1 Day in Caladesi Island State Park

 Caladesi Island State Park

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/caladesi-island-state-park

The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Dunedin FL 34698

"One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible only by boat, but is worth the extra effort. Whether it is a stroll along the island’s pristine beaches or a kayak trip through the bayside mangrove forest, a trip to Caladesi Island is an unforgettable experience."

This was a must on our list when we visited Florida in September. 

We headed to Honeymoon Island State Park. The Osprey Trail and Pelican Cove Trail are popular options for hiking and birdwatching. These trails take you through a variety of coastal habitats, including mangrove swamps and pine forests. Pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can find a variety of seashells along the shoreline, especially after high tide. 

Fees:

• Entrance fee of $8 per vehicle for  ppl
• $4 single-occupan vehicle
• $2 for peds, bikes, & extra passengers

After stopping to admire a tortoise (I think it's a tortoise?!) crawling through the grass, we then we took the Caladesi Island Ferry to travel to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay. 

This ferry ride was great! 20 min ride where they give you an educated history of the island. Prior to the Hurricane of 1921, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island were one large island known as Hog Island (you'll have to dig deeper for the story behind that!) The hurricane split the island in half and created Hurricane Pass. We also learned how Honeymoon island got its name, and who were the first honeymooners to stay in the honeymoon cottages, before that idea fell apart. 

Hint: actors/actresses from a famous movie

We even added to our ferry ride a little bit as the captain circled around a pod of dolphins that were swimming in the area, so we could get up close for a better view and photo opp. (As close as you're allowed.)

Ferry departs hourly all year, beginning at 10am, with half hour departures Mid-February thru Labor Day and weekends.  No pets allowed on the ferry. 

Fees:

• $18 per adult, round-trip
• $9 for children ages 6 to 12.
• Children 5 and younger ride free

Click here for a $1 off coupon

"Caladesi is famous for its beautiful, soft, white sandy beaches and clear, turquoise waters. There are several nature trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coastal dunes, and maritime hammocks. You can rent kayaks and canoes to explore the park's mangrove tunnels and waterways. Paddling through the mangroves provides a unique perspective of the island's natural beauty. The island is known for its excellent shelling opportunities. You can find a wide variety of seashells along the shoreline, especially after high tide."

Once docked at Caladesi, we used the free bathrooms, filled up our water bottles at the water fountain, and bought a hot dog hahah. After that, we set out on a "hike" instead of opting for the beach access in close proximity. 

You can stop in the park rangers office, where they were happy to give us a run-down, and a paper map. Once we found the Caladesi Island Trail trailhead, pictured above, we jumped on the hiking trail, that leads you through coastal scrub. The Island "Hiking Trail" connects you to the "Hammock Loop" which encircles the old growth forests of Caladesi Island, about a 3-mile loop. However, we turned off at the "Beach Trail" which leads through the salt marshes and mangrove swamps, down to the beach.

Oh. My. Word.

This beach is exactly what I picture in all those movies where you get washed ashore and stranded on a deserted island. White sand. Palm trees everywhere. Huge seashells and sanddollars galore. Blue waters. And not a person in sight. 

We hung up our beach towel on a palm tree, and waded out into the water. Huge pelicans were diving for fish right near us, as we dug our toes into the sand to find some sand sanddollars.

This was one of my highlights from this trip. <3

Maybe Floridians are shaking their heads that we could be so amazed by something this "common" down there, but our Maryland and Delaware beaches do not compare to this. The murky water. The crowds of people. The broken up shells. 

Caladesi was so magical.

More Days in Curaçao

More Days in Curaçao

 

I have a blog titled "1 Day in Curacao" you are welcome to click on, but please use this free travel guide if you're lucky enough to spend MORE than just 1 day in beautiful Curaçao. I did a LOT of research prior to our trip, to ensure we made the most of it, but below are some awesome (and not so awesome) places we were unable to get to see. 

Black font is research we did prior to our trip, and pink font is feedback from our own personal experience.

In Town/Port:

Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue

Punda has the oldest Jewish synagogue in the western hemisphere (still in use). $10 to tour Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, but ppl say it's worth it. 1-2 hours to walk around the gorgeous place with unique sand floors.

The Synagogue holds worship services on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. The museum opens its doors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 

I wish we would have been able to tour here, but we visited after it had closed for the day.

