Check the park and ferry before leaving your accommodation
As checked on September 13, 2026, the state park notice says Caladesi is open for day use and ferry service from Honeymoon Island resumed June 29. It also warns that food service may be limited and overnight marina accommodation remains unavailable. Recheck that notice and the ferry operator's schedule for your outing: a general description of park amenities does not override a current operating notice.
The ferry advertises a stay of up to four hours, depending on when you buy your ticket. That makes this a contained island outing within a longer Clearwater vacation. Choose either an unhurried beach-and-picnic visit or a shorter beach stop with a nature walk; trying to add every activity can make the return feel rushed.
Clearwater accommodation → Honeymoon Island → Caladesi
- Road leg: navigate from your accommodation to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, reached via the Dunedin Causeway. The ferry for this itinerary does not depart from Clearwater Beach Marina. Use your exact address for directions and allow for the park entrance and parking.
- Ticket and boarding leg: enter Honeymoon Island and follow signs to the Caladesi ferry ticket office and dock. The operator sells tickets there, with no online ticket sales. Honeymoon Island entrance and ferry tickets are separate charges; check the park's fee page and operator before leaving.
- Boat and walking leg: take the ferry to Caladesi, then follow the park's signed route and boardwalks toward the Gulf beach. Boarding the boat is not the last equipment-carrying stage.
Before boarding, confirm the return departure your party should use and when to be back at the dock. Put that time in an adult's phone and work backward from it. Leave space for packing, a restroom stop and the walk from the beach; the park's sunset closing time is not your ferry return time.
Pack to the operator's actual luggage rules
The ferry permits beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers and items passengers can carry aboard. It does not permit beach carts or wagons. Children's strollers, walkers and wheelchairs are permitted. That distinction matters when your usual beach routine depends on putting everything in a cart.
- Use a compact bag for towels, sun protection, a change of children's clothing and personal essentials.
- Bring drinking water and picnic food you can comfortably carry, since a café meal is not assured by the current park notice.
- Assign carried gear to adults before you leave the room; keep enough hands free to help children.
- Take only chairs and shade you can manage through boarding and the beach walk. Ask the operator about any unusually large item before bringing it.
For a passenger who needs step-free access or help transferring, discuss the complete journey with the ferry and park beforehand. Permission to bring a wheelchair does not answer every question about boarding or moving onto sand.
What the island supplies, and what to plan yourself
| Need | Published park information | Practical plan |
|---|---|---|
| Restrooms and rinsing | Restrooms and outdoor showers are listed amenities. | Identify the usable facilities after arrival, before settling on the beach. |
| Lunch | Picnic facilities are listed; food service may be limited. | Carry a simple meal and water. |
| Beach access | Elevated boardwalks connect toward the beach; the park lists beach wheelchairs. | Ask about availability and current access if these are essential. |
| Time away from sand | Nature trails run through the island interior. | Pick a short walk that fits your confirmed ferry return. |
Use the park amenities page for the layout and available experiences, alongside the operating notice. For young children, beach play followed by lunch and an early pack-up is a complete outing. Let the group's energy decide whether a walk belongs before lunch or on another trip.
Keep a nearby alternative
If the ferry does not operate and outdoor conditions remain suitable, consider staying at Honeymoon Island for a beach or nature outing after checking its notices. Its northern sandspit has an erosion-related cut; follow posted access directions. If the weather makes an outdoor day unsuitable, return to the Clearwater family guide for another plan.
Use the Clearwater lodging guide to choose the base for the rest of your stay. BeachDay's Clearwater accommodation delivery serves the longer beach vacation, with a four-day rental minimum. Guests carry and set up their gear, and pickup happens at the accommodation. Plan this ferry outing separately from those delivery arrangements.
Sources & current information
Official information checked September 13, 2026. Check linked pages again for changing access, schedules and conditions.