South Seas

“Loved it”

We loved South Seas, such a special place with beautiful views, great amenities for the kids. Absolutely worth it!

“South Seas Resort Review – A Longtime Guest's Perspective”

South Seas Resort Review – A Longtime Guest's Perspective My family and I have been coming to South Seas Resort for many years, both as guests of the resort and through private residences on the property. We experienced South Seas long before the hurricanes caused significant damage to both the is… more

South Seas Resort Review – A Longtime Guest's Perspective My family and I have been coming to South Seas Resort for many years, both as guests of the resort and through private residences on the property. We experienced South Seas long before the hurricanes caused significant damage to both the island and the resort, so we have a unique perspective on what it once was and what it has become under the new ownership. I want to break down both the positives and negatives of our recent stay. The Positives We stayed in a two-bedroom condo on the southern end of the resort across from the waterpark. Our unit was located on the first floor (technically the second level due to the building design). The condo itself was very well maintained, clean, nicely furnished, and comfortable for our family. One thing worth noting is that the beach and water views are no longer what they once were. Large protective sand dunes have been installed along the shoreline to help protect the island from future storm damage. This is obviously not South Seas' fault and is necessary for the long-term preservation of the island. However, guests who remember the panoramic water views from years past should know that many of those views are now obstructed, particularly from lower floors. I would imagine higher-floor units still offer better views. The resort grounds and pools appeared to be well maintained, clean, and in good condition. Overall, the property itself is recovering nicely from the hurricane damage, and it is clear that significant effort has gone into restoring the resort. The Negatives Unfortunately, this is where things became disappointing for us. Anyone who stayed at South Seas before the ownership change remembers that one of the most special parts of the resort was taking a golf cart along the paths throughout the property, especially in the evenings to watch the sunsets. Captiva sunsets are among the most beautiful in the world, and simply cruising the resort at sunset was part of the South Seas experience. That experience is largely gone. Golf carts are no longer allowed on many of the paths that guests traditionally used to enjoy the property and sunset views. What was once a relaxing and memorable part of a South Seas vacation has been significantly restricted. The golf carts themselves were another major frustration. First, they are very expensive to rent. Second, they are electric and do not hold a charge well. A trip from the south end of the resort to the north end consumed nearly 40% of the battery charge. Guests are advised not to let the battery drop below 25%, which means you can essentially make only a couple of round trips across the resort before needing to recharge. Adding to the frustration, the nearest charging station to our building was approximately a block away. Given how quickly the batteries drain, we found ourselves constantly monitoring the charge level and planning our day around when and where we could recharge the cart. Instead of being a convenience, the golf cart became something we had to manage throughout our stay. The carts are also governed by geofencing technology throughout the property. If you unknowingly enter a restricted area—which is not always clearly marked—the cart will simply shut down. We experienced this firsthand when my wife accidentally entered one of these areas. The cart stopped, and while attempting to back out and turn around, we became stuck and ultimately needed assistance from another guest. Another disappointing change is that guests can no longer use golf carts to explore the rest of Captiva Island. In the past, one of our favorite activities was driving around the island, visiting local shops and restaurants, and having breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tween Waters. Since golf carts must now be rented directly through South Seas and are heavily restricted, you cannot travel beyond certain points on the island, including past the Green Flash. The carts themselves are also slow, topping out at approximately 19 to 20 mph. Food and beverage pricing was another surprise. During one afternoon at the Tarpon Pool Bar, our group of four ordered seven drinks, and the bill exceeded $200. While resort pricing is expected, that felt excessive even by resort standards. We also experienced an inconvenience during our stay when South Seas decided to repave the parking lot serving our building. While we understand maintenance projects need to be completed, the communication could have been handled much better. The only notice we received was a text message on the day the work was being performed, requiring us to move our vehicle and park a significant distance away from our unit. It would seem reasonable that a project of that nature would have been communicated to guests well in advance so they could plan accordingly and minimize disruption to their vacation. Instead, it felt like the burden was placed on the guests to adjust at the last minute. Unfortunately, this was representative of the overall feeling we had throughout our stay. Rather than feeling like valued guests, there were several occasions where it seemed as though we were the inconvenience. Whether it was the restrictive golf cart policies, the geofencing issues, the charging limitations, or the lack of communication regarding maintenance projects, the guest experience simply did not feel like the South Seas we had enjoyed for so many years. Final Thoughts Overall, I feel that South Seas has lost much of the magic that made it such a special destination. If this is your first visit, you may still enjoy your stay and never realize what has changed. The accommodations are nice, the pools are well maintained, and Captiva Island remains one of the most beautiful places in Florida. However, for those of us who remember South Seas before the hurricanes and before the ownership changes, many of the experiences that made the resort truly special have either disappeared or become heavily restricted. While South Seas was under reconstruction, we began staying at Tween Waters and renting golf carts from local island vendors. That experience allowed us to continue exploring the island freely, visit restaurants throughout Captiva, enjoy sunset rides, and experience the island the way we always had. In many ways, it reminded us of what made Captiva so special in the first place. We will absolutely be returning to Captiva Island in the future, as it remains one of our favorite vacation destinations. However, we will likely be staying at Tween Waters instead. In our experience, it provides a better overall guest experience and allows visitors the freedom to rent golf carts from local vendors and enjoy the island without the restrictions currently imposed at South Seas. That flexibility allows guests to experience Captiva the way it was meant to be enjoyed—exploring the island, supporting local businesses, and creating their own adventures. The accommodations and property maintenance at South Seas deserve credit, especially considering the devastation caused by the hurricanes. However, the restrictive golf cart policies, limited island access, charging issues, geofencing restrictions, high food and beverage costs, and lack of communication regarding guest-impacting projects significantly diminish the overall experience. South Seas is still a beautiful property, but for longtime visitors, it no longer feels like the South Seas we once knew and loved.

