
South Seas
Best for multi-day family vacations and guests who want extensive on-site amenities (multiple pools, restaurants, spa, kids' club, marina).
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South Seas is a large Gulf-front Captiva resort with multiple pools, restaurants, a spa and an on-site marina — best for families and people who want a full-amenity island resort. Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina is a smaller bayside hotel on Fort Myers Beach with marina access and straightforward rooms — read this if you want a simpler waterfront stay close to Fort Myers Beach attractions.
Updated · about 38 miles apart

Best for multi-day family vacations and guests who want extensive on-site amenities (multiple pools, restaurants, spa, kids' club, marina).

Best for travelers who want simple bayside lodging with direct marina access and a compact, walkable Fort Myers Beach location.
When South Seas wins: choose South Seas if you want a large resort with many on-site activities (kids' club, six pools and a waterslide, multiple restaurants and a full-service spa) and a private Gulf-front beach setting.
When Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina wins: choose Matanzas Inn if you prefer a smaller, lower-key bayside hotel with marina access on Fort Myers Beach and straightforward rooms with balconies and basic on-site services.
Bottom line: South Seas is the choice for a full-service, amenity-rich island resort and active family stays; Matanzas Inn is for simpler waterfront lodging and easy access to Fort Myers Beach attractions.
| Category | South Seas | Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large Gulf-front family resort with many guest services and activity options | Small bayside hotel focused on marina access and basic comfort |
| Location | Captiva Island — private Gulf-front beachfront (island access; boat/ferry for some off-island transfers) | Fort Myers Beach — bayside on Crescent Street, close to town attractions |
| Size (rooms / footprint) | 330-acre resort with many villas, cottages and rooms (multiple neighborhoods) | 27 rooms noted in supplier listing |
| Who it's for | Families, activity-focused travelers, wedding and conference groups | Couples or travelers wanting a compact waterfront hotel and marina access |
| Pools & water access | Six outdoor pools, waterslide, adults-only pool area, private Gulf-front beach | One outdoor pool and direct bayside/marina access |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site options including Harborside, Redfish Grill, Beach House, Tarpon Bar, Flippers, Provisions and Starbucks | One restaurant (Petey's Upper Deck) and one bar/lounge listed; Provisions-type market not listed |
| Spa & wellness | Kay Casperson Spa and Boutique with massages, facials, mani/pedi and sauna facilities | Not published |
| Marina & boating | On-site marina offering boat tours, fishing and water-sports rentals | Marina access and fishing on site; boat tours nearby |
| Parking & transport | Self-parking included via resort fee; resort trolley and on-site cart/bike rentals (island access rules apply) | Free self parking on site; local rentals and nearby water/boat services |
| Pet policy | No pets (only ADA-defined service animals allowed) | |
South Seas sits on Captiva Island with 2.5 miles of private Gulf-front beach and an on-site marina.
Choose South Seas if a private Gulf-front setting and island experience matter.
Matanzas Inn is a bayside resort and marina hotel right on Fort Myers Beach (Crescent Street).
Pick Matanzas Inn for a compact bayside location that keeps you near Fort Myers Beach points of interest.
South Seas offers many unit types — villas, cottages and multi-bedroom homes for families and groups.
South Seas suits families or groups who need larger, flexible living spaces.
Matanzas Inn lists 27 air-conditioned rooms and suites with basic in-room amenities.
Matanzas is a straightforward hotel choice for couples or small families who want simple, comfortable rooms.
South Seas provides a wide range of on-property dining from casual to steakhouse and a Starbucks.
South Seas is better when you want variety and dining options without leaving the resort.
Matanzas Inn lists a single on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge in its supplier listing.
Matanzas suits travelers who plan to eat out locally or prefer a simpler on-site dining setup.
South Seas centers much of its activity around multiple pools, a waterslide and private Gulf beach.
If pool variety and private Gulf beach access are priorities, South Seas is the stronger choice.
Matanzas Inn focuses on a bayside setting and marina access rather than multiple pool features.
Matanzas is best for guests focused on marina activities and a quieter bayside stay rather than extensive pool complexes.
South Seas has an on-site spa, fitness center and multiple casual evening dining and bar options.
South Seas serves guests looking for spa treatments, fitness and varied evening dining without leaving property.
Matanzas Inn lists limited on-site wellness/nightlife features.
Expect to leave the property for full-service spa treatments or a broader nightlife scene when staying at Matanzas.

South Seas — many pools, kids' club, multi-bedroom villas and family activities across a large resort footprint.

Matanzas Inn — simple bayside rooms, marina access and a smaller property footprint that’s easy to navigate.

South Seas — several restaurants, pool bars, a market and an on-site Starbucks.

Matanzas Inn — direct bayside location with fishing on site and nearby boat tours.
South Seas — it has Camp-tiva, multiple family pools and water attractions; Matanzas is smaller with fewer family-focused amenities.
Only South Seas lists a full-service spa (Kay Casperson). Matanzas Inn's supplier listing does not publish a spa.
No — South Seas does not allow pets except ADA-defined service animals; Matanzas Inn room types are listed as NO PETS.
Matanzas Inn is on Fort Myers Beach and is closer to RSW than Captiva; Matanzas lists RSW as the preferred airport (about 20.1 mi from the property).
Explore how South Seas stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·