3 Best Sandbars & Islands to Visit from Clearwater Boat Charters
Looking for Clearwater Beach things to do? When you rent a boat in Clearwater and head north to explore the barrier islands past Clearwater Pass, the options are hard to beat. On a calm Gulf day, you can hop from one pristine island to the next — shelling on empty sandbars, swimming in waist-deep turquoise water, and spotting dolphins along the way.
At Salt Sand Adventures, I run private captained pontoon charters from Clearwater Beach to all three of the islands below. Our Clearwater sandbar tours, the 4-Hour Island & Sandbar Adventure ($519), and the 6-Hour Custom Island Adventure ($749) all reach these spots — though exact destinations always depend on weather, tides, and my call as captain. Here's a ranked countdown of the three best sandbars and islands you can visit on Clearwater boat charters.
#1 — Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island seen from above — turquoise shallows wrapping a green barrier island.
Honeymoon Island earns the top spot because it offers the most variety in a single stop. On the Gulf side, you'll find a wide, sandy beach with gentle surf — perfect for swimming and floating. On the Intracoastal side, the water is calmer and shallower, which means prime sandbar territory at low tide. Guests love wading out fifty yards in knee-deep water, collecting shells, and soaking up that bright Gulf Coast sun.
Shelling here is excellent, especially after a front passes through. You'll find cockles, scallops, olive shells, and the occasional sand dollar. Dolphins are frequent visitors along the channel between Honeymoon and Caladesi — sightings are common, though as always, dolphins are wild animals and never guaranteed.
Why boat access matters: Yes, Honeymoon Island has a state park and a causeway. But by boat, you can pull up to the quiet northern tip and the backside sandbars where the crowds from the parking lot never reach. That's the side only boaters get to enjoy.
Getting there: A short run north from our dock at 663 Bay Esplanade through Clearwater Pass and along the Intracoastal. It's one of the closest islands to our departure point — easy to reach on even our 2-Hour Sandbar & Swim Charter.
#2 — Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island from the air — slender barrier island with Gulf shallows and mangrove-lined back bay.
Caladesi Island is the #2 pick and, honestly, it's neck-and-neck with Honeymoon. This is the island that routinely shows up on "best beaches in America" lists, and for good reason — the sand is powdery white, the water is clear and shallow, and there's very little development.
By boat, you can anchor on the Gulf side for a beach day or slide around to the backside, where mangroves line quiet channels and the water is flat as a lake. The back bay is where you'll find the best sandbars — wide, flat shelves of firm sand that emerge at low tide, perfect for setting up chairs, spreading out a picnic, and letting the kids splash in ankle-deep water.
Swimming on the Gulf side is beautiful when the water is calm. Shelling is outstanding — Caladesi is known for producing some of the best shell variety on the Florida Gulf Coast because of its position and currents. And because we arrive by boat rather than the ferry or a long walk from the state park entrance, we get the quiet stretches that foot traffic never reaches.
Why boat access matters: Caladesi Island is accessible by a state park ferry from Honeymoon Island or by foot from Clearwater Beach (a long walk). But by boat, you can choose exactly which stretch of beach or sandbar you want — the ferry drops you at one spot. We can anchor on the empty Gulf side, the hidden back bay, or wherever looks best that day.
Getting there: Just south of Honeymoon Island, a few minutes farther north from our dock. The 4-Hour Island & Sandbar Adventure ($519) — our most popular charter — is a natural fit for Caladesi because it gives you time to explore both the island and surrounding sandbars in one trip. Request to book your charter and we'll plan the route together.
#3 — Three Rooker Island
Three Rooker Island from above — low, wild sandbar island surrounded by wide shallow flats.
Three Rooker Island is the #3 pick, and it's the one that feels the most like a true adventure. This is an undeveloped, low-lying sandbar island north of Honeymoon and Caladesi — no buildings, no facilities, no paved paths. Just sand, shells, birds, and water in every direction.
What makes Three Rooker special is the sandbar system that surrounds it. At low tide, massive shallow flats extend out from the island in every direction — ankle-deep, sun-warmed, and crystal clear. You can walk what feels like a hundred yards from the "shore" and still be in water below your knees. It's a wading paradise and one of the best sandbar experiences in the Clearwater area.
Shelling here is different from the bigger islands — Three Rooker tends to collect more unusual finds because of its exposed position and shifting sands. You never quite know what the tide will bring in. It's also a haven for shorebirds, so keep an eye out for pelicans, terns, and the occasional roseate spoonbill.
Dolphin sightings happen regularly in the channels around Three Rooker — the deeper water between the flats is a natural highway for them. Our Clearwater dolphin tours often cruise these areas. Again, sightings are common but never guaranteed.
Why boat access matters: Three Rooker Island is only accessible by boat. There is no causeway, no ferry, no parking lot. If you don't have a boat, you can't get there. That makes it the ultimate "locals' secret" destination on a Clearwater boat charter.
Getting there: The farthest north of the three, Three Rooker is best reached on a longer charter — the 6-Hour Custom Island Adventure ($749) gives us the time to cruise up, explore the sandbars, and maybe hit a second island on the way back. Exact destinations always depend on weather, tides, and my call — check the Clearwater marine forecast before your trip and I'll plan the best route for the day.
Which Charter Is Right for Island Hopping?
All three islands are within reach on Salt Sand Adventures charters, but the experience depends on how much time you want on the water:
- 2-Hour Sandbar & Swim Charter ($329) — Great for a quick trip to the nearest sandbars and shallow spots. Perfect for families with young kids or a short visit.
- 4-Hour Island & Sandbar Adventure ($519) — Our most popular charter. Enough time to reach Honeymoon or Caladesi, anchor on a sandbar, swim, shell, and cruise for dolphins.
- 6-Hour Custom Island Adventure ($749) — The full experience. Time to reach all three islands, including Three Rooker, with leisurely stops at each.
Every charter is private — the whole boat for up to 6 guests, one price per boat. Fuel, ice, bottled water, and safety equipment are included. You can bring your own snacks and drinks (adult beverages are fine — just no glass). Want to learn more about Clearwater Beach private charters or ready to request to book your charter? I'm happy to help you plan the perfect day.
Clearwater Florida boating doesn't get better than this. Whether it's your first time on the Gulf or your fiftieth, these three islands are what make a private boat charter from Clearwater Beach unforgettable. And if you want to end your island day on the water, ask about our Clearwater sunset cruises — there's nothing like watching the sun drop into the Gulf after a day of sand and shells.