TO DO
We provide most of what you need and can help arrange the extras
CAPTIVA ISLAND FLORIDA
From tennis matches and poolside gatherings on the estate grounds to paddles through the mangroves and hours blissfully spent on spectacular beaches, the “to-do” list at Sea Oats is full of options for every guest.
Whether it’s rest and relaxation or adventure filled days, this Captiva Island estate, is the ideal destination. Bask in the quiet mornings watching the sunrise on the dock to evenings with the family around the fire. Learn more about activities, tours, and other adventures at Sea Oats Luxury Estate.
FISHING
Sea Oats offers complimentary fishing poles, tackle, bait boxes, nets, and a variety of fishing locations for the angler in you. From the beach, guests can cast their lines to catch snook, sea trout, whiting, sheepshead, flounder, mackerel, and pompano. Off the dock, anglers have the chance of catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and many other species. Get ready to enjoy your catch of the day at Sea Oats with our freshwater cleaning station.
KAYAKING
As a Sea Oats guest, one week stays include open-top kayaks, singles, or tandems, which can accommodate up to two adults and a child. Looking for more adventure? Try one of paddleboards as you explore the bay. Our equipment is in new condition and stored indoors, and we have plenty of clean life vests in an assortment of sizes. Our favorite outing is a paddle down to the lagoon or hurricane hole on Buck Key. For those who are unfamiliar, hurricane holes are locations where boats can take shelter from the brunt of hurricanes. Ours has high freshwater content, and the entrance is hidden so we provide a map and directions. Once you’re in, you can explore the lagoon and return home or take the mangrove trail, which feels like you’re immersed in a rainforest. The trail is dotted with small shell mounds leftover from the Calusa tribes who inhabited what is now Buck Key.
THE BEACH
Sea Oats offers all of the beach day essentials you’ll need. From chairs and loungers to beach umbrellas, coolers, a beach cart, sand toys, boogie boards, and more are also available for your use. Best of all, enjoy some peace and quiet on our beach, as we are more than a mile from the nearest public beach access. Guests can take walks on the beach and have lunch at a nearby restaurant or bring their own. For those who prefer not to get sand between their toes, we also have loungers available on the dock. You will notice some areas on the beach that are roped off, which often means there are sea turtle nests marked off for their protection. Sanibel and Captiva are two of the most desirable hatching locations for sea turtles in North America.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD
Explore the expansive waters of the bay on our stand up paddleboards, easy to use fiberglass boards that are stable and lightweight. Go for a paddle in our backyard or launch from the beach. Our area is great for paddleboarders, offering protected estuaries so that there is no worry about surf or boat wakes. Connect with our concierge to choose your route depending on personal ability.
TENNIS & PICKLEBALL
Enjoy a game of tennis anytime during the day or into the night on our lighted court. We have adult and kids’ racquets on hand, free of charge. We also offer a complimentary sleeve of new balls for the best in-game experience possible. There is seating around the court for spectators. Our personal favorite is a late-night game of tennis ⎯ always exhilarating. If you’re looking to take your game up a notch or are just beginners looking to learn, we have preferred pros (former tour and/collegiate players) who will help you fine-tune your game at a very reasonable price. The court can also be conveniently converted to pickleball. Racquets, balls, and equipment are located in the home’s stocked garage.
POOLSIDE LOUNGING
Returning back to the estate from the beach in the afternoon, fire up the barbeque or settle in for the chef’s grilled masterpieces. A cocktail awaits at the fully stocked poolside outdoor bar. Coordinate curated experiences with our concierge like a luxe poolside wine tasting in the evening.
The unique “U” shape of Sea Oats’ estate surrounds the pool and protects it from the elements during winter months. Enjoy the opulent pool year round or relax poolside on loungers, outdoor sofas, and chairs for your comfort. Ample beach towels, pool toys, and floaties are available for use, and a convenient poolside shower and bathroom make it easy to spend days outside. Up for a little competition? Play poolside ping pong for added entertainment.
