Dunedin Causeway
North coast launch
Dunedin Causeway is a north-coast kayak and paddleboard launch, free to park, clearest on an incoming tide.
The free alternative to Honeymoon: same destination (Caladesi), shorter paddle, no entrance fee, just pull over along the causeway and walk your board to the water. The sound between the causeway and Caladesi is shallow grass flats most of the way; you can see seagrass swaying under you on a calm day. Caladesi itself is officially a separate state park, accessible only by boat or paddle, which is why its beach feels uncrowded even in peak season. Manatees overwinter in the protected sound and dolphins frequent the channel under the causeway. Sometimes the channel current is strong enough that you can hear the water moving against the bridge pilings. Tip: launch from the south side of the causeway for the calmer water.
Where do I park, and is it free?
- Cost
- Free
- Parking
- Ample
Free roadside parking all along the causeway, with public restrooms when open. Launch from the south side for calmer water on the way to Caladesi.
How clear is the water?
Cleanest on incoming tide: the shallow grass flats sparkle when the water's moving in
What will I see?
- Dolphins frequent the channel under the causeway
- Manatees overwinter in the protected sound
What's the fishing like?
Spotted seatrout and redfish on the flats; snook and sheepshead along the causeway structure.
How do I share the water here?
Almost the whole way over to Caladesi you are floating over shallow seagrass flats, so on a low tide stay in the deeper troughs and lift your fin rather than dragging it through the grass. Dolphins use the channel under the causeway and manatees overwinter in the protected sound, so keep a slow line and let them clear out ahead of you.