Kayaking from Dunedin Causeway

When visiting the Tampa/St. Petersburg area in Florida, I would suggest a kayaking trip from the Dunedin Causeway. The causeway leads from the mainland to the Honeymoon Island State Park and access is available to Caladesi Island, Anclote Key, Three Rooker Bar, Howard Park and Tarpon Springs sponge docks.

It is very easy to launch from the causeway. Your vehicle can be backed right up to the water edge and the vehicle can be left where you launch.

If you don’t have a kayak, it’s no problem, a rental concession stand is located right on the causeway.

My favorite route is from the causeway around Honeymoon Island. Start by paddling west and turn north at the west under the causeway bridge and then north. This route takes you along the east side of Honeymoon Island. Circumnavigation of the island will approximately on and one half hours to complete.

During the summer months be sure and wear a hat, take drinking water, and apply sunscreen liberally. I would recommend a flotation device for two reasons. 1 is to be safe and 2 because in Florida it is the law. I prefer a vest. I also carry a rescue tool like the one below, just in case.

Paddling around the west side of Honeymoon Island can be a test of endurance. As the winter winds blow, it can kick up some heavy rollers. These waves make staying upright a challenge, but it makes the paddle exciting. If you are an inexperienced kayaker, it would be advisable to remain on the leeward side of the island where there is shelter.

If you decide to take a walk on Honeymoon Island be aware that it is home to very large population of rattlesnakes. It is a beautiful walk, but watch where you step and listen carefully. They will warn you when they are in the area.

As always when entering any area that has a lot of boat traffic use caution. That speck you see in the distance can be on top of you before you know it. The channel is located on the south side of Honeymoon Island. This is not a no wake zone and some of the larger vessels can produce rather interesting waves.

If you elect to paddle south from the causeway, you can travel to Caladesi Island where there is a kayak trail through the mangrove trees and the beach has been one of the best in the United States. You can reach the entrance of the trail near the Caladesi Island marina.

Caladesi Island is not really an island, at least not since 1985 when Hurricane Elena filled in the pass between Clearwater beach and Caladesi Island. I found this out the hard way when I attempted to circumnavigate Caladesi and it kept going and going. Since then I carry coastal maps for the area that I’m paddling.

Small islands dot the intracoastal waterways and if you feel adventurous you can pack a tent, sleeping bag and supplies and camp on one of these islands. As far as I know no permission or fees are involved in camping on these islands. Be sure and check the weather report and if possible bring a weather radio. And as always let someone know where you are going and when you are except to return.

For an extended paddle, head north. There numerous points of interest. The first you will come upon is Three Rooker Bar. It is a small spit of sand that is very popular with local boats for anchoring and partying. You not get much farther than that.

After leaving Three Rooker Bar you can see Howard Park and Beach to the east. This park also has a kayak trail and the beach is very nice.

Further off shore is Anclote Key. This island has an operating lighthouse and trails to wander.

For those would like to explore further, the sponge docks village of Tarpon Springs. If you venturing this far from the launch point I recommend having someone meet you to pick up the kayak. A good place would be Capt Jacks on the south side of the Anclote River at the marina.

Dunedin causeway is a great place to explore the waterways of north Pinellas County.

Have fun and be safe!