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The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!

Photo gallery for The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!

Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Cayo Costa, FL
  • Place, Cayo Costa Beaches
    ‪14 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Ground level half bath

Toilet

Loft bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main floor bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!

Well-equipped solar home on pristine Cayo Costa, a gorgeous boat-access-only island off the coast of Southwest Florida. (Yes, we can help you find a water taxi!) You will feel like you are a hundred miles from civilization, but with all the comforts of home. Our robust solar system provides plenty of power for all of the amenities of a typical mainland home. Enjoy the gentle island breezes on our screened lanai, while air conditioning keeps the indoors comfortable even in the hottest weather. High speed internet, perfect for video calls or streaming your favorite movies. We have an excellent well-equipped kitchen, with granite counters, a countertop icemaker, Instant Pot, air fryer, and more. There are 2 full baths, plus a 1/2 bath & laundry. Upper loft king size master bedroom, 2nd queen size main level bedroom, sleeper sofa in living room, with additional bedding available on request. Large deck surrounds 3 sides of the house and includes the screened lanai with dining table, chairs, and its own hammock. Other amenities include a privacy-enclosed outdoor shower perfect for cleaning up after the beach, a Roku, dvd collection, cell phone reception, propane grill, pool table, hammocks both on the lanai and on the ground level, kayaks, 2 electric golf carts, gear trailer, fishing cart, and boat dock.

Cayo Costa is a great place for beachcombing, kayaking, fishing, and bird, dolphin, and manatee watching. More than 95% of the island is state park, and there are plentiful gorgeous hiking opportunities. Enjoy the gorgeous beaches and nature's untouched beauty. Stunning rooftop views, 9 miles of pristine beach, and fantastic shelling.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Golf cart may be driven only by licensed drivers at least 18 years old. Cayo Costa State Park does not allow private vehicles on state park roads.
Drive slowly and with great caution. One lane road has many blind curves. You must drive slowly enough to brake in time to avoid oncoming traffic.
6 guests maximum permitted. Exceeding the 6 allowed guests will result in forfeiture of the security deposit and eviction without refund.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Captiva

Located in Captiva, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. Barbara Sumwalt Useppa Island Historical Museum and Barbara Sumwalt Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Whidden's Marina and ​Boca Grande Marina. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and ecotours.
View more Holiday homes in CaptivaOpens in a new window
Map
Cayo Costa, FL

What's nearby

  • Cayo Costa Beaches - 14 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • South Beach Bar And Grille
  • Mainstay North Captiva & Barnacles Bar
  • The Pink Elephant
  • Lazy Flamingo Bokeelia
  • Miller's Dockside

Frequently asked questions

Is The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!?

As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida! on 13 June 2026 start from NZ$756, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Sandy Seagull Hideaway, pristine Cayo Costa Island, SW Florida! located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly holiday home is 6.8 mi (11 km) from Little Gasparilla Island Beach.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Looking forward to going back. Thanks
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 April 2026
Thanks, Jason! We're looking forward to having you back, too!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jack K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dina was an ultra responsive host and clearly wanted us to have a top notch stay
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 January 2026
Thank you so much, Jack! I'm so glad you had a great time and look forward to having you visit again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great stay!

We had another wonderful stay at Sandy Seagull. Will be back again!
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2022
We're so glad you had another great visit and look forward to welcoming you back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mark a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cayo Costa

The quiet, isolation, beach, and assistance when needed where outstanding!
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 January 2023
Thank you so much. The peace and isolation are part of what I love most about the island, too. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cayo Costa 2nd trip

This was our 2nd trip staying at this home, was still wonderful! Has everything you need and the owner was very accommodating and responsive. We will be coming again!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 April 2021
Thank you, Lisa! We enjoyed having you and look forward to your return trip next year!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get away

The place was awesome the kids had a blast….. It’s like you have your own private beach!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 April 2023
Thank you, Alex! That's one thing I especially love about being here. We're so glad you and your family had a great time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terra K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding communication

Outstanding communication from host! Received responses to any questions before and during our stay almost immediately. Beautiful island. Lovely place to get away
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 January 2023
Thank you so much, Terra! We're so glad your family had a great time. You were wonderful guests and I hope you'll come back and visit again sometime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Schuyler M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

remote getaway

We wanted to get away from the crowds and this spot was absolutely perfect. While it takes a bit more planning since you can't just run out to the store or restaurant, it is so worth it. The island was enchanting and the house just right with everything we needed. We'll be back!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2024
Thank you so much, Schuyler! We're so glad that you and your family enjoyed your visit and look forward to having you back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wondering stay at the Sandy Seagull

