'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

The honest review

'Tween Waters Island Resort has been part of Captiva's landscape long enough that its buildings have developed genuine character — which is a polite way of saying that some of the historic cottages show their age. That honesty matters for families choosing between a polished modern resort and a place that trades on atmosphere, outdoor access, and staff warmth over pristine finishes.

The location is the resort's single biggest asset. 'Tween Waters sits at the narrowest stretch of Captiva Island, with the Gulf of Mexico on the west and Pine Island Sound on the east — a genuinely rare dual-waterfront position. That means a family can kayak into the mangroves on the Sound side in the morning, then spend the afternoon on the Gulf beach. The resort provides complimentary kayaks and bicycles, which is a real differentiator at these prices; equivalent rentals from third-party outfitters nearby typically cost $35–$60 per day per vessel. For families with older kids and teens who want to explore rather than sit poolside, 'Tween Waters gives better value than it first appears.

The marina adds another layer of activity. Families can rent boats for independent exploration of Pine Island Sound, book parasailing, rent waverunners, or sign up for guided eco-tours that take kids out to observe bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills in their habitat. These guided experiences are consistently praised in guest reviews and give 'Tween Waters a nature-immersion quality that a more amenity-heavy resort can't replicate.

The pool situation is honest: there are two outdoor pools including an Olympic-size lap pool and a separate children's wading pool, plus a quieter Serenity Pool and hot tubs. This is sufficient for most families but won't satisfy kids who want waterslides — for that, South Seas is the better fit. On-site dining at Old Captiva House gets solid reviews, and the overall staff culture is frequently cited by families as the reason they return year after year.

Accommodations span from standard rooms to one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages, with the cottages offering the most authentic 'Tween Waters experience. They're not lavish, but they provide kitchen or kitchenette access, more room to spread out, and the charming island-cottage aesthetic that photographs of the place suggest. Some rooms are showing age and could use updating — this is most noticeable in older cottage units. Families willing to request a recently renovated unit and who prioritize outdoor activity over resort amenity count will find 'Tween Waters a genuinely satisfying base for a Captiva trip.