Gorgeous location on beach, large home, nice outdoor areas

Sara S. ()
Review submitted: April 25, 2013   Date of arrival: April 6, 2013

We stayed at Seawatch in Spring 2013. We have stayed on N. Captiva Island before, and this is the first time we choose a location on the water. The location is certainly the beauty of this house. The beach is large and sandy, with lots of shells, and a nice big dock. We took the Island Girl water taxi right to the Seawatch dock, which was so easy, especially when you are bringing a week's worth of food in coolers, plus luggage, etc. We also enjoyed the Safety Harbor Club pool and beach. Swimming was fine right in front of Seawatch, however watch for strong currents depending on the tides. Also loved the 2 sea kayaks at Seawatch, we took them to Costa Cayo nearby and saw dolphins, rays, sea turtles from the kayaks. Jeffrey, the owner, was responsive to e-mails and easy to reach by phone. We had a problem with the golf carts - neither was working - and Jeffrey promised they'd be repaired quickly. For a couple days, we had no golf cart, which was disappointing. By Tuesday we had a working cart, later that week a brand new cart arrived, which future renters will appreciate. I would recommend that you make sure the second cart is in good repair before paying $275 a week to rent it (Jeffrey refunded our payment for the second cart rental), or just rent one from Safety Harbor Club which you can be sure will be in good shape. Another issue we had was with the master bedroom - the listing says King bed and Queen bed in bedroom 1 - but actually it's a King bed and a dated pullout sofa. Like most any sofa bed, it has a thin mattress and sags under adult weight. It was OK for kids, but would probably not be acceptable for an adult couple. The worst part was we saw many big cockroaches in baths and kitchen. While I understand it is a tropical climate, this was not our first stay on Captiva but it is our first time noticing roaches. I notified the owner of this problem. The listing states "library" - there's a small collection of odd books and many VHS tapes, a few DVDs. Some furnishings are a bit tired and the media center is falling apart and listing to the left. The stair railings are wobbly. The dryer timer is broken - you have to remember to turn it off yourself as it will not automatically turn off - don't forget to do this, or risk a fire. There are only 2 wine glasses in the kitchen. Overall, it was attractively priced and the location was gorgeous, but "Finest Beach Home" is overstated. You get what you pay for, and the beach is wonderful!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Everything was tip-top!

David R. (Seattle, WA)
Review submitted: September 21, 2012   Date of arrival: September 1, 2012

We had a fabulous time this past week at Seawatch. Everything was tip-top! It was great to get away to relax and the only decision you have to make is what to have for dinner and where to watch the sunset. You will definitely be hearing from us in the future when we can escape back down to North Captiva.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 3

Wow, what a time we had!

Steve Woods (Stuart, Florida, USA)
Review submitted: September 13, 2012   Date of arrival: June 2, 2012

Our grand kids never stopped fishing, shelling, crabbing, and just beach combing for the entire week. They had the time of their lives. As for the adults, we really enjoyed the entire experience. Peace and tranquility as well as the all the benefits of the infrastructure of North Captiva Island. I especially thought that watching the sun come up over the waters of the bay every morning, was nothing short of spectacular. What a wonderful and moving way to begin your day. We will definitely consider "Seawatch" for our future vacation plans!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

The advertisement of the property accurately reflected the property and its amenities.

Shirley (Lakeland, Florida)
Review submitted: July 1, 2012   Date of arrival: June 23, 2012

The Seawatch house was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was perfect for our family of 10. The house was spacious, well-equiped, and was a perfect distance from the beach, fishing, and the mainland. The owner was very patient and helpful answering my many questions in preparation for our trip (I called him several times). Bob's Island, a combination of golf cart rental, restaurant, and bait store, was a necessity, and the people there were wonderful. The only thing I would like to change about our vacation at Seawatch next year is that I will plan for two weeks rather than one!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Great vacation!