FISHING TOURS + BOAT TOURS
We are happy to arrange a fishing and/or boat tour for you and your group. Depending on the size of your group, in most cases we can arrange for you to be picked up at our dock. You will spend most of your time in Pine Island Sound’s protected waters, there are no large waves. As a bit of added fun for guests of all ages, it is quite common to encounter pods of dolphins in the sound who like to chase the boat wakes. You can also speak directly with your captain about stopping for lunch at Barnacle Phil’s on North Captiva or a favorite, Cabbage Key, which is rumored to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett’s Cheeseburger in Paradise. Behind the bar you can see pictures of the young Mr. Buffett.
UNIQUE TOURS
If you have a specific event or tour in mind, we’re happy to help you arrange something unique. Spring Baseball Training? No problem. We have relationships with the front offices for the Twins and Red Sox and can arrange for tickets and transportation to and from the game. If you prefer nature outings, we can provide a private or group tour of the Everglades with transportation. Maybe you’re looking for a shopping tour of the outlets and dining on the water… our experienced team is happy to offer concierge services.
NATURE WATCHING
Sea Oats’ location overlooking Buck Key is perfect for viewing all of the area’s beautiful wildlife and flora. Depending on the time of year you can watch dolphins swimming nearby, manatees hanging out by the dock, and an occasional sea turtle sunning itself at low tide. The islands are also home to many beautiful birds, including roseate spoonbills (which are often mistaken for flamingos), ospreys, eagles, herons, egrets, pelicans, and many, many others. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening drink while watching this incredible show.
SHELLING
Sanibel and Captiva are known for some of the best shelling in North America. Sanibel, because of its east-west orientation and low shelf, is phenomenal. Our concierge will direct you to the best locations, shelling success secrets – or point you in the direction of the best shell shops in town.
SHOPPING
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are home to numerous boutiques and shopping plazas, as chain stores are limited. If national chain retailers are desired there is also outlet shopping off the island, with one outlet immediately off Sanibel and another approximately 40 minutes away. To help optimize your time we can assist you in hiring a personal shopper to guide you through the many options.
GOLF
While Sea Oats doesn’t have its own golf course, we would be more than happy to arrange a game for you nearby. Sanibel Island is home to three courses and Captiva has one of its own. Our staff is happy to help arrange a tee time if desired.
BASKETBALL
Sea Oats has its own lighted half court for you and your group to enjoy a game of hoops. Balls included, of course.
VOLLEYBALL
Simply set up the net on the beach for a fun group game of volleyball.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Sea Oats offers an assortment of sports equipment that includes, but is not limited to, badminton, Pro Kadima, soccer balls, bouncy balls, cornhole toss, ping pong, and more.
Sea Oats
WHAT TO SEE
Captiva and Sanibel Islands are known for their natural beauty and dedication to land and environmental preservation. Almost two-thirds of Sanibel is undeveloped, with the majority of that being refuge lands. You will not find high-rises on either island, nor will you find traffic lights. Low key island nights offer live music at a few local restaurants.
J.N. DING DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States and is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.
BAILEYS-MATTHEWS SHELL MUSEUM
Now in its 20th year, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island is the only museum in the United States that is solely devoted to shells and mollusks.
CLINIC FOR REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE (CROW)
For more than four decades, CROW has cared for sick and injured wildlife in the area. After rehabilitating the animals, CROW releases them back into the wild. Visitors can tour the 4,800-square-foot wildlife hospital and facility to see some of the great work they do for local animals.
THE EVERGLADES
For an unmatched wildlife experience, visit Everglades National Park. Offering a variety of sawgrass prairies, tropical hardwood hammocks and pinelands, swamps, and Florida Bay and Gulf Coast estuaries spanning 1.5 million acres, the Everglades are an ecosystem like no other.
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS
Enjoy shopping, dining, and music in the River District of Fort Myers.
THE FORD EDISON WINTER ESTATES
For visitors to Fort Myers, the winter estates of these two great inventors are an interesting must-see. Take a tour of the gardens, laboratories, homes, and more.
