The Caladesi Island Ferry is a concession-operated passenger ferry running from the docks at Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida to Caladesi Island State Park, approximately one mile offshore across Dunedin Pass. This guide covers departure times, ticket prices, how to reach Honeymoon Island, what to expect on board and on the island, accessibility, and practical tips for the crossing.
Updated May 2026. Tickets for the Caladesi Island Ferry cannot be purchased online and are only sold in person at the Caladesi Ferry Ticket Office at Honeymoon Island State Park. Many third-party booking sites suggest otherwise — this is incorrect. Additionally, beach carts and wagons have not been permitted on the ferry since 1 January 2023; guides predating that change are out of date on this point.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Caladesi Island Ferry (Caladesi Island Adventure), caladesiferry.org |
| Departure point | Honeymoon Island State Park docks, #1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 |
| Arrival point | Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, FL |
| Crossing duration | Approx. 15–20 minutes |
| Adult fare (round trip) | $20 (ages 13+) |
| Child fare (round trip) | $10 (ages 6–12) |
| Children 5 and under | Free |
| Honeymoon Island park entry fee (separate) | $8 per vehicle (2–8 people) · $4 single-occupant vehicle · $2 pedestrians and cyclists |
| Tickets sold online? | No – in person only at the ferry ticket office |
| Phone | 727-734-5263 |
| Pets permitted | No – ADA service animals only |
| Beach carts and wagons | Not permitted since 1 January 2023 |
Caladesi Island ferry timetable
The ferry runs every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas, weather permitting. There is one operator on this route.
Departures run hourly from 10:00 am, year-round. During mid-February through Labor Day (early September) and on weekends year-round, departures increase to every 30 minutes. Two ferry boats operate from the Honeymoon Island docks.
The maximum permitted stay on Caladesi Island is up to four hours, depending on which departure you take. The last ferry back departs in the late afternoon; the exact return time depends on when you arrive. Factor this when planning your day — visitors taking a mid-afternoon outbound crossing will have less than four hours on the island.
Prices and times are subject to change. Confirm the current schedule by calling 727-734-5263 before travelling or by checking the operator website.
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Caladesi Island ferry fares and how to book
Round-trip fares are $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6–12. Children aged 5 and under travel free.
A military discount is available for active duty and retired personnel with a valid ID, covering their complete party. This discount cannot be combined with any other offer.
Tickets are sold in person only at the Caladesi Ferry Ticket Office at Honeymoon Island State Park. There is no online booking. Payment should be made at the ticket office before boarding. Note that the Honeymoon Island State Park vehicle entry fee ($8 per car) is a separate charge collected at the park gate and is not included in the ferry fare. The Florida State Parks Annual Pass covers the Honeymoon Island entrance fee but does not cover the ferry fare.
This ferry is not included in any city pass scheme such as Go City or the Florida State Parks Annual Pass.
Fares were verified on the official Caladesi Island Ferry website and last updated in May 2026.
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How to get to Honeymoon Island ferry dock
The ferry departs from the docks at Honeymoon Island State Park, #1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698.
By car from Tampa: Take I-275 south to SR-580 (Hillsborough Avenue) westbound. Follow SR-580 west to Curlew Road (SR-586), then continue west along SR-586 across the Dunedin Causeway to the park entrance. Allow approximately 45 minutes from central Tampa.
By car from Clearwater or St Petersburg: Head north on US-19 to Dunedin, then turn left onto Curlew Road (SR-586) and follow it west across the causeway to the park. Allow 20–30 minutes from Clearwater.
By bike: The Pinellas Trail connects downtown Dunedin to the causeway, from which cyclists can ride to the park entrance. The park charges $2 for cyclists.
There is no scheduled public bus service to Honeymoon Island State Park.
Parking at Honeymoon Island State Park
Parking is available within Honeymoon Island State Park, a short walk from the ferry docks. The park charges $8 per vehicle (carrying 2–8 people), $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. The Florida State Parks Annual Pass covers vehicle entry.
The car park fills quickly on weekends and public holidays, particularly between March and September. Arriving before 9:00 am is advisable on busy days. Overflow can result in queues at the park entrance gate; budget extra time during peak periods.
What to expect on board
The crossing takes approximately 15–20 minutes across Dunedin Pass. The ferry has open and covered seating. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers are permitted provided they can be hand-carried. Beach carts and wagons are not allowed since January 2023. Strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs are permitted on board.
The ferry sells a limited range of items including ice, so plan your supplies accordingly. Bring all food and drink you will need for your time on the island, as the on-island café has limited availability and the ferry’s retail offer is small.
Arriving at Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island State Park is an undeveloped Florida Gulf Coast barrier island with three miles of beach, a three-mile nature trail through the island’s interior, and a three-mile kayak trail through the mangroves. There are no roads and no bridge to the mainland.
On arrival, visitors will find: modern restrooms and showers near the boardwalk entrance; the Cafe Caladesi snack bar near the marina (burgers, fish and chips, smoothies); beach chair and umbrella hire; kayak hire; shaded picnic areas; a children’s playground; and a Discovery Center. Despite having a snack bar, the island has no shops. Bring sufficient water and food, particularly for children and in summer heat. All rubbish must be taken off the island — there is no waste collection.
The maximum stay is up to four hours from the time of your outbound crossing, depending on which departure you take. Confirm your return time when you purchase your ticket.
