Let’s talk about South Seas Island Resort. Spanning more than two miles,South Seas Island Resort is considered the premiere resort on the island.
This expansive resort takes up the northern half of Captiva Island. Villas, condos, cottages and even homes are featured throughout the property, brimming with greenery. Each unit is available to rent directly through the resort or private owner (via third-party websites). But you’ll want to be careful when you book; some units include full resort amenities with your reservation and others don’t. When booking your stay directly through the resort, you’ll have access to all the amenities. These include the trolley, restaurants, bars and pools. If you book a unit through a private owner or sites like Royal Shell Captiva, you won’t be able to use these amenities.
Related: Is South Seas Resport Open?
South Seas Island Resort Amenities
If you stay at South Seas, you’re likely to spend the majority of your time at the north end. It’s the activity hub; restaurants, pools, tiki bars and a malt shop (let’s hear it for boozy adult malts!). All of these are walking distance from one another. But if you need a ride within the resort grounds, the trolley is at your service. Stops are designated throughout South Seas, beginning at the main entrance and running through the North end.
There is a $20 daily resort fee when booking through the resort. You can find out more by checking out the South Seas FAQs page.
South Seas Island Resort Pools and Beaches
The pools at the North End have, hands down, the best views. Two large pools overlook the bay. You can easily spend an entire day (or more) lounging by these pools that come with a million dollar view. Situated so close to water, you can almost touch the bay while swimming. And if all that swimming makes you thirsty? The Crooked Snook tiki bar is conveniently set up between the two pools, so you can get your mai tai fix without leaving your little oasis.
South Seas is a great place for young kids. The resort pool complex includes a kiddie pool, complete with two waterslides and a sloped, beach entry.
If you do head to the beach, you will find lounge chairs waiting at multiple locations exclusively for resort guests. Towel service and umbrellas are included.
Non-Water Activities
If you’re looking for family-friendly or kid-centered events, Camp Skullywags offers indoor and outdoor children’s camp activities.
Don’t want to spend your whole vacation laying by the water? Trade the beach for a birdie at the South Seas nine-hole golf course. And if you’re a tennis ace, you can reserve a spot to serve some shots on the courts.
South Seas Island Resort Accommodations
One of the nice things about staying at South Seas is the wide variety of units you can stay in. There are hundreds to choose from. They range from low budget to luxury. You have plenty of options when it comes to views. Many cottages and condos are beachfront. Several buildings face the golf course, tennis courts or the bay.
Jumping on the resort trolley, you can travel all the way to the north end of the island. This is a fun area to explore. Paved sidewalks wind through the grounds and run along the edge of the island. Take a walk and watch for dolphins hanging around Redfish Pass. The beautiful golf course overlooks the water, with condos lining the other side of the course. This area is known as North Pointe. These tend to be larger units with gorgeous views of the water. You’ll need to stretch your budget or not have a budget to stay in this area.
Another perk of staying at the resort; you have greater flexibility to choose the dates of your stay. Most rental homes and condos require a minimum one week stay, Saturday to Saturday. When you book a stay directly with South Seas, you can choose your dates.
Beachfront or Bayside?
Our first stay was in a beachfront condo. This was a privately owned unit; no access to amenities. We had a great experience. Our end unit (bonus: more windows) had a great view of the water. We had access to a pool right outside our condo and fantastic access to the beach. Boardwalks give way to the sand, all across the resort. We were near the resort entrance so a walk to the main village area took about five minutes. Each unit has a balcony, which makes it feel larger and it’s nice to have some outdoor space. Another perk of being close to the beach; you can listen to the waves long after the sun goes down.
On another trip, we stayed in a bayside villa which we booked through the resort. The set up is similar to an apartment building. Our condo had a balcony with a slight view of the bay, overlooking a small marina. We could only see a small slice of the bay but it was quiet and peaceful facing the marina. And the bird watching makes up for it. During some down time it was mesmerizing watching the birds swoop by. The balconies have screens, in so no worries about flying visitors dropping in!
Wristbands
When booking your stay through the hotel, your party will be given wristbands at check-in, granting you access to the amenities. A barcode on the band connects to your reservation and room number. Charges from on site restaurants and bars will be added to your bill and handled at check out.
South Seas Island Resort Insider tips
South Seas is a private resort; if you’re not a guest, you won’t be allowed past the front gate. If you’re heading to the marina for an excursion, you’ll receive a parking pass at the gate after paying a $5 parking fee. You’ll definitely want to drive; it’s nearly two miles past the resort entrance.
The good news is, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is situated on the South Seas property and is open to the public. It’s near the entrance and has its own parking lot, accessible prior to the main gate. This gives you the chance to see part of the resort if you’re thinking of staying there on your next trip.
Every Tuesday, November through April, you can find the Captiva Farmers Market, near the South Seas entrance. The market is open to the public and a great way to get fresh produce, seafood, flowers and more.
Related: Don’t miss our Doc Ford’s Captiva post.
South Seas Island Resort accommodation options:
- Harbourside Hotel
- Homes of Distinction
- Beach Villas: 1 bedroom
- Beach Villas: 2 bedroom
- Bayside Villas
- Beach Cottages
Remember, South Seas is one of many places to stay on Captiva Island. Looking for more? Read our post, “Where to stay on Captiva Island.”
