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Your Captiva condo vacation will be more fruitful and enjoyable if you're able to manage and move about independently. That means having the assurance and confidence that comes with being well-informed.
To that end, we've provided some answers to questions frequently asked by first-time visitors. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions not addressed here. We also invite you to read some comments from past visitors.
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Exactly where is our Vacation Condo located?
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Captiva Island is located approximately 35 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida. The airport is serviced by all major domestic carriers and some international carriers. International service is also available through Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. These airports are a 4 hour drive or less to the island. Visit the home page for a location map and a satellite view, or see below for driving directions from major Florida cities.
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How do we get there?
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Click on either image at left for a map and satellite view showing the Vacation Condo on Captiva Island. Or click here for customized driving directions from your location. If you are flying in, here are general directions from Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers:
- Turn left out of the airport onto Daniels Parkway West.
- Turn left onto Summerlin Road.
- Continue approx 10 miles to the Sanibel Island Causeway toll booth. Continue on to Sanibel Island.
- When you reach the 4-way stop, turn right onto Periwinkle Way.
- When Periwinkle Way ends, turn right onto Tarpon Bay Road.
- At the first stop sign, turn left onto Sanibel/Captiva Road.
- Continue on Sanibel/Captiva Road for approximately 6-7 miles. You will go straight through the village of Captiva (there are several 90-degree turns).
- The South Seas Plantation Resort entrance will be on the right. 2315 South Seas Plantation villa is located in the Gulf Beach Villa area. Make a left at the 4-way stop sign inside the resort.
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Is the Vacation Condo clean and well maintained?
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Yes indeed! The Vacation Condo has received a GOLD rating from ResortQuest. On their quality scale, this means: "Upscale, well appointed accommodations, with a designer touch, featuring excellent furnishings, special features, a top quality kitchen, baths and amenities." Achieving this rating is not easy and we strive to maintain it. Our goal is your complete satisfaction.
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How close are we to the beach and to Captiva Village?
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For all practical purposes, you are ON the beach. The building is set back from the shoreline by a comfortable distance. The Vacation Condo is a ground-floor unit with a perfect view of both the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Captiva Village is immediately to the south, roughly 1/4 mile — just a short walk or tram ride.
Note also that the eastern shore of Captiva Island facing Pine Island Sound is immediately behind the condo and directly accessible. This is also a magical area with spectacular sunrises and a wonderful pier from which to look at the sound, fish off the dock or enjoy the wildlife. Many birds roost and gather food in this area, such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, Kingfishers, Black Oystercatchers, Brown Pelican, White Pelican, Great Blue Herons and others. Dolphins regularly patrol the shoreline in search of a snack.
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What are the best restaurants?
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Here are sample menus from some of Captiva's most well-known restaurants:
Here are some descriptions of various restaurants in and around the area:
Some of these are among the best restaurants in Florida — yet, they're just a 5-10 minute walk from your door! There are also outstanding restaurants on Sanibel Island, just 10-20 minutes away. Traveling the islands and visiting the area's vast variety of dining establishments is just part of the experience.
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Where can we buy groceries or get carryout and catering?
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There are so many places to shop it would take pages to list them all. Click here for a list of frequently-visited grocery stores and carryout establishments.
For those who prefer to cook only occasionally, you can save your dining-out money and enjoy hot, fresh meals in your own kitchen — quick, easy and delicious. You can arrange with Latte Da (across from Keylime Bistro) for catered meals to your tastes. Choose from a huge selection of hors d'oeuvres, sides, and entrees, from gourmet delicacies to fresh pizza for the kids, from fresh fruit salad to baked stuffed clams casino. Here's how it works: Make your selections in advance (2-3 days notice is best). The chefs at Latte Da buy the fresh groceries, then prepare your meals in the morning. Pick up the food and refrigerate, then follow the easy instructions for heating. Later, return any pans to Latte Da and they'll take care of clean up. 472-0234. Other carryout and catering services are also available.
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Are we guests of South Seas resort?