Mike (MA)
Review submitted: March 14, 2012   Date of arrival: February 18, 2012

A wonderful place to spend a relaxing week. Even my 4 children loved the house and island. Everything was terrific and we will be back. Jeff, the owner, was responsive and made the experience easy and had all the amenities ready for us to enjoy. Fishing ( right from the dock ) was incredible and the wild life beautiful. Thanks again, Jeff for a fantastic vacation!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

A Real Vacation

browneyedgirl (Rhode Island)
Review submitted: March 5, 2012   Date of arrival: November 5, 2011

We have never taken a vacation this wonderful! This huge house has everything you could want or need.
The gorgeous views from the minute we walked in, we were in AWE...The turquoise water, the marine life you can see everything right from the fishing dock. We went home totally rejuvenated. We will be looking forward to our return to SEA WATCH next year.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

So Beautiful

GINA (Roanoke)
Review submitted: February 28, 2012   Date of arrival: October 8, 2011

My family stayed at Sea Watch last Fall, We had the best time. Seawatch is such a modern home with wall to wall luxury. So peaceful too. We could see the ocean from every room it was wonderful.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 2

Such Beauty Everywhere!

joey (Connecticut)
Review submitted: February 21, 2012   Date of arrival: October 22, 2011

As soon as we arrived at SeaWatch I was in Awe of the beauty all around us. Not only outdoors but the house was amazing. I have rented other homes on the Beach, but nothing holds even a candle to this home. We could see the ocean from anywhere in the house! The house was extremely clean and well kept. My family and I agree that this vacation at SeaWatch goes down as the best vacation ever!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 3

A little piece of heaven for a week!

browneyedgirl (Rhode Island)
Review submitted: February 21, 2012   Date of arrival: February 12, 2012

We loved every minute of our time here at SEAWATCH. My husband and I spent valentines week on the Island. We noticed a lot of the other homes didn't offer the privacy and unobstructed views that SeaWatch offers. This house and the amenities made for a perfect romantic vacation. We can't wait to go back.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

Absolutely Breath Taking

Joe (Mass)
Review submitted: February 10, 2012   Date of arrival: January 7, 2012

10

I stayed at Seawatch in January of this year and it was absolutely amazing. One of the best vacations I have ever had. It was the first time in many years that I had a chance to actually fully relax and let go of all the hecticness that is involved with day to day activities. I actually got to sit back and take in all that life really does have to offer. The closeness to nature I felt was second to none. On first arrival I was blessed to watch a pair of dolphins swim about 30 feet from the dock. Walking the beaches without a crowd was such a treat and after exploring the island a bit and seeing the other houses I was sure that I had made the right choice by staying at Seawatch.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

Tacky Florida dump

Mike (Jacksonville fl.)
Review submitted: January 25, 2012   Date of arrival: January 14, 2012

Where should I start. First off we tried to open the sliding glass doors that overlook the bay but they were locked by the owner and we didn't have a key. The golf cart didn't work. The Internet didn't work. Worst of all when we used the upstairs bath tub it leaked through the kitchen ceiling while we were cooking dinner. Yes disgusting!!! When the owner was informed he not only did nothing to remedy the problems he hung up on me. Definitely not worth the price. I suggest staying anywhere else.

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Helpful votes: 15 / 18

Christmas in paradise

Beverly (Barrington Hills, Illinois)
Review submitted: January 21, 2012   Date of arrival: December 17, 2010

Our Christmas vacation with our entire family, all nine of us, was wonderful in every way. The location of the house couldn't be better for nature watching and just chilling out. It was quiet, peaceful and private. The beach, kayaks, golf carts, and lovely house was more than we anticipated. The owner was very helpful, quickly dealing with any small issues that we had. I would recommend this house tp anyone wanting a Gilligan's Island vacation.


The Watts' ----Barrington Hills, Illinois

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, sight seeing, tourists without a car

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Helpful votes: 3 / 4

Great Family Vacation

Family (Nashville, TN)
Review submitted: August 17, 2011   Date of arrival: July 30, 2011

Our stay at Seawatch was delightful. We saw manatee, dolphin, sea turtles, land tortoises, star fish, sea urchin, ray, osprey and more. The utterly amazing thing is that all this wildlife is viewed from Seawatches stellar dock or 360 degree all glass main living area. The house had everything anyone could need. Our party included (2) Grandparents (4) adult children and (1) grandchild. We had a fabulous vacation.

