Pool day pass

Question

Hi! My family is visiting Captiva in a week and we’re wondering if anyone has recs for pools that offer day passes on either Captiva or Sanibel? We have two little kids and would love to get a little pool play time along with beach combing. Thank you!

Answer

Captiva and neighboring Sanibel offer several resorts and clubs that provide day passes for pools, which can be perfect for families looking to enjoy a little pool time along with the beaches. While most accommodations are resort-based, some allow non-guests to purchase day passes for their pools and facilities.

Here are some options for pool day passes in the area:

South Seas Island Resort (Captiva): This is the largest resort on Captiva. They offer day passes that give access to their pool complex, which includes a kids’ pool and family-friendly areas. The pass usually includes beach access as well, making it easy to combine pool and sand activities.
Tween Waters Inn (Captiva): A historic and family-friendly resort offering limited day passes. Their pool is smaller than South Seas, but still enjoyable for young kids. Check ahead for availability as day passes can sell out quickly.
Sanibel Island Beach Resort Clubs: Some smaller resorts and beach clubs on Sanibel, like Sundial Beach Resort, occasionally offer day passes for pool access. This is ideal if you are planning to cross the causeway to Sanibel for the day.

Additional tips for planning your pool day:

Call ahead: Not all resorts always offer day passes, and some may require reservations, especially during spring break or peak travel times.
Check inclusions: Some day passes may include amenities like lounge chairs, towels, and beach access, while others may charge extra for these.
Arrive early: Pools can get busy, particularly at South Seas, so arriving early will help secure a spot.

In summary, the best bet for families with kids is South Seas Island Resort for its large pool complex and kid-friendly amenities. Tween Waters Inn is a cozier option if you want a quieter setting, and some Sanibel resorts may be worth exploring if you want to combine beach and pool time in a single day. Calling ahead is key to ensure day-pass availability.