This was our first time staying in a rental house on Cayo Costa. In the past we've always camped. What a wonderful stay we had! Staying in the house on the quiet island offered all of the seclusion and peacefulness of camping and all of the amenities and comfort of a home! Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes the seclusion and freshness of an island that truly captures one of the last places to experience the natural Florida landscape and feel.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 February 2022
Thank you so much, Gary! That's exactly how I feel about the island, too. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Off-Grid Paradise

What a beautiful home and island! Our family of 4 spent a magical week on Cayo Costa. My kids enjoyed fishing, shelling, playing in the sand, swimming, and spotting Florida wildlife. The Sandy Seagull has all the comforts of home while being completely off-grid. Dina was an excellent host. She was quick to answer all of my questions and had so many tips that helped us prepare for our trip. This was the perfect trip for our family, and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 May 2023
Thank you so much, Sarah! You and your family were wonderful and we'd absolutely love to have you come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden treasure!

The house, island, and experience was everything I could ask for! All my stress seemed to melt away when we arrived. The only complaint I have is that we didn’t stay long enough! We will definitely be back and for longer next time. The owners and property manager were so responsive and helpful it made planning for the trip easy! We can’t wait to return! The Schneiders. 12/2021
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 December 2021
Thank you so much, Kathleen! I always feel the same way about the island -- no matter how long we stay, it is never long enough! We hope you will be able to visit again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun getaway

Our family had such a great time staying here. Dina was great at communicating throughout the entire week for any questions we had. The house was very clean and comfortable. The kitchen was stocked with everything you need to cook. The heated outdoor shower was so nice, we didn’t even use the ones inside. We brought thermacells with us for the bugs, and so they weren’t too bad. I would definitely stay here again...it was so nice to get away from people and everyday life. Thank you for everything Dina!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 5 December 2020
Thank you so much, Laura. We really love that outdoor shower, too. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay and we hope to welcome you again sometime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful vacation away from it all!

Wow! We had such a wonderful time during our stay at the Sandy Seagull! The house was beautiful and stocked with everything we needed to enjoy the island. We spent a lot of time at the beach collecting shells by the hundreds, kayaked, hiked at the state park and watched the stars from the roof at night. All of the beds, even the sofa sleeper, were very comfortable! The kitchen had everything we needed to prepare all of our meals. This vacation was unlike any other and one we will not soon forget. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and this island with our family!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2021
Thank you so much, Jamie! The island really is like no other place on earth. I'm so glad you had a great time. You and your family were wonderful guests and I hope you will come back again sometime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent property

House was very well organized and equipped for an island stay. Lots of amenities and all were in excellent working shape. Kitchen was equipped very well for cooking. Best knives we have ever had and non stick pans were excellent. We loved the master bedroom. The ice maker kept up with our drinking! We will be back. Hot tub was too hot to get in after sunny day. Probably should have found a way to turn temp down a bit.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 December 2021
Thank you so much, John! I do try very hard to keep the house well supplied for visitors with everything I would want there for my own family. We very much look forward to having you visit again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect home for a week in paradise

The entire experience at Cayo Costa was something my family and I will NEVER forget. We are a family of 5 with kids ranging 7-13. Through the reservation process Dina was incredibly responsive and very helpful answering any questions we had. Jill, the property manager on-island, was a dream as well. Super responsive and helpful throughout the week. The house was clean, comfortable and exactly what we needed. The screened in porch was a favorite for night games and dinner. I was a little worried when we booked about the Solar Power situation, but we had zero issues - hot water all the time, ability to run lights, etc. In fact, really no difference from typical house. There was plenty of everything - paper towels, toiletpaper, sheets, pillows, towels, beach towels, sandtoys, chairs, kayaks, coolers. This made packing SO much easier. We loved watching sunrise and sunset on the roof. I realize I'm rambling, but I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about the whole trip. We will DEFINITELY go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 January 2021
Thank you so much, Carolyn! I so much enjoyed talking to you before your visit, and we do try very hard to keep the house well supplied for visitors with everything I would want there for my own family. The roof is so perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets, and we love to go up to gaze at the stars at night, too. We were so very glad to have you and your family as our guests and very much look forward to having you visit again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michele p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great get away