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“Honest South Seas Review (06/26)”

My husband and I stayed at South Seas resort from May 23-May 30, 2026 in Bayside Villa room 5104 for our first family vacation with our son (6). We have visited Captiva and Sanibel before, so we knew it would be a beautiful place for our first adventure as a family of 3. PROS: •Booking via the S… more

My husband and I stayed at South Seas resort from May 23-May 30, 2026 in Bayside Villa room 5104 for our first family vacation with our son (6). We have visited Captiva and Sanibel before, so we knew it would be a beautiful place for our first adventure as a family of 3. PROS: •Booking via the South Seas website was quick and easy. We ended up having to reschedule our trip, which was also quick and easy. •24 hour registration desk and text line was extremely helpful and convenient. We arrived around 8pm and check-in was a breeze. Front desk workers were always pleasant and helpful. We used the text line multiple times when we had random questions and they were always quick to respond. •Trolly was such a fun perk for my son! He loved riding it and flagging it down. All of the drivers were amazing! •Wristbands were an amazing touch- it gave us the ability to bring a LOT less with us when we left the unit, so trips to the beach were lighter and easier! •Beach access points were beautiful. Having towels and umbrellas brought to you was such a luxurious touch and the workers were amazing. I do wish we could have had more privacy with the chairs- we didn’t want to sit on top of everyone else, where all the chairs were set together. (We might have been able to do this, but we felt like we would be asking too much if we requested it.) •Captiva Landing was amazing. We could barely get our son off the waterslides. The smaller ones were closed down for the last half of our trip which was a bit of a bummer, but understandable that things happen. (Be aware there is a height requirement for the larger slides and the lifeguards are very strict about it, as they should be!) One of the highlights of our trip was watching our son make friends to race with on the slides as we sipped steawberry daiquiris from the chairs. •Having food and ice cream options on site was convenient and made exploring around the resort fun. •All staff members that we encountered were amazing! •Having a pool next to every set of villas was awesome. We utilized it multiple times during our trip although it was visibly dirty and starting to smell by our last day. •The housekeeping crew worked around our schedule and were always in and out while we were gone so we didn’t even know they were there! They did a wonderful job and the unit always smelled fresh when we’d return. •The Beachhouse had the best food on the entire resort and the outside patio is stunning! CONS: •Resort fees and pricing is VERY inaccurate and in my opinion, purposefully deceitful. We were quoted $3,861.89 for a bayside villa with 1 bedroom (king bed), 2 bathrooms and a screened in balcony. Upon arrival, we were charged $6,650.00 to check in, which was solely “incidentals charges”. They explained the charges were $500/day/person to be used on the resort weather it be on food, drink, provisions, clothing, etc. and $50/day/person resort fee. Once we checked out, the $3,861.89 charge for the room would be taken from the $6,650.00, along with whatever we spent on-site, and the rest would be refunded to us. We revisited our reservation email ( which we made just a week prior) that stated in fine print $250/day for incidentals and $25/day/person resort fee, making their information on their website completely incorrect. •Along with pricing being incorrect, photos of the units couldn’t be further from the truth. The updated, luxurious look in the photos as well as the screened-in balcony were why we chose to stay at South Seas in the first place. Upon arrival, we were given a unit that hasn’t been updated since at least the early 2000’s and the work that was “maintained” was the definition of the landlord special. Master bathroom glass shower doors wouldn’t even open or close properly and the drain didn’t work, so we were forced to share one bathroom. Grout and caulk work was very sloppy. The “balcony” pictured didn’t even exist- there was simply a large sliding glass door in the dining room that when opened, caused your entire unit to be 80+ degrees. The pull out bed is beyond unusable, do NOT plan on sharing a unit that would require someone to sleep on it. (It was like laying on a 10 year old dog bed.) The living room TV was old, WAY too small for the wall, had the worst burn-in I’ve ever seen, and the channels that featured anything remotely interesting to watch you couldn’t access because there was “no subscription”. This included almost all children’s shows. We ended up meeting a couple on the resort who told us their room resembles the pictures but is also a “landlord special”. The work was sloppy and quick and their drains wouldn’t even drain. •Restarants were insanely overpriced. I suppose that’s the point at a resort, but $45 for 3 small ice creams from Scoops & Slices is just stupid. •Everything closes insanely early. Make sure you have everything you need by 6pm or you’re going to have to drive 20-30 minutes to find a place to get whatever it is you need. CVS in Sanibel ended up being a life saver for us quite a few times. •We encountered quite a