South Seas Resort, Captiva/Sanibel Islands Florida

Sanibel and Captiva islands, located off the West coat of Florida, are an oasis of Florida's real natural beauty. Our family has stayed on Sanibel (holiday inn) in the past. We loved the unmolested solitude that this area offers. Highlights from our last trip included the "Ding" Darling wildlife loop, fishing in the surf for Spanish Mackerel and enjoying the Southern hospitality and good food found at the many restaurants (must eat at Island Cow, delicious food and warm atmosphere).
This trip we picked:SouthSeas Resort
Located: Captiva island, FloridaWebsite: http://t.southseas.com/
The Good:
Beautiful resort, very tropical feeling. Many pools(quiet and not quiet), beautiful beaches (free chaise lounges and umbrellas). Unspoiled wildlife areas ( sea turtle nest sites on beaches). Sea School for kids( half and full day programs)-YES they take your kids $55.00 per kid half day, 100.00 full day, worth it!! Power-boat, kayak and bike rentals on premises. Several food options on premises, many more off premises-go off grounds for dinners, you will save a bundle and have many good choices.  Good local choices, off-premises:

•  RC Otters, Captiva- excellent breakfast burrito and belgian waffle for kids
• The Green Flash- upscale but friendly and great food
• The Lazy Flamingo-sports bar atmosphere
• Island Cow- must do once- excellent hush puppies!!
• Traders- Diver Scallops are from a dream- get dessert here too!

 Resort Amenities:

• Numerous pools, waterslides, hot-tub at main pool area
• Two main beach areas, complete with free chaise lounge/umbrellas/towel service
• Store/Market
• Ice Cream Pizza Shop, Formal restaurant/bar
• Numerous tennis courts including lessons for all ages
• 9 hole par-3 golf course
• Kids activity area and Sanibel Sea School (my kids loved this!!)
• Powerboat, kayak, bike and golf-cart rentals
• Nature trails
• Fishing docks
• Jet-ski rentals

The Bad:
Key cards kept losing efficacy. Dinner is limited to two main restaurant on premises $$$$ expensive side. More choices for lunch although we made sandwiches to offset costs for those big restaurant dinners. Skip the "Bubble Room", in Captiva, for dinner, go for dessert! Parking is tough as this area is sandwiched between bayside and gulf.
The Ugly: Nothing !!

Conclusion:

This place is a keeper!! Candy/ice cream shop with every candy known to mankind on premise. Banana Boat ride in bay behind a jet-ski-awesome even for little ones. Unspoiled nature(dolphin sitings everyday). Too much good stuff to list and this resort deserves a two week stay!

Rates:
High 700.00 per night. Low: 199.00 per night- check website for special deals!!
Our family rated this vacation resort Four out of Five! We would come back and will often! Great for families, good for couples too but this truly is a "family resort". We look for high quality service and accommodation. We use Disney Resorts as our bell-weather for the places we stay!

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