Caladesi Island

S

Skeetobite

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Sitting at Caladesi Island right now. Just beautiful. Ran in the Gulf from Egmont to Clearwater inlet in flat calm seas early yesterday. Made 20 kts. so the trip was about 2.5 hours slip to slip. Came in at mid tide and stirred a bit of mud in their channel.

Thay have floating docks with shore power. Only one 30 amp cord allowed. They also have city water! The pressure was so high I decided to fill up and run off the pump for fear of blowing out a connection (older boat with no flow restricting device).

The beach is incredible for a Gulf beach. Appears to have been rated "Best in Florida" 2 years in a row. I can see why.

There's a short order grill, restrooms and a small store. You can also take an ice cold shower if that's your thing.

I doubt 30 people came over on the ferry each of the two days we've been here. There are a whopping 5 boats occupying about 50 slips or so.

Not bad at all for $20 flat rate per night. We'll be back for an extended stay soon. Unfortunately we have to head back in the morning.
 
Sounds like a great place to head to in the future. What was the depth in the marina? I have heard its very low, I draw 3 feet 2 Inches.
 
Pat, we draw 3'. We came in at mid tide and had no troubles at all. At high tide we saw a couple of 50'+ trawlers come in and grab a t-dock. You'll have no problem. we came in via Clearwater pass and left via Hurricane pass. Both were easy, but Hurricane pass is closer if you're running in the Gulf.

You'll want to take a slip on the first dock as you enter. this is "D" dock and it's the only dock with slips to fit your beam.
 
The depth is only an issue on winter lows. I have been there a few times.

Pat and I should fit in most of their slips, they are tight but I have always fit

It is a nice run. I figure 3hrs dock to dock but I am slower
 
One of our favorite destinations! In summer the "no-see-'ems" can be tough but a great place to "rough it." We try and get there 3 or 4 times a year.
 
we'll definately be back there. Adding a screened camper enclosure to the cockpit for the coming no-see-um season.

Is it crowded there on week days during the summer?

Yeah, Joe and Pat, you guys will fit in the slips nicely. It may be a squeeze for Pat though, but he can make it, I'm sure.
 
Skeetobite, in the summer months a reservation is an absolute must. Find Parks and Recreation for the number.
 
dancerscap, found out during our trip that they won't take reservations for "D" dock or the end ties. They only reserve the shorter narrow beam slips. With us crowding 14' in beam, we're stuck with the "first come, first served" method.
 
I just ordered my single 30a to double 30a y connector for our next trip. Don't know when that is yet since we just got back. We made 20kts on the way up and 22kts on the way back. Used about 90 gal. of diesel. Could have burned less if I kept it to 18kts, but we only had 2 days to explore and needed to get there and back. As of last week, Riviera Dunes was the cheapest gas on the river again at $2.98 after B.U.S. discount.
 
It's also nice to anchor Gulf Side in the summer and swim around the boat and to the beach.
 
Skeet - I just received a letter saying if I listed my boat with riviera dunes they would give me .50 discount per gallon.
 
List, as in sell? I just got done refurbishing this thing (embarassed to detail my excesses). Must be time to sell!

As much as we go out, I should list it for the fuel discount ;-)

Actually haven't been down that much due to holidays and focusing on work. The holidays will pass but staying ahead of this economy is taking a ton of time.
 
i was thinking of listing it with them for the discount
 
Just goes to show how much of a rip off they are! Riviera Dunes is usually a dollar over street price, 2.98 is no bargain when Marine Max is at 2.60 last week. I still cant believe Riviera Dunes did not iinclude private owners for there fuel discount program. Just goes to show how stupid management really is! LOL!
 
I lived in the Dunedin area for several years. Caladesi Island can give you a true Gilligan's Island experience. I highly suggest walking the nature trail. Most people don't know that the island was a hog farm for generations with the hogs running free on the island with the water as the only fence. Several dead bodies have been discovered on the island dropped off by boats or washed ashore. The raccoons are as big as Great Danes. Not uncommon to stumble across a rattle snake on the island. The neighboring Honeymoon Island state park is just as nice and can be reached by land if you live in driving distance for a nice day of relaxing.
 
Agree, Caladesi is a great destination, cheap, good shelter if it's windy, and lots to do... walk, party, go to the beach, and there's a kayak trail, if you bring your kayak.
 
what is consider the no-see-eem season ?

I would like to get there sometime this year and would prefer not to deal with them

I would be in a grady 208 Adventure which is the 20' cuddy cabin model

Thanks PAT #2
 
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