Snorkeling is a common way of swimming on, or through, water, while the swimmer is fully equipped with a diving mask, and a tube called a snorkel.
Many snorkel in cool or warm waters, and when it’s colder, a wetsuit may also be worn when snorkelling.
The usage of such equipment allows one to observe and explore underwater attractions for long periods of time, with little effort to breathe, with your face just below the surface.
Snorkelling in the USA and all over the world is a very popular recreational activity done for sport and just for fun, mainly at tropical resort locations.
The overall benefit of snorkelling is to observe the natural underwater life in a calm natural setting, without the hassle of complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.
Snorkelling is wonderful for all ages due to the fact of how little effort is needed to view underwater life.
When it comes to snorkelling, the snorkel can be a totally separate item, or can be purchased as one unit with a full face snorkelling mask.
A full face snorkel mask is great for surface snorkelling, while a separate snorkel is awesome for free-diving, and even surface breathing, with the help of scuba equipment.
Snorkelling At Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island is a state park located in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico right across from St. Joseph Sound on the west side of Dunedin Florida, which is north of Clearwater Beach.
Caladesi Island can be accessed by ferry (not free, unfortunately), by private boat, or from the dock on Honeymoon Island, which is mainly used by tourists of the Dunedin area.
Need an alternate route? The park can be reached by walking via the Clearwater Beach from the south side.
Clearwater isn’t its own island, but does share its geography with Clearwater Beach.
Here is a video showing snorkelling at Honeymoon Island.
On the island you’ll find: picnic pavilions, a three-mile-long natural trail, a marina, bath houses, a concession stand, and of course a beach.
Did you know… that in 2005 Caladesi Island beach was listed as having the 4th best beach in all of America?
In 2006 and 2007 Caladesi Island beach won second best beach in America, but that’s not all.
In 2008, Caladesi was voted this island as the best beach in America. Now why wouldn’t you want to check it out?
Did you know that Caladesi Island didn’t exist until 1921, when a hurricane created a pass splitting one island literally into two parts?
Even though it was technically created in 1921, the island wasn’t accessible until hurricane Elena came along creating a walkway from Clearwater Beach in 1985.
Feel Healthier!
Want to improve your breathing?
Snorkelling, believe it or not, actually increases your maximal oxygen uptake, which of course, is a great indicator for underwater aerobic fitness.
When snorkelling, you’ll notice that breathing through a tube isn’t as easy as free breathing.
Breathing through a tube actually has resistance, which takes greater force to release and receive air.
Nothing better than a breathing exercise underwater, regulating your breaths through your mouth evenly. Who said snorkelling doesn’t burn the calories?
Snorkelling is a great pastime that can definitely help tone and trim you down.
Exploring underwater can burn 300 calories an hour, while you tone up your hamstrings, quad muscles, calves, hips, ankles, and even your shoulders.
Want to prevent arthritis, or even help with your joint mobility?
Just like any underwater exercise, snorkelling actually has the added benefit of providing those with joint pain, arthritis, obesity problems and stiffness, healthy exercise.
Exercising underwater actually helps prevent the force/impact that is usually associated with regular cardiovascular exercise like walking or jogging on the sidewalk.
The Beauty Of Snorkelling at Caladesi
3 miles of flat, wide beach with shallow waters is what makes Caladesi State Park another location to go snorkelling with your family.
A life guard is normally on duty from Memorial Day all the way to Labor Day.
Without watching the time, you can easily spend a whole day here if you’re not careful.
Love to beach comb?
This beach is beyond perfect for that, as it’s not as crowded as regular beaches here in Florida, and you may get the opportunity to spot natural shells and debris of all kinds on your stay at the beach.
The beauty of this beach is wonderful! You may even spot a few dolphins if you’re lucky. The shallow waters are great for snorkelling with the kids.
The waters are calm, and oh, so clear! You can spot lovely fish and coral here and there, with a view of up to 75-100 feet.
The water isn’t too cold or too warm…. it’s just right, making your snorkelling experience top notch!
Where to Stay and Eat in Caladesi Island?
Visitors can enjoy all that Caladesi Island has to offer including mesmerizing beaches, beautiful parks, and both luxury and budget accommodation. There are dozens of hotels and other types of accommodations in the surrounding area.
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, located 3.7 mi (6 km) from the heart of Caladesi Island State Park, is the number one place to stay in Caladesi Island State Park, based on our travelers’ reviews. Other good options for you to stay at are Seaside Inn and Suites, Clearwater Beach Hotel and Opal Sands resort.
Caladesi Island is also famous for its great restaurants. Some of the best places to eat on the island are Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber, Cooters Restaurant & Bar, Caretta on the Gulf and Beach Fire Beach Bar & Grille.
All these restaurants serve great sea food. Many of them are located near the beach so you can also enjoy beautiful scenery.