Recommended for: families with young children, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 4

Most Amazing Vacaion Ever

Tracey (Cape Coral, FL)
Review submitted: January 4, 2011   Date of arrival: August 7, 2010

This was the most amazing vacation ever. The house was absolutely beautiful. We would watch the dolphins frolicking in front of the dock while we were upstairs having breakfast! This is truely a unique getaway. There is something on this island for every one. We had our 4 year old grandson who never got bored. I put my chair down on the beach, and he would play for hours. He was either jumping off the dock into the water, or collecting shells along the beach. Of course, we couldn't forget to build the ultimate sandcastle. As for the adults, the Safety Harbor Club pool is just what the doctor ordered after a long day of either fishing or relaxing at the beach. The down stairs patio seemed to be the gathering place for our group. The only time we were in the house was at meal time and to sleep. I would definitely recommend staying at the Seawatch to anyone that is interested. The owner is very accommodating and the house is always clean and fresh. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you could possibly need. We have been staying at the Seawatch twice a year for the last four years and can not wait for our next vacation there. Can not say enough about this wonderful home. Thanks for the memories Jeff!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 3

Review submitted: August 21, 2010   Date of arrival: July 18, 2010

We had the very best family vacation ever! The house was great; the view over the bay was fantastic. Also the fishing off the dock could not be better; as a mater of fact our youngest grandson caught his first fish while we were there. The house was fresh and clean when we arrived so thanks to the folks who maintain Seawatch for you.

Thanks for allowing us to stay at your beautiful home.

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

"Paradise"

Sonia (Spartanburg, SC USA)
Review submitted: August 7, 2010   Date of arrival: July 10, 2010

After finding "Seawatch" on the internet, I contacted her owner. Throughout our talks with the owner, Jeff, and manager, Tracey, we were treated with the utmost respect and honesty. Everything he promised, he provided.
The chartered boat ride to the island provided a beautiful scenic view of the lovely natural habitat that we were about to witness firsthand. Upon disembarking at our landing, we had our golf cart along with a huge trailer awaiting us. We also had another golf cart that Tracey, Jeff's manager, arranged for us to use for a fee.
We rode past a grass airstrip and saw a house that had a fence that rolled back so the airplane could roll right into the garage! WOW! We turned down our road and a few houses down turned into "Seawatch."
It was so lovely, with the palm trees hanging down, the charm of the house bewitched us. Then we went inside! Beautiful, but not in a stuffy don't sit on the furniture kind of way. Comfortable, and the view from the floor to ceiling windows in the great room just doesn't get any better that I know. Each room had charm, like the nice screened porch off the master bedroom upstairs had several chairs facing the ocean and my mom loved it up there because she doesn't like sitting in the sun but could still watch the ocean. The bathrooms were really nice, and there was plenty of privacy as there were eleven of us. Family! The dock at our house was awesome! We fished, especially the men and children, and used the nets to catch things like a starfish! We saw dolphins, stingrays, big fish, and lots of beauty. Every day we watched people fishing, in boats, coming over near our dock, and we were like this must be the fishing place! Well my dad took my husband, brother-in-law and nephew fishing on a private charter and was told we had the best fishing spot on the island!!
My ten year old nephew summed it up pretty well one evening when we were standing on the dock fishing,he said,"Man, this is the BEST vacation of my life!!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 4 / 5

Wonderful Stay

Steve Ft. Myers (Ft. Myers, FL)
Review submitted: June 10, 2010   Date of arrival: May 29, 2010

Beautiful house, beautiful view. A wonderful family vacation!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

Fabulous family vacation.

