A recommended day trip from South Seas: Cayo Costa or Cabbage Key
Both are excellent boat-access islands from South Seas, but pick Cayo Costa for quiet, undeveloped beaches and shelling (bring shade, water and plan to walk). Choose Cabbage Key if you want a short boat ride to a tiny island restaurant with a local-history vibe and the famous dollar-bill‑covered walls.
In this guide
How to get there from South Seas
Boats to both Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key leave from South Seas’ marina or nearby McCarthy’s Marina; trips are boat-only — there’s no road access to either island. If you book an organized cruise (for example, Captiva Cruises), the operator will list the marina departure point when you reserve.
Private charters and local outfitters also run trips; ask the resort concierge or the marina staff at South Seas to help arrange a launch, sightseeing cruise or a guided shelling trip. South Seas’ own marina services and nearby Captiva vendors handle most island excursions.
- Departure point: South Seas marina or McCarthy’s Marina (both on Captiva).
- You must travel by boat — neither island has road connections.
- Ask South Seas concierge or the marina for booking and timing details.
| Service | Where to book |
|---|---|
| Organized Cayo Costa/Cabbage Key cruises | Captiva Cruises or similar operators (book online or through South Seas) |
| Private charters and fishing trips | South Seas marina or local operators at McCarthy’s Marina |
| Kayak/paddleboard approaches (to backwaters) | Local outfitters such as Sunny Island Adventures |
Cayo Costa: what to expect
Cayo Costa State Park is an undeveloped barrier‑island park with long, natural beaches and good shelling — its shoreline is the main reason visitors go. The park preserves several miles of beach and maritime forest rather than restaurants or bars, so plan to bring supplies.
Typical boat trips to Cayo Costa last about three hours total with roughly two hours on the beach (Captiva Cruises notes about 30 minutes each way for the boat legs). There is a small state‑park admission/landing fee (a $2 per‑person state park fee is mentioned for some operator routes).
- Nearly undeveloped beach and dunes — expect sand, shells and shade from sparse vegetation.
- Bring sun protection, drinking water, towels and a cooler; facilities on the island are minimal.
- Good for shelling, walking, beachcombing and quiet picnics.
| What to bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Water and snacks | Few services on the island |
| Sun protection and shade | Limited built shade; Florida sun is strong |
| Beach shoes and bag for shells | Shelling is a primary activity |
Cabbage Key: what to expect
Cabbage Key is a privately owned small island, reached only by boat, known for its inn/restaurant and walls covered with signed dollar bills. Visiting is more about the quirky island dining and short walks than long beach time.
Boat excursions and ferries drop visitors at the Cabbage Key dock; once ashore you can eat at the restaurant, browse the grounds and read the wall of bills. Cabbage Key is not a state park, so expect commercial facilities and a different vibe than Cayo Costa.
- Shorter island walkways and a central restaurant/inn rather than long undeveloped beaches.
- Good option if you want a restaurant lunch without returning to the mainland first.
- Bring cash/card for food and souvenirs; space and shade can be limited on busy days.
| Cabbage Key | Best for |
|---|---|
| Restaurant/inn visit | A casual lunch and local-history vibe |
| Short shore time | Quick island stop & photos |
| Souvenir and photo ops | Wall of dollar bills |
Which to choose for families or kids
Families who want lots of beach time, shelling and easy supervision will generally prefer Cayo Costa’s long, natural beaches. There’s room for kids to run and explore, but facilities are limited so plan food, shade and restroom logistics.
If your children prefer a short boat ride followed by a casual lunch and a novelty visit, Cabbage Key can work as a shorter excursion. Remember that both islands are boat-access only; young children should be supervised during boarding, landing and any shoreline exploration.
- Cayo Costa: better for long beach days, shelling and nature walks.
- Cabbage Key: better for a short, restaurant-centered stop and quirky local charm.
- Always supervise children at docks and on boats; bring life jackets if you have small kids and are on a private boat.
| Feature | Cayo Costa | Cabbage Key |
|---|---|---|
| Beach time | Strong | Limited |
| On-site restaurant | No (bring supplies) | Yes |
| Best for kids | Shelling & exploration | Short visit & novelty |
Logistics and what to pack
Because both islands are reachable only by boat and have limited services, pack thoughtfully for a comfortable trip. Bring sun protection, drinking water, snacks or a picnic for Cayo Costa, and a light rain layer during hurricane season or unpredictable weather.
If you plan to eat at Cabbage Key’s restaurant you won’t need a full picnic, but still carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and footwear for walking on docks and uneven ground. Operators may list a small park landing fee for Cayo Costa — check your boat operator’s details when you book.
- Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and a beach umbrella or pop-up shade (for Cayo Costa).
- Plenty of water and snacks (Cayo Costa has minimal facilities).
- Cash or card for Cabbage Key restaurant and souvenirs; a small first‑aid kit; dry bag for electronics.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Water & snacks | Few services on Cayo Costa |
| Sunscreen & hat | Florida sun exposure |
| Dry bag & shoes | Protect belongings and for uneven terrain |
Booking tips and timing
Peak season on Captiva runs December–April; operators and island docks will be busier then. Shoulder months like March–May or October–November are often recommended for good weather with fewer crowds, though fall overlaps with hurricane season so monitor forecasts.
Book popular boat cruises in advance through Captiva Cruises or through South Seas’ concierge, especially during peak weeks. If you want more flexibility and a longer island stay, ask about private charter options from the South Seas marina.
- Reserve space in advance during December–April.
- Ask South Seas concierge about same-day availability and recommendations.
- Consider private charters if you want a customized schedule or extra beach time on Cayo Costa.
| When to go | Pros |
|---|---|
| Dec–Apr (peak) | Best weather, but busiest |
| Mar–May or Oct–Nov (shoulder) | Good weather, fewer crowds |
| Jun–Sep (summer) | Lower rates but more rain and hurricane season risk |
Where to return afterward and resort connections
Most day‑trip operators return you to the South Seas marina or McCarthy’s Marina; from South Seas you can use the resort trolley or on-site services to get around the property. If you plan activities after your trip, consider spa appointments (Kay Casperson Spa and Boutique) or a poolside break back at the resort.
South Seas offers restaurants (Beach House, Redfish Grill, Flippers, Provisions, Starbucks and Harborside) for dinner or an early evening meal after your island trip — note that most sit-down restaurants are for South Seas guests, owners and Club Captiva members, while Provisions and Starbucks are open to the public.
- Return to South Seas marina for easy access to resort activities and dining.
- Book spa or pool time after an island trip if you want to relax and rinse off saltwater.
- Check restaurant access rules — Provisions and Starbucks are public; most full‑service restaurants are for guests/owners/Club Captiva members.
| Post-trip option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spa (Kay Casperson) | Open hours listed Mon–Sat 9 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–5 PM (check current schedule) |
| Dining at South Seas | Beach House, Redfish Grill, Flippers, Harborside — access rules apply |
| Pools and beach | Bayview Pool open daily 9 AM–sunset; Bayview slide pool 11 AM–5 PM |
