South-Seas Island Resort, the name says it all. It has a nice, tropical ring, is definitely “island-style” and once you arrive, there’s really no reason to leave as it has everything you’ll need for a short getaway or a longer sojourn.
Located at the very northern tip of spectacular Captiva Island, the resort is surrounded by the tranquil Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Pine Island Sound and is a designated 330-acre wildlife sanctuary sporting 2.5 miles of pristine white sandy beach. This is one of those “can’t miss” destinations you really must place high on your cruising and/or vacation list.
No need to sell what locals refer to as The Plantation. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find aside from peace, tranquility and the ultimate in relaxation:
• Villa, condominium, cottage and private home rentals, many with Gulf and Sound views
• Two marinas, Yacht Haven and Bayside
• Restaurants offering everything from fine dining to casual poolside fare, ice cream and pizza, Bar-B-Que and “Better Burgers,” salads, spirits and sandwiches
• Shopping – Designer adult and children’s clothes, unique gifts and souvenirs, a kid’s boutique, swimwear, an outfitter, shoes, flowers and two art galleries featuring creations by local artists.
• The Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa & Salon – can’t you feel the stress oozing from your body?
• Two main pools
• An Eco-Paintball Park
• Bike, golf cart and boat rentals
• Guided kayak tours
• Three executive golf courses
• A complete fitness center
• Tennis complex
• Some of the best shelling on the west coast of Florida
We like to arrive by boat and there’s two ways to do it depending on the vagaries of the weather.
The “Inside” Approach:
Take the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) south and head west at markers 39 & 40, which mark the entrance to Yacht Haven’s private channel.
The “Outside” Approach:
From the Gulf of Mexico, head east through Redfish Pass at the northern tip of Captiva Island. Three sea buoys mark the channel and lead you through the pass: Buoy #1 (green) is one-mile offshore at 26 33 16N 82 12 78W.
Buoy #4 (red) is at 26 33 17N 82 12 425W
Buoy #5 (green) is at 26 33 28N 82 12 156W
Once you’re through the pass, keep close to the shoreline around the back side of Captiva Island for the deepest water and keep to the west of the No Wake/Manatee Zone sign. Pass the T-Dock and marker 20 and take a right into the harbor entrance. The Harbour Master’s office and fuel docks are located at the ends of the D&E docks. The Dockmaster monitors VHF Ch 16 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Driving:
From I-75, take exit 131 (Daniels Parkway) 4.5 miles and go left on SR 865 (Six Mile Cypress). Then another 4.5 miles and a left onto Summerlin Rd./SR 869, then 8 miles and over the Sanibel-Captiva Causeway and toll booth. In three miles take a right on Periwinkle Way and go 2.5 miles before taking a right on Palm Ridge Road, .5 miles and through the four-way stop and onto Sanibel-Captiva Road. In 7 miles cross a small bridge where the road name changes to Captiva Road and then a final 3.5 miles to the entrance of the resort.
You’re guaranteed a fabulous, memory-filled stay at the resort. Call them at 866-565-5089 or visit their website at www.southseas.com for reservations and a wealth of additional information.
And as always, we wish you safe boating.