few groups of extremely entitled and rude people. This isn’t an issue of the resort itself- more of a warning for anyone wanting to avoid those types of people on your vacation. We witnessed one man physically threaten a lifeguard who wouldn’t let his daughter (that was too short) use the large slide at Captiva Landing. We also witnessed multiple parents attempt to cut lines or demand quicker service simply because they had a lot of children. I guess this comes with the territory of a more expensive vacation, but it was still annoying, nonetheless. •Construction is everywhere. We completely understand adding on or repairing after hurricane damage, but having no screened in balcony and our “beautiful harbor view” being a group of cranes doing work all week was rediculous for the price we were charged to get in the door. The entire unit building next to us was entirely wrapped in caution tape even though people were still staying in units in the building. We booked a overpriced inner at Harborside for the “gorgeous views”- the view was a construction zone for an upcoming spa. •Elevators were operating but plastered with threatening notes about blocking the doors and paying for service calls if the doors were blocked, so you’re forced to carry all luggage up the stairs. My family is able bodied, but I can’t imagine struggling with stairs or being disabled and trying to navigate getting to a room on a higher floor. WHAT I WOULD RECOMMEND TO THE RESORT: •Be honest and straightforward with pricing and photos. “Decor may differ in each room” is NOT an adequate enough statement to express the lesser quality room guests will probably receive. •Preperation for guests with late night needs would be great. I think this issue would be lessened if vending machines were installed in the empty space of the laundry units. Things like snacks, drinks, and “in a pinch” items like laundry supplies, toiletries, razors and shave gel, pedicure kits, hairbrushes, etc. •Breakfast options!! I understand Starbucks is nearby, but it’s just coffee with a sprinkle of “food items” mixed in and not included in the Resort incidentals charge. (You have to use cash or card here) They also do not offer the full Starbucks menu. Have a restaurant that serves actual breakfast! •Supply each room with a stick vacuum or a broom and dustpan. Light housekeeping during your stay is understandable, but it didn’t include cleaning up the floors. (You can imagine how much sand and crumbs accumulate over a week) •Designated golf cart parking vs car parking. It’s BEYOND annoying for paying customers to have to park 4 lots away and walk a long distance to their unit because a family wants to park their car and 3 golf cart rentals right in the front rows of the villas. •Make restaurant menus accessable from the South Seas app. The only one you’re able to view is Flipper’s. We had to google the other ones. •Provide trash cans near beach chairs and umbrella stands. Unfortunately the beach was quite dirty due to other guests during our stay, so we had to pick up and lug around lots of random litter during our stay. (Even if it’s just a trash can or bag that stays on the worker’s 4 wheeler.) •I know this is obviously a current legal issue on the islands, but a mini golf/put-put course would be a phenomenal addition! •Provide a few beach towels in the rooms or in a weather-proof container to use at the pools. •Have some sort of “check-in” for the Trolly. Weather it be via app or physical button to push that lets drivers know riders are waiting. We ended up waiting almost 30 minutes around 8:00pm because the only driver took a lunch break. •MOST IMPORTANTLY- Put money into beautifully designed and tastefully remodeled rooms! No more landlord specials!! The bathrooms at Captiva Landing were nicer than our entire unit and that’s simply unacceptable for the prices guests pay to stay there. Spa-like bathrooms, gorgeous tile work, TV’s that are updated and have access to streaming or gaming services, elevators that work properly, pull out beds that are actually comfortable to sleep on, laundry rooms that don’t look like a spooky dungeon, etc… FINAL THOUGHTS: Would I stay here again? Maybe. Now that I understand the pricing, I wouldn’t have as much sticker shock at the door, but I would be expecting an appropriately updated and cared for unit that actually had the amenities the listing claimed it did. I would also wait until the heavy construction is complete. Most of our getaway from Illinois was spent looking at construction equipment- we see enough of that at home. BE UPFRONT AND HONEST WITH UNIT PHOTOS AND PRICING!!! I can’t express how much this left a bad taste in our mouths! Would I recommend someone else to stay here? No. It would take an impressive resort-wide lodging update for us to recommend South Seas to anyone for the price it is. The waterpark, pools, and beach are lovely, but you can easily access all of those things for a fraction of the cost by staying elsewhere on the island and visiting different “touristy” Florida locations during your trip. The food was good (Beach house was the best!) but the best food we ate on the islands were off-resort making the food not really worth the stay, either. I hope in a few years I can change this review to a 5 star after seeing accurate booking info and rooms that provide the level of luxury the rest of the resort offers!

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