Who said there is no beauty left intact in Florida has never been to Caladesi Island State Park. This diamond in the rough is one of the few surviving examples of an isolated paradise. Four miles of undeveloped beach of white sand dunes and line of this island in the Gulf of Mexico, offering an ideal escape for lovers of sun and nature lovers.

In fact, Caladesi Island was voted number one in annual Top 10 Beaches ranking of coastal experts Dr. Stephen Leatherman, director Coastal Research at Florida International University.

Besides its beautiful beaches, the island has acres of lush mangrove forests, one of the few tree species that survive in salt water. Mangroves are also increasing the size of the island as its vast root system traps soil and remain spread. Explore this area walk through three miles of trails or roads that crisscross the forest kayak. The vegetation of Caladesi Island offers an ideal for nesting Gopher, loggerhead and green sea turtles and the occasional rattlesnake Eastern diamond.

Caladesi Beach is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Sightings are most popular American oystercatchers, black skimmers, royal and least terns and snowy, Wilson and piping plovers. In Bay side of the island to see great blue herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills and snowy. See if you can detect osprey nests located high pine sterile drawbacks.

Hours: Open from 8 am until sunset throughout the year. Call (727) 469-5918 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland/ For more information.

Instructions: Caladesi Island State Park is accessible only by boat from Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin Florida

By Ferry: The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park an hour at 10 AM. People can call the ferry service directly 727-734-1501.

By Boat: From channel marker # 14, just west of the Causeway bridge, Dunedin, have a game on their 212'degree approximate compass for approximately 1 mile. More the channel markers at the Caladesi Island State Park Marina.

Pets: OK to bring Fido time remaining on a leash, but no pets on the beach.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed in designated areas.

Facilities: picnic pavilions, snack bar, gift shop and rental kayak. Boaters have access to a 108 slip marina offering evening coupling with electrical connection and water-ups. Outside the ground anchorage is also available. Beaches are not ADA accessible (Beach Wheelchair is available and can be used on the beach).

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Caladesi Island – a Little Bit of Paradise

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