Judy and Don B. (Arab, Alabama)
Review submitted: June 8, 2010   Date of arrival: May 22, 2010

The house was exactly as described and probably has the best loctation on the island. The fishing off the Seawatch pier is great, as a matter of fact our youngest grandson caught his first fish there. This was the first vacation we have taken as a family since our daughters were married. My wife and I were concerned whether our sons in law would enjoy a location that had no cars etc. we shouldn't have worried, they had a blast especially with the sea kayaks, fishing and the opportunity to relax and catch up on some reading.
Great vacation, we are looking forward to next year.

Best regard,
Judy and Don B.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

Burgetts

Review submitted: June 8, 2010   Date of arrival: May 22, 2010

We had the very best family vacation ever! The house was great; the view over the bay was fantastic. Also the fishing off the dock could not be better; as a matter of fact our youngest Grandson caught his first fish while we were there.

By the way, the house was fresh and clean when we arrived so thanks to the folks who maintain Seawatch for you.

Thanks for allowing us to stay at your beautiful home.

Best regards,
The Burgetts

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Helpful votes: 2 / 3

Best Vacation Ever

Joseph1980 (Amherst, MA)
Review submitted: April 10, 2010   Date of arrival: January 22, 2010

I stayed at Seawatch in January of this year and it was absolutely amazing. One of the best vacations I have ever had. It was the first time in many years that I had a chance to actually fully relax and let go of all the hecticness that is involved with day to day activities. I actually got to sit back and take in all that life really does have to offer. The closeness to nature I felt was second to none. On first arrival I was blessed to watch a pair of dolphins swim about 30 feet from the dock. Walking the beaches without a crowd was such a treat and after exploring the island a bit and seeing the other houses I was sure that I had made the right choice by staying at Seawatch. The views are spectacular and nothing else on the island seemed to have the proximity and amenities that Seawatch had to offer. I would definitely recommend this destination to anyone and will be staying again as soon as I can.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 3

Disappointing Experience in a Beautiful Property

Adam L. (Orlando, Florida)
Review submitted: April 3, 2010   Date of arrival: May 30, 2009

We stayed at the Seawatch for a week last June. The house and ammenities were perfect for our group. However, the property manager neglected to arrange garbage removal for the house, and it was filled with bugs due to floor-to-ceiling hot maggot-filled garbage in the closet under the house. We had to get the refuse out of the housee ourselves.

The 2nd golf cart broke down on the third day of our stay, and the door to the screened patio on the first floor fell off it's rusted hinges.

No attempt was made to rectify our disappointing experience by the property manager. Then, or a year later when we planned to return to the island.

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Helpful votes: 4 / 6

Beautiful Property Very Poorly Managed

Adam L. (Orlando, Florida)
Review submitted: April 3, 2010   Date of arrival: May 30, 2009

We stayed at the Seawatch for a week last June. The house and ammenities were perfect for our group. However, the property manager neglected to arrange garbage removal for the house, and it was filled with bugs due to floor-to-ceiling hot maggot-filled garbage in the closet under the house. We had to get the refuse out of the housee ourselves.

The 2nd golf cart broke down on the third day of our stay, and the door to the screened patio on the first floor fell off it's rusted hinges.

No attempt was made to rectify our disappointing experience by the property manager. Then, or a year later when we planned to return to the island.

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Helpful votes: 7 / 9

Perfect Getaway

Joseph1980 (Amherst, MA)
Review submitted: March 27, 2010   Date of arrival: January 22, 2010

I stayed at Seawatch in January of this year and it was absolutely amazing. One of the best vacations I have ever had. It was the first time in many years that I had a chance to actually fully relax and let go of all the hecticness that is involved with day to day activities. I actually got to sit back and take in all that life really does have to offer. The closeness to nature I felt was second to none. On first arrival I was blessed to watch a pair of dolphins swim about 30 feet from the dock. Walking the beaches without a crowd was such a treat and after exploring the island a bit and seeing the other houses I was sure that I had made the right choice by staying at Seawatch. The views are spectacular and nothing else on the island seemed to have the proximity and amenities that Seawatch had to offer. I would definitely recommend this destination to anyone and will be staying again as soon as I can.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 2