There are beach vacations… and then there are the ones you immediately start planning before you’ve even unpacked your suitcase.
Our recent family trip to Captiva Island was exactly that.
With turquoise water, shell-covered beaches, unforgettable sunsets, and the newly reopened South Seas Resort, it was everything we hoped for—a place where the kids could run barefoot all day while Justin and I actually felt like we got to relax, too.
If you’re looking for a Florida beach destination that’s equal parts luxury and laid-back island charm, here’s everything we loved.
Why We Chose South Seas Resort
I’d heard wonderful things about South Seas for years, so I was excited to finally experience it after its reopening.
The property feels like its own little island village, stretching along miles of Gulf coastline with beautiful beaches, multiple pools, restaurants, walking paths, wildlife, and endless activities for families.
One of my favorite parts? You never feel rushed.
Everything moves at “Captiva pace.”
Whether you’re biking around the property, watching dolphins from the marina, or grabbing ice cream after dinner, it encourages you to slow down—which is exactly what we needed.
Sunrise, Sunsets & Beach Walks
One thing that completely exceeded my expectations?
The sunsets.
Every evening felt different.
One night the sky turned soft gold.
The next, it exploded into shades of coral, pink, and lavender that honestly looked photoshopped.
The girls loved running into the water while the sky changed colors, and it became our favorite nightly tradition.
Even our mornings were beautiful—quiet beach walks, coffee overlooking the Gulf, and watching the resort slowly come to life.
A Shelling Paradise
Captiva is famous for shelling, and now I completely understand why.
Every beach walk turned into a treasure hunt.
We found beautiful shells, tiny sand dollars, and spent far longer than planned searching the shoreline together.
If you’re visiting with kids, don’t skip early morning shelling—it was one of everyone’s favorite memories.
One of the Highlights: Cruising with Captiva Cruises
If I had to pick one experience that everyone is still talking about, it would be our afternoon with Captiva Cruises.
The boat ride itself was beautiful, but watching the kids explore the sandbars, search for shells, and simply enjoy being out on the water made it so special.
The crew was incredibly friendly, and seeing Captiva from the water gave us an entirely different perspective of the island.
It was one of those experiences that’s relaxing for adults while still feeling like an adventure for kids.
Highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.
Dinner at The Bubble Room
No trip to Captiva is complete without dinner at The Bubble Room.
Walking inside feels like stepping into another world.
Every room is filled floor-to-ceiling with vintage collectibles, old Hollywood memorabilia, toys, Christmas decorations, and quirky surprises tucked into every corner.
The kids absolutely loved exploring while we waited for dinner.
And then came the desserts…
Let’s just say sharing is mandatory.
The famous oversized cake slices are every bit as impressive as you’ve probably heard.
Even if you don’t order dinner, stopping in for dessert alone is worth it.
Family Time Without an Agenda
One of my favorite parts of this trip wasn’t something we planned.
It was simply having nowhere we needed to be.
Swimming.
Reading.
Walking the beach.
Watching the kids make new friends.
Ordering another frozen drink.
Enjoying one more sunset.
Sometimes the best vacations aren’t packed with activities—they’re the ones that leave room to simply be together.
What I Wore
Since many of you always ask, I packed lightweight dresses, breathable cover-ups, simple one-piece swimsuits, woven accessories, and comfortable sandals.
Captiva definitely has a relaxed coastal feel, so effortless resort wear fits perfectly.
A few favorites from this trip:
- White eyelet maxi dress for dinner
- Blue one-piece swimsuit
- Crochet seashell dress
- White eyelet sundress
- Woven clutch
- Simple gold jewelry
- Neutral sandals
The New South Seas Water Park
One of the highlights of our stay—especially for the kids—was spending time at South Seas’ brand-new water park.
It strikes a great balance between excitement and relaxation. The kids loved racing down the slides, climbing through the splash structures, and cooling off under the giant tipping buckets, while Justin and I appreciated that the layout made it easy to keep an eye on everyone without feeling crowded.
What I especially liked is that it complements the resort rather than replacing the beach experience. We spent our mornings collecting shells and swimming in the Gulf, then headed to the water park during the hottest part of the afternoon before getting ready for dinner and sunset. It ended up being the perfect rhythm for our days.
If you’re traveling with younger children—or simply want a break from the sand—the water park is a fantastic addition that makes South Seas an even more appealing destination for families.
A few tips:
- Arrive early if you want the best lounge chairs.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen—there’s a mix of sun and shade, but you’ll definitely spend time in the water.
- Plan to alternate between the beach and the water park to experience the best of both worlds.
Is South Seas Worth It?
For us, absolutely.
What we loved most:
✔ Beautiful white-sand beaches
✔ Incredible sunsets every evening
✔ Family-friendly without feeling overwhelming
✔ Spacious resort with plenty to do
✔ Great dining nearby
✔ Easy to completely unplug
It’s the kind of place where everyone—from little kids to parents—finds their own version of vacation.
And judging by how many times the girls have already asked when we’re going back…
I’d say Captiva officially has our hearts.
Planning Your Own Captiva Getaway?
If you’re thinking about visiting, I’d recommend:
- Stay at least 4–5 nights so you can truly relax.
- Book a Captiva Cruises excursion early in your trip.
- Visit The Bubble Room (and save room for cake!).
- Plan for at least one sunset on the beach—you won’t regret it.
- Bring a shell bag and keep an eye out for sand dollars and other treasures during morning beach walks.
Have you been to Captiva Island? I’d love to hear your favorite spots or recommendations in the comments below! 🌴☀️
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