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You are not a guest of the resort, where the pricing is significantly higher. However, you do have access to a long list of resort amenities, including the Resort Health Club (daily or weekly membership), two restaurants, deli and shops at the South End of the Resort and next to the Village, two pools by the villa (or any of the pools on the plantation) and cruises from the Marina and the Offshore Sailing School. Free tennis courts are steps away. Free shuttle trolleys take you to cruises from the marina. We also take care of linens. Beach towels and equipment are provided right in the building (our beach equipment storage room has chairs, umbrellas, toys, etc). Rental bikes can be delivered to your door. Coin-operated washers and dryers are located in the building. A snack boat anchors most days at the beach for your convenience. Groceries are available at the Captiva Island Store and others.
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Whom should we contact if we have a problem or need help or advice?
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Upon confirmation of your reservation, you'll receive a contact number to use in case of problems or emergency (there is a telephone in your condo). Our ResortQuest representative can deal with most questions or issues that might arise.
You can also contact us directly. Either way, you have our assurance that people are standing by to insure your comfort. We will do everything in our power to assist you, quickly and satisfactorily.
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What payment methods are acceptable and how should we make payment?
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Payments are handled by our ResortQuest representative. You can make payments using your credit or debit card, by check, or by electronic funds transfer, or you may use our Book-by-Phone service. After we receive your reservation form or telephone call, our ResortQuest representative will contact you within 48 hours to confirm the booking and arrange for the necessary payment.
Important: Note that your reservation is not confirmed until your payment has been received and you've been issued a confirmation number. If you elect to pay by check, you should send via overnight delivery. Rates and terms are listed in our web site for your convenience.
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Historians believe that Sanibel and Captiva were formed as one island about six thousand years ago, as sediment that rose from the sea after being shaped by centuries of storm activity. Sanibel and Captiva feature a history rich in intrigue and adventure. From native Indians, to Spanish explorers, infamous pirates and brave pioneers, the islands have many a fascinating tale to tell.
The area has some of the warmest winter temperatures in the country. Captiva has lush tropical vegetation and is cooled by gentle sea breezes. Sanibel is a much larger island and has unusually strict conservation laws to preserve its vegetation, birds, and other wildlife — including the island's bald eagles, tortoises, manatees, dolphins, alligators and American crocodiles. About 70% of Sanibel is now reserved for wildlife or otherwise protected from development. Captiva also has the same strict laws with a significant portion of the island (about 1/3) preserved as wildlife refuge.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer the nature seeker a vacation like no other. Sanibel and Captiva are considered to be two of the world's best beachcombing spots. It's not uncommon to find rare and unusual seashells on either island. Florida wildlife includes birds, alligators, raccoons, fish and much more. Sanibel also offers two challenging 18 hole golf courses. Adults will find plenty of ways to relax and children will discover abundant ways to keep themselves occupied.
Here are just some of the attractions to choose from:
- The J.N. "Ding" Darling Nature Reserve on Sanibel Island, just minutes from Captiva. This is a must-see for wild life viewing. Bike, kayak or take a guided tour.
- Everglades Day Safari
- Sanibel/Captiva Conservation Center
- Sanibel Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
- Captiva Island Cruises offer nature, sunset and lunch cruises to other Islands like Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca Grande, and Cayo Costa.
- Captiva Island Fishing or pleasure
- Boat rentals at Jensen's Marina
- Sailing lessons and charters at New Moon Sailing.
- Captiva Island Bike Rentals include Billy's Rentals, on-line ordering, will deliver bikes to your door.
- Kayak, canoe, sunfish, windsurfer rentals
- In Captiva Island 's charming village - Yolo Jim's - parasailing, golf carts, in-line skates and JetSki rentals.
- Captiva Island Restaurants, wonderful options some with live entertainment and dancing, are within a 5-minute walk from your door.
- Jungle Drums Gallery, Seaweed Gallery and nearby island theme shops like Beach Stuff and H2O Outfitters.
- Golf is available at your choice of two 18-hole courses, the Dunes and Beachview, just 20 minutes away on nearby Sanibel Island.
- Captiva Island Shelling is wonderful! Visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - popular for all ages.
- Sanibel Island's Big Arts Performing Arts Center for concerts and stage performances.
- Fort Myers: Edison & Ford Estates offers a look at their winter homes and botanical gardens; the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall has concerts and plays; Bell Tower Shops; Tanger Outlet Shops and Movie Theaters.
- Interested in private Captiva pool homes? Click here.
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