Reviews: Caladesi Island State Park Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Feb 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We volunteered for two months from mid Dec to mid Feb 2024 and have loved our time here.What is good is 1.Peace and quiet, 2. wildlife like turtles, dolphins, mullett, pelicans, sea turtles, armadillos and many other birds. 3. Great rangers and volunteers who are super nice 4. Water and electric (30A only now but you can pay to do 2 X 30A, 5. Highly rated Beach is very secluded, especially when ferry stops for the day, and only a 5 minute walk. 6. Hiking trails and beach walks all the way to Clearwater Beach -4 miles. 7. Kayak trails through the Mangroves. 8. Very few people or boaters (except during summer so we hear). 9. Snack Bar when the ferry runs. Kayak, beach chairs, and umbrella rentals, 10. Very well protected. 11. Restrooms nearby. 12. Great history with Indian mounds and Scharrer Homesite. The challenges: 1. Follow the 212 degree heading in and 32 degrees out as described, and come at high tide, especially if you are 3 ft draft or more- Do NOT follow the ferry in as they have a shallow draft. Note: there were many 4.5 ft draft boats here during our time here. 2. No showers yet- a new bathhouse is in the plans. 3. No pumpout. 4. No 50 A electric yet, although it's in the works. 5. Room for about 6-8 deeper draft boats with electric (many more for smaller boats). 6. Groceries, pumpout, restaurants, or other services about 5 miles away in Dunedin. We found that once you settle in to the tranquility, you will love it.

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Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

What a great spot. It has floating docks with 30 Amp pedestals. Showers and bathrooms are very close to the docks, there's even a cafe. Trails, beaches, mangrove kayaking, picnic tables, fire pits and great dog access. We ended up staying for 8 days and loved every minute of it. You have to come in on high tide which will give you 4.5', maybe a little more, but is doable. We got some local knowledge when we were in Tarpon Springs and made our way in from ICW marker 9 & 10 and it worked out fine for us. We kicked up a little sand but never touched bottom.

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Reviewed by: Alan Bollenbacher , Little Toot , on Mar 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

If you are not familiar with the area,marker 14 is very close to the Dunedin Causeway from there go straight towards the entrance of the park. There it becomes very well marked. Fairies run on the half hour and draft about 3 1/2 to 4 feet just sit and wait for one and follow them in. 4 feet or over do it at high tide. "Real Florida!"

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Womack , SV Mischievous Mermaid, on Nov 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Nice marina. We visited there on a powerboat ride with family, even though it was closed. Definitely not for our 5'1" drafting Hunter 44AC!

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Reviewed by: Lisa Vidor on Feb 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Loved the park and the beach. Woke up on the bottom in the marina at low tide. You have to go in and out at high tide and may still drag.

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Reviewed by: Peter Colket , Dreamcatcher, on Feb 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 2.9'

Rating: 1

This marina is not accessible by most cruising boats. We tried several approaches to the entrance, running aground each time...near high tide... with a three foot draft.

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Reviewed by: GJ on May 18, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Great spot if you can make the approach. Coming from the north, in the channel to Hurricane Pass, you need to pick a place to enter the bay going south and pick up the markers to enter the marina (we didn't find the ideal spot, people suggest marker 14). From exiting the Hurricane Pass channel going south for about 200 yards there is heavy sandy shoaling. Chart says 4 ft at low tide; we entered with 3.0+ high tide and still got stuck several times in that first 200 yards. Once you clear it, chart is accurate across the bay to the entry markers. With 5 ft draft, would only try this again with a +3.5 tide. If they would dredge that section of sandy shoal, this would be a perfect spot. Cheap marina price, beautiful island, cafe, kyak rental, no bugs in May!

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Reviewed by: Dave on Aug 4, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

State park runs this. Snack bar with ice, $1 foot with electricity and you have the island pretty much to yourself at night. Phenomenal spot.

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Reviewed by: David Pimer , Pimer Time, on May 2, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

This is a great place to tuck away for a day or two, or just visit for a night. The approach is a bit tough as it is shallow. It is marked very well and the amenities are good. Power and water on each floating dock. Very clean facility and on a great island.

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Reviewed by: Dave Tomasko on Mar 16, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Beautiful setting. Peaceful. At night, you pretty much have the whole island to yourself and a few other boats. Nothing fancy, outdoor showers for example. But $1 / foot including electricity? Awesome,

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Reviewed by: John Landon , Boomer, on Mar 12, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Unable to access facility due to depth issues but great facility for smaller craft. Previously brought my 46 post in here but shoal has developed south of marked channel that would preclude that now. Needs to be dredged.

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Reviewed by: Patrick O’Donnell on Dec 1, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Must come in at high tide. But the marina and Rangers are perfection!

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