Day trip: how to visit Caladesi Island or Honeymoon Island from Clearwater Beach
From Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites you can visit Caladesi Island only by boat or the public ferry from neighboring Honeymoon Island; ask the hotel concierge to arrange a boat transfer or drive/ride to the Honeymoon Island ferry. Plan for a ferry fee (about $16 per person from Honeymoon to Caladesi) and bring water, sun protection and a cooler for a beach day.
In this guide
How to get there from the hotel
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites sits on Clearwater Beach; Caladesi Island is reachable only by boat or by the ferry that runs from Honeymoon Island. The hotel concierge can help arrange private boat transfers or recommend local operators for scheduled tours and charters.
If you prefer the public ferry route, you will first travel to Honeymoon Island (the ferry departs from there) and then take the ferry to Caladesi. The ferry between Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island is a water-only connection.
- Ask the 24-hour front desk/concierge to book a boat transfer or provide operator names and schedules.
- Public ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island costs about $16 per person (confirm current fare at the dock).
- Operators for dolphin tours, private charters, and water taxis operate out of the Clearwater Beach marina area; the concierge can provide booking help.
| Step | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Arrange transfer | Ask concierge or book a local operator from the marina area for a private boat or tour |
| Option: public ferry | Travel to Honeymoon Island ferry dock, then take the ferry to Caladesi (ferry fare quoted as about $16 per person) |
| On arrival | No cars on Caladesi — all access is by water; bring supplies for the day |
Timing and what to bring
Caladesi and Honeymoon Island are best enjoyed on a full day when you can relax on the sand, walk nature trails, or picnic. Ferry and charter schedules vary seasonally; confirm departure times with the operator or concierge the day before.
Caladesi has no road access and limited facilities; plan accordingly for sun, heat, and changing weather conditions.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, umbrella or pop-up shade
- Water and snacks or a small cooler — facilities are limited on Caladesi
- Footwear for shelling and walking trails, plus a light backpack for essentials
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | Limited services on Caladesi; stay hydrated in Florida sun |
| Sunscreen and shade | Summer sun and high UV make protection important |
| Cash or card | For ferry fares, snacks, or last-minute needs (confirm payment methods with operators) |
Which island to choose: Caladesi vs. Honeymoon
Caladesi Island State Park is a boat-only island known for quieter, natural beaches and shelling; Honeymoon Island State Park is accessible by causeway and has trails and a ferry connection to Caladesi. Choose based on how remote you want to be and if you prefer a ferry link or direct causeway access.
Honeymoon Island is Florida’s most-visited state park and includes paved areas and trails, while Caladesi is all water-access with fewer built facilities.
- Caladesi: boat/ferry access only, quieter beaches, natural setting
- Honeymoon: reachable by causeway, visitor facilities, trails and osprey nesting
- If you want 'boat-only' experience, plan for Caladesi; if you want trails plus a ferry option, choose Honeymoon
| Feature | Caladesi Island | Honeymoon Island |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Boat or ferry only | Causeway; ferry to Caladesi from here |
| Facilities | Limited | Visitor amenities and parking |
| Typical experience | Quieter, natural beach | Busier, trails and wildlife viewing |
Practical tips from Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites
Use the hotel's concierge and 24-hour front desk to book transfers, tours, or to get contact details for licensed operators. The hotel lists boat tours and water activities among available excursions.
Bring layers or a light cover-up — sea breezes can cool the beach in late afternoon — and remember that hotel amenities like Market and SHOR American Seafood Grill are available before or after your day trip.
- Confirm boat/ferry pickup locations and return times a day ahead with concierge
- Pack towels and beach gear if you prefer your own; the hotel provides beach towels and pool towels for guests
- Consider eating at SHOR American Seafood Grill or using SHOR2Go for takeout if you want a prepared meal before boarding
| Hotel resource | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge / 24-hour front desk | Books transfers and shares operator info |
| Market | Grab-and-go food and drinks before you leave |
| SHOR / SHOR2Go | Sit-down or to-go meals around your trip |
Accessibility and on-island rules
Caladesi Island has no roads or cars; all visitors arrive by water. Honeymoon Island has a causeway and parking for visitors who plan to board the ferry there. Check state-park signage and ranger guidance for rules on pets, fires, and permitted activities.
Ferry operators and state parks set their own rules and schedules; verify current park hours, shuttle/ferry hours, and any seasonal advisories before you go.
- Caladesi: boat access only — no cars
- Honeymoon: causeway access and ferry to Caladesi; parking and visitor services available
- Follow posted park rules for wildlife protection and permitted beach activities
| Park | Access mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caladesi Island State Park | Boat or ferry only | No road access; limited facilities |
| Honeymoon Island State Park | Causeway; ferry to Caladesi | State-park amenities and trails |
Best times to go and weather considerations
Dry, mild season runs November through April; late April and November are noted as favorable months for lower humidity and fewer crowds. March is a peak month with larger crowds. The wet season runs June through September with afternoon storms possible.
If you’re planning to swim, May through October generally has the warmest Gulf water. Always check local weather and marine conditions on the day you travel.
- Late April & November: warm days, fewer crowds
- March: peak season — expect more visitors
- June–September: hot, humid, and possible afternoon storms
| When | Why |
|---|---|
| Late April / November | Warm days, lower humidity, fewer crowds |
| March | Best weather but busiest |
| June–Sept | Warmest water but higher storm chance |