Floating Market

By the waterfront, is the Floating Market. We visited here, but at night after it was closed. looks like it would be a fun place to shop for local goods/food. 

Fort Amsterdam

The oldest and most interesting of the 8 forts still standing in Curaçao. Has a courtyard, a church, a cannon wall. 

Plasa Bieu

If we need to eat while on the island, Plasa Bieu is the place to go. Plantains, jerk chicken, pumpkin pancakes, meat stews; 4339+QVH, De Ruyterkade, Willemstad, Curaçao. Matt and I wanted to maximize the cost of the cruise, so we got on/off the ship to eat as needed.

Sea Aquarium

Curaçao's sea aquarium has real sea-water pools fed by the ocean; located on the water-front of the west-coast of Willemstad. Has sea-lion, dolphin, and shark show held daily. Could spend 2-3 hours here. Can use the beach after to swim and snorkel. $21 per adult. Open 8a-5p. $15. This leads me to Mambo Beach, and other various beaches.

Beaches:

Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach (aka Seaquarium Beach). Man-made and located 4 miles south of Willemstad. White sands and crystal blue waters like the rest of this magical island. They have sand volleyball courts and alcoholic drinks available. Ocean Encounters is where you can rent snorkel gear or take a scuba trip. There is also a boardwalk with shops, restaurants and many bars. The waves are low, so well-suited for kids. We were told there's a large amount of shade available on the beach, and the on-site amenities are nice (bathrooms available and lockers for valuables), but it gets very crowded. Very touristy.  

Cost: 

$8 each from cruise port to Mambo beach; 

$3.50 entry fee

$5-$7.50 beach chair rental

$26 beach bucket of 6 beers (275ml)

I would suggest finding another beach. The cruise ship will advise you for this one, but there are other nicer beaches, that are free. This one is just a convenient tourist beach. Every review I have read and mult people on the ship that we asked, say this is an over crowded beach, sand isn't that nice, costs money, and hard to find a beach chair. If you want a lot of bars close by to drink near the water, then maybe it's for you.

Kleine Knip

Obsessed. Highly Rec. Check out our full review here, with pictures and all.

Playa PortoMari ($3)

• "Has a rehabilitated double reef and on-site snorkel rental. The beach also serves as a trailhead for three nature trails that are great for hiking or mountain biking. 
• If you're hungry after all the physical activity, you're in luck: Playa PortoMari features a beach bar and restaurant that serves up enough Indonesian sateys and Dutch kroketten
• Known as the pig beach. But please don't go here with the sole intent to see the wild pigs. It's not like that one Pig Beach in the Bahamas where you are guaranteed to see little (ok big) piggies.
• A 20-mile drive northwest of Willemstad
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m
• Cost: Admission costs $3 per person and chairs cost an extra $3.50, but children 3 & under are free.
• For more information about beach activities, visit Playa PortoMari's website

Cas Abao Beach ($6)

• Known as the Snorkeling beach
• "The white-sand beach is surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery, and shaded by thatched palapas (large palm umbrellas). Sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and a rainbow of tropical fish beckon snorkelers into warm, turquoise waters."
• Apparently you get a full-body massage right on the waterline.
• The Beach Bar & Restaurant offers a range of snacks and drinks
• They rec water shoes or sandals bc of the pebbles and broken coral
• Cost: $6 but have amenities like showers; they also say it can be $6 for a car of 4 people, instead of per person. $7 on Sundays.
• About 20 miles northwest of Willemstad, near the town of Fontein. 
• Accessible by car, and there is a parking lot on site. 
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Playa Lagun (free)

• Located in a narrow cove with calm waters perfect for snorkeling. There are facilities to rent scuba and snorkel gear.
• Not a lot of amenities, but peaceful and plenty of shade
• They rec water shoes for the rough terrain
• Can rent chairs for a fee, and get some refreshments from a bar overlooking the cove

Other Beaches include:

• Blue Bay Beach -people say it’s overpriced get
• Playa Santu Petra
• Playa Santa Cruz
• Karakter Beach

Have any info on these? I'd love to learn more :)

Outside of town/port:

The salt flats near Jan Kok: 

“Near the village of Williwood, you can find the salt pans of Jan Kok, also known as the Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus. This is a popular tourist attraction as it is on the road from Willemstad towards the beaches of Banda Bou.” There are other spots to see flamingos, but this sounds like it is the closest to the boat). They rec binoculars. 

