Getting around South Seas and Captiva (no cars on property)
South Seas is on Captiva Island with no cars on the property — the island is reached by boat or ferry and the resort runs a complimentary open-air trolley across the grounds. For short trips on property use the resort trolley, walk, rent bicycles or reserve resort golf carts; off-island travel requires a boat/ferry plus mainland ground transport.
In this guide
Getting to South Seas (no cars on property)
South Seas sits on Captiva Island and the property is reached by boat or ferry; there is no road access and no cars on the resort grounds. Guests typically travel to the area by air to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and complete the final leg by local ground transport and boat/ferry as needed.
Guest check-in takes place at 5400 South Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva, FL 33924 — follow the resort's instructions for on-island arrival and any marina/boat transfer details you receive with your booking.
- Nearest major airport: Southwest Florida Int'l (RSW); South Seas does not operate an airport shuttle.
- Final island access: boat or ferry; vehicles are not used on property.
- Bring photo ID and the credit card used for reservation at check-in (minimum age 21 to check in).
| Step | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Fly to RSW | Ground transfer to Sanibel/Captiva area; tolls apply on Sanibel Causeway |
| Boat/ferry or arranged marina pickup | Final leg to Captiva Island and South Seas |
| Resort arrival | Check in at 5400 Plantation Rd, then use trolley/bike/cart to reach your unit |
Getting around the resort: trolley, walking, bikes and carts
South Seas runs a complimentary open-air resort trolley along the length of the property. The trolley operates daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and departs about every 15 minutes; journeys and stops are trackable via the resort app.
Because there are no cars on property, most short trips are on foot, by trolley, or by rental bike or resort golf cart. The Bike & Cart Rental Office is open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM for reservations and rentals.
- Complimentary resort trolley: daily 8 AM–10 PM, every ~15 minutes.
- Bicycle and resort golf-cart rentals: available on-site (Bike & Cart Rental Office daily 9 AM–5 PM).
- Outside-agent golf carts are not permitted in resort parking areas; rent carts directly through the resort for on-property use.
| Mode | Best for | Hours/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trolley | Getting around the full resort footprint | Daily 8 AM–10 PM; app shows departures |
| Bicycle | Short, active trips (beaches, shops) | Rentals at Bike & Cart Office 9 AM–5 PM |
| Resort golf cart | Quick transport across property when requested | Rent directly from resort; allowed only for on-property use |
Beach, pools and water access (no driving needed)
South Seas provides direct Gulf-front beach access across 2.5 miles of private, shell-laden shoreline; access from villas and rooms is by foot, trolley or resort cart rather than by car.
There are six outdoor pools, including the Bayview Pools and a waterslide. Bayview main pool hours are daily 9:00 AM until sunset; the Bayview slide pool runs 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Posted pool rules and supervision requirements apply.
- Bayview main pool: open daily 9 AM–sunset.
- Bayview slide pool: open daily 11 AM–5 PM (waterslide rules apply).
- Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult in all pools; waterslide riders must be 48 inches tall and follow attendant instructions.
- Pool rules: no lifeguard on duty, no diving, no glass or outside food/beverage on decks, no animals, and no swimming after dusk or severe weather.
| Amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Private Gulf beach | Shelling and sunset walks; beach loungers available |
| Six pools | Includes family pools and a separate adults-only pool area |
| Captiva Landing water-park | Parts reported temporarily closed for enhancements (check current status) |
Marina, boat trips and off-island travel
South Seas has an on-site marina where guests can book boat tours, fishing trips, and water-sport excursions. Captiva Cruises and other operators use South Seas' marina and nearby McCarthy's Marina for departures.
Day trips to nearby islands and preserves (Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Boca Grande) depart from the resort marina or McCarthy's Marina; many of these excursions are boat-only and require booking in advance.
- Book boat tours through the resort marina or local operators; Cayo Costa trips typically include about two hours beach time and roughly 30-minute boat rides each way.
- Popular local itineraries: Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Boca Grande.
- Water-sport vendors at the resort offer paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing and fishing outings.
| Destination | Typical travel mode |
|---|---|
| Cayo Costa State Park | Boat (often ~30 minutes each way; park fee may apply) |
| Cabbage Key | Boat |
| Useppa Island | Boat |
Reaching local Captiva attractions without a car
Because the resort sits on an island with no cars on property, visiting Captiva village, local restaurants, the Chapel By The Sea, and Alison Hagerup Beach Park is done on foot, by resort trolley, by rented bicycle, or by arranged golf cart when permitted.
For trips beyond Captiva (mainland shopping, airport transfers), you will need a boat plus mainland ground transport or a mainland rental car — South Seas does not provide its own airport shuttle but recommends local transport partners.
- Nearby walkable points from South Seas: Alison Hagerup Beach Park, McCarthy's Marina, Jensen’s Marina, Captiva Beach, Chapel By The Sea (all listed as short walks on the resort site).
- If you plan mainland excursions, arrange transport ahead of time (private transfer services and taxis operate from RSW to the Sanibel/Captiva area).
- Sanibel is connected to Captiva by a short bridge; some mainland services and longer excursions require ground transport on the mainland.
| Local spot | How to get there from South Seas |
|---|---|
| Alison Hagerup Beach Park | Walk or trolley |
| McCarthy's Marina | Walk |
| Captiva village (shops/dining) | Walk, bike, or trolley |
Practical tips: luggage, parking and accessibility
Self-parking is included in the mandatory resort fee; guests should park in resort-designated parking prior to taking the trolley or arranged transfer to their accommodation. Outside-agent carts are not permitted in resort parking areas.
At check-in you'll be asked for a credit/debit card authorization and a government-issued photo ID. If you have mobility needs, contact the resort in advance to confirm accessible routes and assistance — the resort's front desk hours are posted and check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
- Resort fee covers in-room WiFi, trolley access and parking; the fee is mandatory.
- Primary registering guest must be at least 21 and present photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- If you need help moving luggage across property, ask the front desk or bell services on arrival.
| Item | What the resort provides |
|---|---|
| Parking | Included with resort fee; park in designated areas before using trolley |
| WiFi | In-room high-speed internet included via resort fee |
| Luggage assistance | Available — request at front desk |
