St. Joseph Sound, the body of water between Dunedin and Caladesi Island. The sound is bordered on the west by Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, with shallow, protected waters running six miles south to Clearwater Beach.
There are several options for kayaking to Caladesi Island. You can bring your own kayak or rent one from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. Sail Honeymoon offers reasonable rates for kayak rentals, with $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, and $60 for the entire day. They are open seven days a week from 8 am to 7 pm, and you can reach them at 727-734-0392. If you bring your own kayak, you can park for free along the causeway and launch from the Honeymoon Island Causeway Beach. There are bathroom facilities available at Sail Honeymoon, and no parking fees.
If you rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon, you will be paddling through shallow, protected waters, home to abundant wildlife. Caladesi Island is just a short paddle away, and you can enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters and the scenic gulf coast along the way. The water averages about 2 to 5 feet in depth, and you will be paddling along the edge of a mangrove forest. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, eagles, and osprey, which are commonly spotted in this area.
If you rent a kayak from the concessionaire at Honeymoon Island State Park, your route will be a little different. You will paddle south along the beach for about 1,500 feet towards the southern tip of Honeymoon Island. From there, you will cross Hurricane Pass, which is about 1,400 feet wide, to reach the northern tip of Caladesi Island. Hurricane Pass was named after the great hurricane of 1921, which split Hog Island into two, creating Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands. From the northern tip of Caladesi Island, it is a little over a mile of additional paddling southward to reach the restrooms and concessions on the island.
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Sail Honeymoon offers kayak rentals for \$35 for two hours, \$45 for four hours, and \$60 for a full day
Kayaking from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. Sail Honeymoon, located on the causeway before you reach Honeymoon Island, offers kayak rentals at reasonable rates. Their prices are $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, and $60 for a full day. They are open every day from 8 am to 7 pm, and it is recommended to call ahead to check availability.
Sail Honeymoon is conveniently positioned for kayaking to Caladesi Island, with a half-mile of gulf to cross to reach the island's sandy tip. The island is only accessible by boat, so kayaking is a great option if you're feeling adventurous. The waters are shallow and protected, making for a calm kayaking experience.
The journey to Caladesi Island takes you through St. Joseph's Sound, a gorgeous aquatic paradise teeming with wildlife. The island itself is known for its white sand, shells, and bird nesting areas. It was even voted the #1 beach in North America in 2008.
If you're an experienced kayaker, you can also explore beyond Caladesi Island. Hurricane Pass, for example, is about a mile of additional paddling southward from the island's northern tip. This pass was named after the great hurricane of 1921, which split Hog Island into what we now know as Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert kayaker, Sail Honeymoon's rental options provide an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area surrounding Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands.
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Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, so you can either kayak or take a ferry from Honeymoon Island
Caladesi Island is a true jewel, voted the #1 beach in North America in 2008. It is known for its beautiful white sand, abundant shells, and bird nesting areas. The island is only accessible by boat, so you can either kayak or take a ferry from Honeymoon Island.
If you choose to kayak, you can bring your own or rent one from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. The rental rates are reasonable, with a single kayak costing $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, and $60 for the entire day. The kayak trail at Caladesi Island State Park will take you through St. Joseph Sound, the body of water between Dunedin and Caladesi Island. The water here is shallow, ranging from 2 to 5 feet deep, and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including dolphins, osprey, manatees, and eagles. The trail winds through mangroves, where you can spot fish, mating horseshoe crabs, rays, and hermit crabs.
The paddle from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island is approximately 3,000 feet over a fairly shallow bay. You will need to cross a deeper channel, but it is fairly sheltered. For most people, it takes about 20 minutes to paddle from the Honeymoon Island Causeway Beach to the northern tip of Caladesi Island. Once you arrive at Caladesi Island, you can pull your kayak up onto the beach and explore the shoreline, looking for shells and enjoying the coastal scenery.