"The Flamingo Sanctuary allows tourists to view the flamingos from a viewpoint. At the plateau near the road, you have a breathtaking view over the salt pan and the flamingo family that lives there.  You just pull over and park by shrubs. Upon arrival, you have to park your car along the road since there is no parking lot next to the viewpoint. Do not leave anything of value in your car when you head towards the plateau."

Address: 1b Weg naar St Willibrordus, Jan Kok, Curaçao

I could not for the life of me figure out how to find this. So unfortunately we didn't go. Anyone else have luck finding it?  

"The best time to see flamingos is in the mornings until 11:00 AM or around sunset. The birds will be present in large numbers at those times."

Boka Charomba and its cactus forest:

"A fascinating forest of giant cactus should be considered an obligatory stop in Curaçao. This is one of Curaçao’s best kept secrets, as travelers exploring the area will probably encounter only one or two fishermen during the whole day.

Once at Boka Charomba, visitors can follow a path that leads to the cactus forest at the top of the cliff, as well the best view of Boka Charomba’s inlet. It’s a very strange experience to walk along a coastline and starting to see how the whole area surrounding turned slowly into a forest of cactus. These can reach heights up to 10 meters and are commonly known as the Kadushi cactus.

If you want to see the turtles, but not embark on a hike, an easier option is to go straight to Playa Charomba, on the southern side of Boka Ascencion. There’s a parking lot directly off the main road, just before the Landhuis, and the beach only takes a few minutes to reach."

We passed the parking/trailhead for this, but we decided to skip it as we wanted to prioritize the Chete Boka National Park and a beach instead. 

Address: Boka Ascension: 7WCW+G3V, Assension, Bisento, Curaçao

Turtuga trail: 7WCW+VF9, Boka Ascension, Assension, Bisento, Curaçao

Blue Room Cave:

I read lots of reviews for this one bc I REALLY wanted to go. AMAZING! But go with a guide. Bc some days the water can be bad. Have to hike 20 min. Then climb or jump into the water. Then dive down to swim under water into the cave. Have to be able to swim and tread, bc you can’t touch the bottom. The entrance is good, on a good day, which is rare. Other days the water is rough and ppl get pushed into rocks and cut their heads. Need water shoes bc rocks are rough climbing in and out. 

Watamula Hole:

"An ideal free attraction that is worth seeing. Amazing rainbow, sometimes double with each ‘blow’ of water. An ideal photo opportunity for lasting vacation memories. Be sure to wear tennis shoes, not sandals to protect your feet." 

Address: 9RRV+5G4, watamula hole,, Westpunt, Curaçao

Some ppl say it’s not worth it, bc it's a far drive. And on a dirt road (tricky/not possible with a rental car). And if u go at low tide…there's nothing to see. 

National parks:

Christoffel National Park

"In 1978, the island's highest point (Christoffel Mountain), three plantations, a mine and a village near the northern tip of Curaçao merged to create Christoffel National Park. The park houses indigenous flora and fauna, such as barn owls, the rare and endangered Curaçao white-tailed deer and 450 species of plants, including wild orchids. While you can take a scenic drive through Curaçao's largest national park, hiking or mountain biking is the best way to experience Christoffel's rugged landscape."

Unfortunately, we did not get to hike this, as we didn't arrive on the island via cruise hip until 9am. The park rangers do not let you start your hike past 10am, to ensure your safety bc of how hot it can get. We saw mixed times, some stating you cannot start your hike after 9am, bc of the high temps and lack of share. So get there early, like 6 or 7a. Bring plenty of water, and com

Duration: 2-3 hours, or half a day if you start from the visitor center.

Hours: daily 6am-2p

Cost: $15 for a 1-day pass (adults) or $5 pass (children 6-12) that includes admissions to Savonet Museum (located on the Savonet planation & rich in the park's history). Cost for just the museum is $3 for adults and $2 for kids.

Location: 25 miles NW of Willemstad

Bring comfy shoes as it get rockier closer to the summit, and plenty of water. There are 2 driving and 8 hiking trails. They offer Jeep safaris and a guided climb up the mt. 

For more information, visit the park's website.

Shete Boka National Park

Amazing. Highly Rec. Check out our full review here, with pictures and all.