Florida Travel: Welcome to Captiva Island

By Kara Franker

Located on the southern tip of Captiva Island, South Seas Captiva Island Resort is a family-friendly resort community situated on two and half miles of shell-laden shore. It's a pristine paradise on a tropical island where life tends to slow down and the preferred method of transportation is by golf cart.

The Captiva Island resort offers a variety of room choices -- from beachfront condos to gulf-front villas. There are also entire luxury vacation homes available for families and larger parties.

The marina villas are situated on the north end of the property. From the balcony, watch boats as they arrive and depart and look out for dolphins and manatees playing in the waves.

There are a number of family-friendly activities and water sports to enjoy at the resort. Embark on a morning paddle board adventure, or book a sunset waverunner tour.

Chris Draa, with Sunny Island Watersports, grew up exploring the waters that surround Captiva Island, and he will not only take you on a high-energy journey through Pine Island Sound, he'll also point out landmarks and give you a history of the nearby islands. To top off the adventure, Chris knows the perfect spot to watch the golden sun sink into the horizon at the end of the tour (call 954-850-9240 for reservations).

captiva island vacations

-Kara Franker for VISIT FLORIDA


Captiva Island offers is considered one of the best places in the world for shelling, with more than 250 species of sea shells. No Captiva Island vacation is complete without spending some time shelling on the beach.

There are also a number of family-friendly daily activities -- from fun arts and crafts for the kids to nature excursions.

Check the resort's activities calendar for the latest events.

Speaking of the beach, the South Seas Island Resort was Rated a Top 10 Beach Resort for Families by Parents Magazine.

vacations in captiva island

- -Kara Franker for VISIT FLORIDA

With its miles of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, it's the perfect place to soak up some sunshine, play in the surf or lounge under an umbrella.

After the beach, head over to the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa & Boutique for a massage and facial.

vacations in captiva island

--Kara Franker for VISIT FLORIDA

There's no better way to end the day than to watch the sun melt into the horizon while setting sail on a 40-foot catamaran.

Captiva Cruises, located at the North Pointe at the Yacht Harbour Marina, offers a variety of cruising excursions, including day trips to Cayo Costa State Park, dolphin-watching adventures through the Pine Island Estuary, and gorgeous sunset cruises on the Gulf of Mexico. 

Private cruise expeditions aboard the 150-passenger Lady Chadwick are also available.

Captiva Island Vacation Activities:

  • Explore a gorgeous stretch of beach with more than 250 species of seashells
  • Head out on a sunset waverunner tour with Sunny Island Watersports
  • Observe the birds a low tide at the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
  • Spend the day out on the water with Captiva Cruises and explore the neighboring islands
  • Book a massage or facial at the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa & Boutique
  • Watch the sun sink into the horizon from one of the Adirondack chairs at the Mucky Duck

When you go...

South Seas Island Resort is at 5400 Plantation Road on Captiva Island. For reservations call 866-565-5089 or visit southseas.com.

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