We are firstime US visitors from the UK. After spending a week in Disney (july) we are off to Captiva.
We are renting or hoping too, a home on the island.
Is it better to be nearer to or further away from the Village area?
Can non guests use the golf facilities at south sea resort for a fee?
Is a screened pool needed?
What is the weather normally like? are hurricanes a real possibility?
Is the beach really good and is it suitable for a 7 yr old under supervision of course?
Thanks to all who reply
Any hints or tips really appreciated

What time of year are you going? We are renting a property on the bay 1 block from the Bubble Room (in the Village). We have stayed in Sanibel for years but last year started renting in Captiva as we enjoy more of the tropical feel.

We find staying in the Village to be more convenient and are able to walk o beach, shops and dining. Although the Village is small, it is not overcrowded with vacationers in July.

Since you are coming in July, be prepared for very hot and humid days. This is why we try and rent on the water which provides a little breeze. (Bayfront properties are less expensive than beachfront.) We have never had a screened pool and haven't had major "bug" problems which I assume is why they are so popular. In our experience no-seeums are the worst and can get through the screens!

Do't worry about hurricanes. Our first trip several years ago was in a tropical storm. Certainly added another dimension to our trip!

Please let me know if you have other questions.

Captiva's beach is REALLY GOOD! One of my favorites (I live in Tampa). Rent a cheap beach umbrella and some low plastic beach chairs and be prepared to chill. Surf fishing is popular there and your 7-year-old will indeed catch fish.

You should have no problems finding a place to rent in July. This is the low-season in Florida.

It is nice to be able to walk to the shops from your place but after a couple of days you've done it all. Captiva is tiny. But if you're not close and want to drive, parking is difficult. The best thing would be to consider renting a beach bike. This is an ideal way to get around Captiva.

I don't know about South Seas but I imagine they would offer such a service especially in the summer.

Screened (as opposed to unscreened) pool is not necessary. A pool would be nice because you can use it to cool down.

You'll have afternoon showers in the Gulf (and onshore) which sometimes wash up seaweed and other debris onto the beach. This seems to bother some people who have an idyllic vision of the beach but this does not happen in any great amount. Just a smattering of stuff on shore, and some of it is downright interesting.

This is not hurricane season, or if it is it's very unlikely. September is when we get into it here in the banana republic.

Advice: when you look for a place find out whether your rent includes bicycles, beach umbrella, chairs, pool or pool access. I've stayed on both bay and gulf sides and both have amenities (sunrise is beautiful on the bay side, sunset terrific on the gulf). If cost is a factor, choose the bayside and get those bicycles.

Have a great time at one of Florida's best beaches.

emoline,
We have rented a home i block from the bay by the bubble room also!!! it is bay jah view, what was yours called and have you been ? Do you have any tips?

Hi! We just returned from Captiva, renting the house directly across from Bay jah View! Small world! We loved the location, as we needed a large property and couldn't afford those on the gulf.

As far as places to eat, we loved Bubbble Room ( one of our favorites), Sunset Grill for breakfast (right at the pass between Sanibel and Cpativa), Island Cow and Sanibel Grill, both in Sanibel; RC Otters on Captiva, Sanibel Steakhouse and Jacaranda for "adult" night. We tried Keylime Bistro on Captiva for both breakfast and dinner and were not thrilled by any means.

We had Jensens Marina (in Captiva) take us for a boat ride to North Captiva. We are renting a house there next year. Whatever you do, get on the water! WE also went snorkeling with Captain Jack. He is listed in SunnyDay under Sanibel Cruise Lines. We have been out with him several times and always enjoyed it. He leaves from Sanibel right by the causeway.

When are you going? We really enjoy Sanibel, but have fallen in love with the tropical, laid-back feel of Captiva. From your property, you can generally walk anywhere. I enjoyed early morning walks, looking at the new construction popping up. Also nice to walk around South Seas. I don't think we would want to stay there but still worth a walk.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions. Have a great vacation!