
South Seas
Best for families and travelers who want a full-service island resort with private Gulf beach, multiple pools and on-site kids' activities.
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South Seas is a large, family-focused Gulf-front resort on Captiva Island with multiple pools, a spa, marina and miles of private beach — read this if you want an island resort with family activities and extensive on-site facilities. Latitude 26 Waterfront Resort & Marina is a smaller Fort Myers Beach waterfront property centered on marina lodging and boat access — read this if you want simple waterfront rooms and easy access to boat activities near Fort Myers Beach.
Updated · about 40 miles (≈64 km) apart

Best for families and travelers who want a full-service island resort with private Gulf beach, multiple pools and on-site kids' activities.

Best for travelers who want straightforward marina-front rooms and easy access to boating and Fort Myers Beach attractions.
When South Seas wins: Choose South Seas if you want a broad resort experience — private Gulf beach, six outdoor pools and a full on-site spa plus varied dining, kids' programming and event spaces for weddings or groups.
When Latitude 26 wins: Choose Latitude 26 Waterfront Resort & Marina if you want a smaller, marina-focused property in Fort Myers Beach with on-site docks, boat/ kayak access and simple waterfront cottages or suites without the scale (or cost) of a large resort.
Bottom line: South Seas is the better pick for families and guests seeking resort amenities and beach access on Captiva Island; Latitude 26 is a practical, waterfront alternative for travelers prioritizing marina access and a compact Fort Myers Beach location.
| Category | South Seas | Latitude 26 Waterfront Resort & Marina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, family-oriented resort with activity program and island setting | Smaller waterfront motel-style resort focused on marina lodging |
| Location | Private Gulf-front on Captiva Island (island access rules apply) | Waterfront in Fort Myers Beach with marina and dock access |
| Size / scale | Large — 330 acres with multiple villages, pools and event venues | Small — 26 air-conditioned rooms and a marina on site |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family resort with dedicated kids' club and family pools | All ages; not adults-only and accepts families |
| Pools | Six outdoor pools, waterslide, family pool areas and a separate adults-only pool area | One outdoor pool and pool sun loungers |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants (Harborside, Redfish Grill, Beach House, Scoops & Slices, Flippers), pool bar and Starbucks | One on-site restaurant (Bayside Bar & Grille) plus bar/food service options |
| Spa & fitness | Kay Casperson Spa with multiple treatment rooms, sauna and salon services | Not published |
| Known for | Private Gulf beach, large family amenities, marina and boat tours | Marina lodging, on-site docks, water-sport access and boat/kayak options |
| Accessibility & policies | Resort fee applies; minimum check-in age 21; no pets except ADA service animals | Front desk limited hours; wheelchair-accessible rooms and registration desk; standard check-in policies apply |
| Best for events | Extensive event and wedding venues (beach venues, ballrooms and lawns) | Small-scale events and marina gatherings only |
South Seas sits on a 330-acre preserve with private Gulf frontage on Captiva Island; the property is reached via standard ground transport plus the island access rules in effect for Captiva.
Choose South Seas if you want an island resort with extensive private beach frontage and island-style access.
Latitude 26 sits on San Carlos Blvd in Fort Myers Beach and places guests beside a marina with docks and direct water access.
Choose Latitude 26 if you want a Fort Myers Beach base with marina access and proximity to local boat services.
South Seas offers a broad mix of villas, cottages and multi-bedroom homes suited to families and groups.
South Seas is better if you need large family accommodations or multi-bedroom homes with resort services.
Latitude 26 lists 26 air-conditioned rooms and a variety of studio, suite, bungalow and waterfront cottage options.
Latitude 26 fits travelers who want compact waterfront rooms or unique options like waterfront bungalows and a houseboat stay.
South Seas provides multiple dining venues across the resort, from casual to more formal options.
South Seas is the choice for variety and options on property for breakfast, lunch, dinner and poolside service.
Latitude 26 offers a single on-site restaurant and basic food/beverage services for guests.
Latitude 26 works if you want a simple on-site meal option and plan to eat off property for wider choices.
South Seas centers its guest experience on beach access and multiple pool complexes for families and adults.
South Seas prioritizes beach and pool variety alongside marina activities for a full resort stay.
Latitude 26 highlights its marina, on-water activities and a single outdoor pool for guests.
Latitude 26 is centered on marina access and direct water activities rather than extensive pool/beach service.
South Seas includes a full-service spa, fitness offerings and organized activities for families.
South Seas is better if you want spa services and programmed activities alongside relaxed evening dining.
Latitude 26 offers limited on-site wellness facilities and a relaxed marina-side atmosphere for evenings.
Latitude 26 suits travelers who prefer quiet marina evenings and water-focused days rather than on-site spa or nightlife.

South Seas — kids' club, multiple family pools, waterslide, and multi-bedroom villas.

Latitude 26 — on-site docks, boat and paddle access, and waterfront cottages and houseboat options.

South Seas — several restaurants from casual to steakhouse plus pool bar and Starbucks.

Latitude 26 — compact rooms and straightforward waterfront lodging without the scale of a resort.
South Seas — it offers multiple beachfront and lawn venues sized for small to large weddings plus on-site catering and guest amenities.
South Seas has the Kay Casperson Spa with full services; Latitude 26 does not publish a full-service spa on its listing.
No — Latitude 26 is not adults-only and accepts families.
Latitude 26 is in Fort Myers Beach and is closer to Southwest Florida Intl. Airport than Captiva's South Seas, which is roughly 39 miles from RSW.
Explore how South Seas stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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