Honeymoon Island in Florida offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and water enthusiasts. Visitors can rent kayaks to explore the beautiful coastline and surrounding waters. Sail Honeymoon, located on the Causeway, provides kayak rentals seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting.
Kayaking allows guests to see the area’s wildlife up close and enjoy the scenic beauty of Honeymoon Island State Park. Renters can paddle to nearby Caladesi Island State Park, known for its unspoiled beaches and natural beauty. The calm waters between the islands are ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
Sail Honeymoon offers different types of kayaks, including one-person, two-person, and fishing kayaks. They replace their rental fleet yearly to ensure top-quality equipment for customers. The rental fee includes the kayak, paddle, and life jacket, so visitors have everything they need for a safe and fun experience on the water.
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Exploring Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the beach, see wildlife, and rent kayaks or paddle boards to explore the area.
State Park Attractions
Honeymoon Island State Park has four miles of beaches and a three-mile hiking trail. The park’s north beach is good for swimming and sunbathing. Shelling is popular on the island, with many types of shells found on the shore.
The hiking trail goes through a pine forest. It’s a great spot to see local plants and animals. The park has picnic areas with tables and grills. There’s also a cafe that sells food and drinks.
A pet beach lets visitors bring their dogs to play in the water. Fishing is allowed in some areas of the park with a valid license.
Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals
Several places rent kayaks and paddle boards near Honeymoon Island. Sail Honeymoon is on the Dunedin Causeway before the park entrance. They offer single and tandem kayaks, as well as fishing kayaks. Stand-up paddle boards are also available.
Rental prices include paddles and life jackets. The water around Honeymoon Island is often calm, making it good for beginners. More experienced paddlers can take longer trips to nearby Caladesi Island.
Some rental shops offer guided tours. These can be a good way to learn about the area and see wildlife. It’s best to check weather and tide conditions before renting.
Local Wildlife and Eco-Tours
Honeymoon Island is home to many animals. Visitors might see dolphins swimming near the shore. Ospreys and bald eagles nest on the island. The park has an osprey trail where these birds can often be spotted.
Gopher tortoises live in the island’s upland areas. In winter, many types of ducks visit the park. The waters around the island have fish, crabs, and sometimes sea turtles.
Eco-tours teach visitors about the island’s plants and animals. Kayak tours explore the mangrove forests near the island. These forests are important homes for young fish and birds. Tours can be a great way to see wildlife up close while learning about the local ecosystem.
Kayaking Around Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island offers scenic kayaking trails and rental options for exploring its natural beauty. Paddlers can enjoy calm waters, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches.
Caladesi Kayak Trail
The Caladesi Kayak Trail winds through mangrove forests and shallow bays. It’s about 3 miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. Paddlers often spot herons, egrets, and ibises along the route.
The trail is well-marked with numbered signs. It starts near the marina and loops around the island’s interior. Water depths vary, so check tide charts before setting out.
Hurricane Pass, between Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands, offers views of both islands. Currents can be strong here, so less experienced kayakers should use caution.
Kayak Rentals and Rates
Several places rent kayaks for Caladesi Island trips. Sail Honeymoon, on the Dunedin Causeway, is a popular choice. They’re open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM in summer and 10 AM to 5 PM in winter.
Single kayak rentals cost about $25 for 2 hours or $40 for 4 hours. Tandem kayaks are slightly more. Life vests and paddles are included.
Caladesi Island State Park also offers kayak rentals at their marina. Rates are similar to off-island rentals. The park ferry can transport kayaks for an extra fee if you bring your own.
Amenities and Services
Honeymoon Island offers visitors several convenient amenities and rental options. Guests can enjoy food and drinks at the cafe or rent bikes and beach chairs to enhance their experience.
Cafe and Dining Options
The Cafe Honeymoon provides food and drinks for beachgoers. It’s located near the main beach area, making it easy to grab a quick snack or meal. The cafe menu includes sandwiches, salads, and cold drinks. Picnic tables are available for those who want to sit and eat. The cafe is open daily during park hours, typically from 8:00 AM until sunset.
Visitors can also bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Several picnic areas with tables and grills are spread throughout the park for guest use.
Bike and Chair Rentals
Bike rentals are a great way to explore Honeymoon Island. Four-wheel bicycles are available to rent inside the state park. These are fun for families and groups to ride together. Regular bikes can also be rented to cruise the park’s trails and roads.
Beach chair rentals help visitors relax comfortably on the sand. Umbrellas can be rented along with chairs for shade. The rental stand is located near the main beach area. Rental hours match the park’s daily operating hours of 8:00 AM to sunset.
Kayaks are not available to rent inside Honeymoon Island State Park. However, kayak rentals can be found just outside the park on the Dunedin Causeway.
Planning Your Visit
Good planning makes for a great kayaking trip. Check tides and availability before you go. Know where to park and how to get to the rental spot.
Tides and Availability
Tides affect kayaking conditions at Honeymoon Island. Check tide charts before your trip. High tide is best for exploring mangrove trails. Low tide exposes sandbars and wildlife. Sail Honeymoon rents kayaks 7 days a week, all year round. They open at 10 am in winter and 9 am in summer. Call (727) 734-0392 to check availability.
Weather can change plans. Strong winds or storms may close rentals for safety. Always call ahead, even if the forecast looks good.
Access and Parking
Sail Honeymoon is on Dunedin Causeway. It’s the only kayak rental on the water side. Look for bright kayaks and a big Tiki Hut. You can’t miss it.
Parking is easy. There’s a lot right by the rental shop. Get there early on busy days. Weekends and holidays fill up fast.
From Gulf to Bay Boulevard, turn onto Curlew Road. Follow it west. It becomes the Dunedin Causeway. Sail Honeymoon is on the left before you reach Honeymoon Island State Park.
Nearby Attractions
Honeymoon Island is close to many fun spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Visitors can enjoy beaches, towns, and activities in the area.
Clearwater Beach Activities
Clearwater Beach is a top spot near Honeymoon Island. It has soft white sand and clear blue water. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball. Pier 60 is great for fishing or watching sunsets. The beach has many shops and restaurants. Water sports are popular here. Jet ski rentals and parasailing trips are easy to find. Boat tours offer chances to see dolphins. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to rescued sea animals. It’s a fun place to learn about marine life.
Exploring Dunedin and Tarpon Springs
Dunedin is a charming town next to Honeymoon Island. It has a quaint downtown with shops and cafes. The Pinellas Trail runs through Dunedin. It’s perfect for biking or walking. Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek culture. The historic sponge docks are a must-see. Visitors can watch sponge divers and buy sea sponges. Greek restaurants serve tasty food like gyros and baklava. The area has many art galleries and antique shops. Both towns offer a break from the beach and a taste of local life.