Accessibility on the Caladesi Island ferry
Strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs are permitted on the ferry. Beach carts and wagons are not. For passengers requiring assistance boarding, contact the ferry on 727-734-5263 in advance.
Beach wheelchairs are available on Caladesi Island at no charge, on request from the Ranger Station (727-469-5918). The boardwalk entrance area, restrooms, and café are accessible. Sand and unpaved trails across the wider island may be difficult for some mobility aids. Honeymoon Island State Park also offers ADA-compliant facilities and free beach wheelchairs.
Only ADA-qualified service animals under Title II and III may board the ferry. Pets, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are not permitted.
How long to allow
The crossing takes 15–20 minutes each way. Allow time to park, pay the Honeymoon Island gate fee, and purchase your ferry ticket before the departure you are aiming for. The ticket office opens at 10:00 am. Most visitors spend two to four hours on the island, which is sufficient for a beach walk, a swim, and a trail section. Those wishing to complete the full nature or kayak trail should take the earliest available crossing.
Practical tips for the Caladesi Island ferry
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrive early, especially on weekends | The car park at Honeymoon Island fills quickly between March and September. Arriving before 9:00 am gives you time to park, pay the gate fee, and reach the ticket office when it opens at 10:00 am. |
| Bring cash or card – no online booking exists | Tickets are sold only in person at the ferry ticket office. No advance or online booking is available. There is no way to guarantee a place on a specific departure in advance. |
| Pack all essentials before you board | The on-island café has limited hours and menu. Bring enough water, food, and sunscreen for your full stay. There is no general store on the island. |
| Do not bring a beach cart or wagon | These have not been permitted on board since 1 January 2023. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers carried by hand are allowed. |
| Check the weather before you go | The ferry does not run in severe weather. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common on Florida’s Gulf Coast. If bad weather is forecast for the afternoon, plan your return crossing accordingly. |
Frequently asked questions about the Caladesi Island ferry
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I book Caladesi Island ferry tickets online? | No. Tickets are sold in person only at the Caladesi Ferry Ticket Office at Honeymoon Island State Park. Online booking is not available from any source. |
| Can I bring my dog on the Caladesi Island ferry? | No. Only ADA-qualified service animals are permitted. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on the ferry or on Caladesi Island. |
| How long is the ferry ride to Caladesi Island? | The crossing takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the Honeymoon Island docks. |
| Is the Caladesi Island ferry running on Thanksgiving and Christmas? | No. The ferry does not operate on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. It runs every other day of the year, weather permitting. |
| Does the Florida State Parks Annual Pass cover the Caladesi Island ferry? | No. The Annual Pass covers the Honeymoon Island State Park vehicle entry fee ($8 per car) but does not include the ferry fare. Ferry tickets must be purchased separately in cash or by card at the ticket office. |
Other things to do near Honeymoon Island ferry dock
Honeymoon Island State Park — The departure point for the ferry is itself a state park with four miles of beach, a virgin slash pine forest trail, kayak hire, and a café. Allow time before or after the ferry for the park itself.
Dunedin Downtown — A compact, walkable historic district approximately two miles east of the park causeway, with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and a farmers’ market. The Pinellas Trail links Dunedin town to the causeway.
Clearwater Beach — One of Florida’s most visited Gulf Coast beaches, approximately eight miles south of Honeymoon Island, with a wide range of restaurants, water sport hire, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks — A Greek-American fishing community approximately 10 miles north of Dunedin, with sponge diving demonstrations, Greek restaurants, and a working waterfront worth a half-day visit.
Caladesi Island by kayak — The island can be reached independently by kayak from the Dunedin Causeway, a paddle of under an hour in calm conditions through Dunedin Pass. Kayak hire is available locally for those who prefer to skip the ferry queue.
Other passenger-only ferry crossings in Florida and the Southeast
Cumberland Island Ferry, Georgia — A passenger-only NPS concession ferry from St. Marys, GA to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a wild barrier island with wild horses, historic ruins, and 18 miles of undeveloped beach; crossing time approximately 45 minutes.
Bald Head Island Ferry, North Carolina — A passenger-only ferry from Southport, NC to Bald Head Island, a car-free barrier island with a historic lighthouse, beaches, and golf cart transport; crossing time approximately 20 minutes.
Pelican Bay to Cayo Costa, Florida — A small passenger ferry from Pine Island, FL to Cayo Costa State Park, an undeveloped Gulf Coast barrier island with primitive camping and excellent shelling; crossing time approximately 30 minutes.
Dry Tortugas Ferry, Florida — A high-speed catamaran from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles offshore, home to Fort Jefferson and some of Florida’s most pristine coral reefs; crossing time approximately two hours.
Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry, North Carolina — A North Carolina DOT vehicle and passenger ferry connecting Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks, free of charge; crossing time approximately 60 minutes.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guides to the Tampa Bay CityPass attractions, including the Florida Aquarium and Glazer Children’s Museum.
- Saying hi to the Apollo Beach manatees near Tampa.
- Visitor guides to the Ybor City Museum, Tampa Bay History Center and Tampa Museum of Art in Tampa.
- Why the Ringling Museum in Sarasota is one of the best stops on the Punta Gorda to Tampa drive.
- Getting to Tampa: The best stops on the Atlanta to Tampa drive, Gainesville to Tampa drive, Jacksonville to Tampa drive and Tallahassee to Tampa drive.