We had a great time with perfect weather. We were able to swim and paddle board each day and even had dolphins swim under us! The house is very nice, we played pool each night. We used the kayaks to fish the backwaters and also fished the lagoon and beach. The lagoon was closed off this year but the peninsula was showing so we could walk way out for some great shelling. We visited the camp store at the state park every other day to get Klondike bars. We saw multiple tortoises on these excursions. Dina has answered all my questions before we left and Jill answered questions while we were on the island. Overall, great family time! We can’t wait for next year.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2022
Thank you so much, Michele! I loved meeting you and your family and look forward to having you back to visit again next spring!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family getaway

Loved our week “off the grid”
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2022
Thank you, Kim! We're glad you and your family enjoyed your visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

We loved our stay! Dina is ALWAYS quick to respond and incredibly helpful with anything you may need before, during, and after your stay. Amazing hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
We're so glad you enjoyed your visit and so much look forward to your next trip!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great island get away

I’ve stayed on this Island before in another house and liked Dina’s home much better. Tons of room, clean, and everything you need other than food. If you want to stay on Cayo Costa you can’t go wrong with this home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2022
Thank you so much, Eric! We definitely try our best to keep the house super clean and well supplied. We're glad you had such a great time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michele p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a great way to escape reality!

We had a wonderful time at the sandy seagull hideaway! Dina was very quick to answer all the questions we had and Jill the property manager was also quick to answer when we were on the island. We enjoyed using the outdoor shower and hot tub. We used the kayaks on the backwater and lagoon fishing. We were able to catch a variety of fish including whiting, lady fish, jacks, sea trout, spanish mackerel, even a flounder. We enjoyed watching the dolphins show off for us by playing in the waves and following us down the beach as we walked looking for shells. The lagoon would change daily with the tides, by the end of the week it was completely closed off. We played pool each night and enjoyed getting away from technology and reality for awhile. The golf cart fit all five of us and the the new cart was nice to bring our fishing equipment and beach stuff down to the beach. Overall it was a very relaxing trip and we can't wait to go again!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 March 2021
Thank you so much, Michele! We loved having you, and it's great to hear the detail of all of the fish you caught! We love watching how the lagoon changes constantly, and it must have been especially fascinating to be there just when it was in the process of closing itself off. We look forward to having you back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

Very nice house and beaches without the crowds. Would recommend for a relaxing vacation.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 February 2021
Thank you for your kind comments! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you again sometime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brad B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Shhhh don’t tell anyone

Once the secret is out of how wonderful this place is I worry then it may be to popular to rent. Off grid living at its finest!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 February 2021
Thank you so much, Brad! We're glad you had a great time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan & Tanya V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and quiet

Absolute peace and serenity
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 December 2020
Thank you, Ryan and Tanya! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you again sometime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise Found

Honored to be your 1st official guests! Very special place -- very special island. Enjoyed fishing -- caught about a dozen different species...had some wonderful fresh fish dinners...shelling found several dozen-plus varieties...animal encounters -- eagles, gopher tortoises, black snake, manatee, osprey, tons of other birds -- herons, egrets, plovers, seagulls, terns, etc...Great hikes to quarantine beach, nature trails, & southern end of island...lagoon, beach, and bay fishing...and boating to Cabbage Key for that "Cheeseburger in Paradise" -- well, we actually chose the fresh tripletail & mahi mahi sandwiches... beautiful sunrises & sunsets... 360 degree views from rooftop... the slowness of time... learning a lot of info about solar & generator power...the peacefulness & isolation yet just enough encounters with humans...Thank you for sharing Sandy Seagull & its surrounding treasures!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 October 2020
Thank you so much for your kind words. Your description of your stay perfectly captures what we love so much about the island, too. We were so glad to have you here and look forward to having you visit again!

About the host

Hosted by Dina and Don

Host profile image
We were both raised in Tennessee, where we met in college and were married in 1993. We have five children ranging in age from elementary school to adulthood. Our hobbies include making quilts and stained glass, brewing mead, and growing unusual plants.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with Cayo Costa shortly after we were married and have been bringing our five children to the island for their entire lives. The mostly-undeveloped island is a rare treasure and we delight in spending time here and helping preserve its pristine nature. Having our own place on the island is a decades-long dream come true.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with this house because it is so comfortable and welcoming. We especially love the high ceilings, wide porches, comfortable lanai, and the stunning views from the roof. The sun rises over the bay to the east and sets over the gulf to the west, the breezes whisper through the palms, and the night sky is like a carpet of stars. The island is quiet, with only a handful of homes, and there is often no one else on the beach. We love enjoying the quiet, the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and the infinite beauty of the natural Gulf coast.

Languages:

English
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