Published on July 28, 2026
written by Skye Sherman, a Florida-based travel writer whose work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Lonely Planet, USA Today, Matador Network, Palm Beach Illustrated and more
There’s a few essential ingredients to a classic Florida vacation: beach, sun, surf, and good eats. South Seas on Captiva Island has them all and then some. The resort encompasses everything vacationers love in one place and the kind of experience families return for year after year.
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Set across 330 acres on Captiva Island, the beloved resort has entered a new chapter, pairing the easygoing ambience that longtime guests remember with upgraded experiences optimized for today’s travelers. Set across 330 acres on Captiva Island, the beloved resort has entered a new chapter, pairing the easygoing ambience that longtime guests remember with upgraded experiences optimized for today’s travelers. Across the property, guests will discover refreshed accommodations, new dining experiences, updated recreational offerings, and a multi-acre water park that have helped reintroduce the resort to a new generation of visitors.
If you’re a guest at South Seas, no one could blame you for opting to spend all your vacation days at the resort, but here, you’re also well situated to explore one of Florida’s best barrier islands and set up to experience the ultimate family vacation in Florida.
One of the resort’s most talked-about new additions is Captiva Landing, a 2.5-acre water park that serves as a playful place for family members of all ages to enjoy time together.
Whether you race down water slides or raft up on the lazy river, make sure to break up the day with burgers, sandwiches, or soft-serve ice cream at Flippers; it’s quick-serve to get you back in action fast. Parents looking for peace can retreat to The Cove, a quieter pool surrounded by lush foliage, while youngsters aged 3 to 11 can head to Camp-tiva, where hands-on crafts and games keep kids entertained for full or half-days.
There’s even a retro arcade with vintage pinball machines, fortune-telling booths, and Skee-Ball to add a nostalgic touch to your classic family vacation.
Like any great Florida getaway, water takes center stage on the Gulf Coast.
During a stay at South Seas, spend the morning stretched out on the resort’s 2.5 miles of sugar-white sand then trade your lounge chair for something a little more adventurous, like paddleboards or kayaks. If exploring the serene shoreline at your own pace sounds a little adrenaline-deficient, take a boat excursion into the surrounding waters in search of dolphins, secluded beaches, sunsets, and more.
Fishermen (and wannabes) can head out on a guided back bay or offshore fishing charter to try their luck at reeling in redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, or even grouper, snapper, cobia, or amberjack. If you time it right, you can experience one of Captiva’s signature traditions during tarpon season, when the island is sought after by anglers all over as one of the world’s premier destinations for sport fishing.
To add a competitive edge into the mix, South Seas Tarpon Tournament takes place each May.
If you’re a foodie, half the fun of being on vacation is deciding where to eat next.
Within South Seas, guests can move from casual lunches to sunset dinners without ever leaving the resort. Harborside pairs premium steaks and seafood with Yacht Harbour Marina views, while indoor-outdoor Beach House serves panoramic views of Sunset Beach alongside a menu of Gulf-inspired cuisine.
For something quick between adventures, Provisions stocks grab-and-go favorites, while Scoops & Slices satisfies kiddy cravings of pizza and ice cream after a long day at the beach.
Of course, no visit to Captiva would feel complete without venturing out to experience at least one island institution. The Bubble Room has delighted visitors for decades with its quirky colorful décor, nostalgic atmosphere, and famous towering slices of cake—the Orange Crunch is practically a state treasure and sweet tooths come from all over to try it.
One of Captiva’s greatest luxuries is found simply in its pace. There are no high-rises, overfilled itineraries, or overwhelming pressures here; if you do nothing else during your stay but take it easy and rent a bike to cruise beneath banyans, browse the island’s boutiques, hunt for shells along the shore, or watch pelicans glide overhead from the beach as another Gulf sunset lights up the horizon—that’s plenty.
South Seas represents everything travelers have always loved about Captiva—beaches, boating, wildlife, and a relaxed island spirit—while adding thoughtful new experiences that appeal equally to first-time visitors and generations of returning families.
Because sometimes, the best vacations aren’t about maxing out the agenda or discovering somewhere new; they’re a reminder of why you fell in love with a destination in the first place.
Explore more destinations coast to coast and beyond across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.
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