Weather 
There’s a new kind of waterpark splashing onto the scene.
Florida has cemented itself as the premier winter vacation destination for frost-bitten Americans with the opening of Capitva Landing.
The new waterpark at South Seas resort on the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast debuted on Dec. 22 last year, offering a warm weather experience no matter the season.
Spanning just over 2.5 acres of the resort’s 330 acres of land, the “winter-proof” waterpark features heated freshwater pools, water slides, sun-filled play spaces, wind-protected lounging areas, as well as dining options.
“When we say ‘winter-proof,’ we mean families can truly leave winter behind the moment they arrive,” Shawn Farrell, general manager of South Seas, said, per Southern Living.
“Captiva Landing was designed so that even in the heart of winter, guests can enjoy warm water, sunshine, and outdoor fun without compromise.”
The waterpark sits within the resort’s landscape rather than an enclosed space, and it was designed to feel inspired by an island rather than a theme park or something artificial.
“Natural materials, island-inspired architecture, open sightlines, and a laidback pace all contribute to an experience that feels organic and unforced,” Farrell explained.
This is a notable distinction for travelers coming from cold weather, considering there are only a handful of outdoor waterparks that operate on a year-round schedule — and they’re all primarily in Florida thanks to its balmy year-round climate.
Aside from the new Captiva Landing, Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon is typically open year-round, with heated water in the winter, though it does occasionally shut down for maintenance and for short periods due to cold weather or storms.
When Typhoon Lagoon is closed, it often alternates with Disney’s Blizzard Beach, so there’s at least one water park at Disney World open at almost any given day of the year. This year, for example, Typhoon Lagoon will close on Feb. 15 for refurbishment, and Blizzard Beach will open on that day.
Meanwhile, Captiva Landing is set to be open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and there’s none of the theme park madness.
Captiva Landing’s layout features six sections — Bottlenose Bay, Gulfstream, The Cove, Flippers, The Arcade and Camp-tiva — all designed to appeal to different generations and preferences.
Bottlenose Bay is the anchor of the park with slides, tipping buckets, splash zones and water cannons, while Gulfstream is a more shaded and relaxing area with a lazy river.
Another area for those wanting a more relaxing experience is The Cove, featuring a tropical pool with space to lounge.
“Families don’t all move at the same pace,” Farrell shared. “While there are plenty of high-energy moments like the slides, splash zones, and active play, we were equally intentional about creating calm, restorative spaces like The Cove.”
“We wanted Captiva Landing to feel multi-generational and timeless.”
The Arcade offers retro games, and Flippers is a casual dining spot with classics such as burgers and soft-serve ice cream.
Camp-tiva offers nature education and hands-on discoveries for kids, giving the waterpark a true connection to the setting of the wildlife preserve South Seas sits within.
