The 5 Best Captiva Island Resorts on the Beach | Right on the Sand
We found the best Captiva Island resorts on the beach that sit directly on the sand so that you can enjoy your vacation with front row seats to the finest beach in Florida.
Captiva Island is famous for offering its mix of relaxation, comfort, and that unmistakable island energy.
Therefore, many travelers start their search for the top resorts on the oceanfront, but realize that not every property sits directly on the beach.
So, we analyzed every option and found beach resorts on Captiva Island that are right by the shore, with sandy pathways leading to clear blue waves so that you get the real deal.
We also made sure to find options for every price point so that you can find the right fit for your budget.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best Captiva Island resorts, we sifted through guest ratings (Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia), real experiences, and what each location brings to the table in terms of beachfront access, pools, dining options, and overall atmosphere.
In other words, the list here is based on actual quality, not just hype. It is also cross-checked to make sure the properties here are close to the beach and not a few blocks away.
Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
The 5 Best Captiva Island Resorts on the Beach
5. South Seas – Best-Seller
Google Reviews Score: 4.2 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Nearly 330 acres of island property featuring over two miles of pristine beaches
- Several pools, a full-service marina, and tons of water activities
- Family-friendly, with multiple restaurants and kid-friendly entertainment
The South Seas resort offers the ultimate blend of seclusion and activity, offering plenty of space to roam while still packing in a lot of things to do.
In fact, this resort tends to be popular for a reason—it sits directly on an absolutely massive stretch of beachfront, which means guests never really feel cramped for space and can enjoy the beach right outside their rooms.
The accommodations range from cozy hotel-style rooms to villas that feel more like private getaways.
Meanwhile, dining options cover everything from easy grab-and-go bites to full-on seafood feasts. On the other hand, the pools, including one that practically feels like a water park, are often just as much of a draw as the ocean itself.
If you’re looking for a Captiva Island beach resort where you can easily switch between adventure and total relaxation, this might be a solid choice.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Captiva Island Inn
Google Reviews Score: 4.2 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Boutique-style resort with charming, colorful beach cottages
- Just a short stroll from both the beach and the village area’s shops and restaurants
- Homemade breakfast included every morning
If you’re looking for a beach front resort with character, this one might just win you over.
The Captiva Island Inn isn’t about massive pools or sprawling grounds. Instead, it offers that classic, old-Florida vibe, with adorable cottages that are just a stone’s throw from the beach.
In the meantime, you won’t have to go far for food—breakfast is included, and you’re right near some of the best local restaurants on the island.
The beach is practically in your backyard, and with a few steps, you’ll be on some of the softest sand around.
In a way, it’s a bit like staying in someone’s beach house rather than a traditional resort. That being said, if you love smaller spots that still have a fantastic location, this is one of the top beach resorts Captiva Island has to offer.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Google Reviews Score: 4.4 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Technically located on Sanibel Island, but very close to Captiva
- Multiple pools, plus a spa and fitness center
- Direct beachfront access with some of the best shelling opportunities
Technically, the Sundial Beach Resort isn’t on Captiva, but it’s very close by on neighboring Sanibel Island.
We had to include it on this list of the best Captiva Island resorts on the beach since this popular resort tends to offer a bit more in terms of full-service amenities compared to some of the smaller beach resorts Captiva Island has, all while being truly directly on the beachfront.
The spa and fitness center make it easy to balance relaxation with staying active, while the on-site restaurants serve up some truly delicious seafood.
Meanwhile, the multiple pools are well-maintained and spaced out enough to never feel overcrowded.
If you love the idea of being right by the ocean with everything you need within reach, this place could be the right fit.
2. Island Inn – Most Affordable
Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- More budget-friendly than many other options
- Uninterrupted beachfront access with some of the most breathtaking sunset views
- Originally built in 1895, maintaining its historic charm while offering updated modern conveniences
The Island Inn is another resort that is on nearby Sanibel Island, but we had to include it as this property has played an important part of the whole area’s history.
Built in 1895, the Island Inn feels like stepping into a simpler, slower-paced version of Florida, yet with just enough modern comforts to keep things convenient.
The resort tends to cater to those who prefer a quieter stay, where the sounds of waves rolling onto the shore replace the buzz of busy crowds.
Accommodations range from traditional guest rooms to larger suites and cottages, many of which come with private balconies or patios that face the ocean.
Meanwhile, the beach sits right outside your room and is easily one of the resort’s biggest draws. The shoreline is perfect for long walks, beachcombing, or taking in those stunning, golden-hued sunsets that the Gulf Coast is famous for.
While Island Inn doesn’t have the sprawling, full-service amenities that some of the pricier Captiva Island beach resorts offer, it makes up for it with its incredible location and relaxed atmosphere.
The on-site restaurant, Traditions on the Beach, serves up fresh seafood in an elegant yet welcoming setting.
It’s also very close to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can explore untouched coastal ecosystems, kayak through mangroves, or spot rare birds.
Its affordable price and high rating make the Island Inn one of the best deals among all Captiva Island beach resorts.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa – Top Overall
Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Over 13 acres of beautiful beachfront and bayfront property, offering two unique waterfront experiences
- Award-winning spa, several heated pools, and a full range of on-site watersports
- Multiple dining options, including a lively seafood grill with fresh local catches and craft cocktails
We think that ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is the best beach resort Captiva Island has to offer.
The location is pretty much unbeatable. The property stretches across 13 acres, sitting perfectly between the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. This means you’re not just getting a beachfront stay—you’re getting a waterfront experience on both sides.
The beach itself is wide, soft, and full of seashells, perfect for leisurely morning walks or unwinding with a drink in the evening.
In terms of accommodations, there’s something for everyone. You’ve got standard guest rooms that still feel upscale, larger suites with more space for families, and private cottages that feel more like vacation homes than hotel rooms, with many of the rooms offer balconies with direct ocean or bay views.
There’s also multiple pools on-site – a huge Olympic-sized pool for those who want to swim some real laps, a family-friendly pool with a more lively vibe, and a smaller adults-only pool for those who just want to kick back in peace. Add in the on-site spa, and you’ve got an easy recipe for relaxation.
Dining here is also a step above your typical resort food. The Crow’s Nest Bar & Grille is the go-to spot for fresh seafood and live music, while Old Captiva House offers a more refined dining experience with a historic twist.
Additionally, you can rent kayaks and paddle through the bay, go fishing right off the dock, or even take a guided boat tour to see dolphins playing in the water. If you’re looking for a place that blends relaxation with adventure, ‘Tween Waters could be the ultimate choice.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