If kayaking is not your preference, you can take the passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, and the fare includes the state park entry fee. During the ferry ride, the captain will share the history of the island and point out dolphins and other points of interest. Whether you choose to kayak or take the ferry, Caladesi Island offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
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The kayak trail at Caladesi Island State Park leads you through mangroves and shallow waters full of fish and other wildlife
Caladesi Island State Park is a popular destination for kayaking in Florida. The park offers a range of kayaking experiences, from traversing the gulf waters from Honeymoon Island to exploring the park's inland waterways. The kayak trail at Caladesi Island State Park is a highlight for many visitors, as it leads kayakers through mangroves and shallow waters teeming with fish and other wildlife.
The trail begins in St. Joseph Sound, a body of water between Dunedin and Caladesi Island known for its shallow, protected waters. From the kayak starting point, there is very little wind, making for an easy start to your journey. As you paddle along the trail, you'll be surrounded by the lush mangrove forest, with water depths averaging just 2 to 5 feet. Motor boats are not allowed in this area, so you can enjoy the peacefulness of paddling through the grass flats.
The wildlife in this area is abundant and diverse. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, eagles, ospreys, and even the occasional ray. The mangroves are also home to various species of birds, including the magnificent frigate bird and the roseate spoonbill. The clear, shallow waters make it easy to spot fish and other marine life, such as mating horseshoe crabs and hermit crabs.
The kayak trail at Caladesi Island State Park offers two route options: a longer route that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, and a shorter route that takes about 1 hour. Both routes return to the same point, so you don't need to worry about ending up in a different location. The longer route likely takes you further into the mangrove forest and along the eastern edge of Caladesi Island, which is known for its clear, shallow waters and protected grass flats.
Whether you are an experienced kayaker or a beginner, the kayak trail at Caladesi Island State Park is a must-do when visiting the area. With its tranquil waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic views, it promises an unforgettable paddling experience. Remember to bring your own kayak or rent one from nearby locations, such as Sail Honeymoon, to start your adventure.
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Honeymoon Island is one of three barrier islands on Florida's Suncoast, located between Clearwater and Tarpon Springs
Honeymoon Island is a Florida State Park located on one of three barrier islands on Florida's Suncoast, nestled between Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. The island is a haven for nature lovers, boasting four miles of pristine white-sand beaches and calm, clear Gulf waters. It offers a diverse range of nature trails, including a three-mile trail through the virgin slash pine forests, home to several threatened and endangered species.
The island provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including kayaking, cycling, and beachcombing. Kayaking is a popular way to explore the area, with many opting to paddle from Honeymoon Island to the nearby Caladesi Island, a journey of approximately 3,000 feet over shallow waters. Sail Honeymoon, located on the causeway, offers kayak rentals, making it convenient for visitors to embark on this scenic adventure.
Caladesi Island, accessible only by boat, is a pristine natural gem. It boasts an award-winning beach, abundant wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. The island is a short ferry ride from Honeymoon Island, and the fare includes the state park entry fee. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and the opportunity to spot dolphins and other marine life.
Honeymoon Island has a rich history, dating back to its former name, Hog Island. After World War II, the island fell into disrepair, and it wasn't until the state of Florida purchased it that it became the beloved state park it is today. The Rotary Centennial Nature Center educates visitors about the island's human and natural history, including the impact of erosion and storms on its evolving landscape.
The island is currently recovering from storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which led to closures of certain areas, including North Beach and the nature center. Despite this, Honeymoon Island remains a popular destination, consistently receiving over one million visitors annually, making it Florida's most-visited state park.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20 minutes to kayak from Honeymoon Island Causeway Beach to the northern tip of Caladesi Island. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to two hours to paddle from Hurricane Pass to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.
Caladesi Island is about 3 miles from Honeymoon Island. It is a half-mile paddle from Sail Honeymoon to the sandy tip of Caladesi Island.
You can rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. They are open seven days a week from 8 am to 7 pm. A single kayak rental costs $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, and $60 for the entire day.
