Transfer from RSW to South Seas Resort

Question

We are staying in April at South Seas resort. I was wondering if It would be better to rent a car for a week vs getting transportation (recommendations please). The resort charges $100 to park. We really would only need transportation when there for groceries etc

Any suggestions?

Answer

Staying at South Seas Resort on Marco Island in April gives you a beautiful base, but transportation logistics are important to consider. The resort is relatively self-contained, with beachfront access, pools, restaurants, and some amenities onsite, but for groceries, exploring the island, or visiting nearby attractions, you’ll need a plan.

Here are the main considerations for renting a car versus using transportation:

Car Rental: Renting a car provides maximum flexibility. You can visit local grocery stores, explore Marco Island at your own pace, or take day trips to Naples, Everglades, or nearby beaches without depending on schedules. Daily rental costs vary but can be reasonable if booked in advance.
Resort Parking: South Seas charges around $100 per week for parking. If you rent a car, this fee is essentially mandatory unless you plan to park offsite and walk, which is inconvenient.
Alternative Transportation: If you choose not to rent a car, options include taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft), or resort shuttles. For occasional trips to grocery stores or nearby attractions, this can work, but the cost adds up quickly if used frequently.
Local Convenience: The resort is about 20–30 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Shuttle services are available, but you may pay per ride. For a week-long stay with any exploration, a rental car may actually save money and time compared to multiple taxi rides.

Additional considerations:

Grocery stores are within 5–10 minutes by car. Without a car, you’ll need to rely on delivery or rideshare.
Public transport is very limited on Marco Island; walking to stores or attractions is not practical.
If you plan any off-island excursions (Naples, Everglades tours), having a car is much more convenient.
April is a good time weather-wise, so driving around and exploring is comfortable.

Recommendation: For a stay focused mainly on the resort with minimal trips, using rideshare and taxis can work. However, if you plan to visit grocery stores, restaurants, or explore nearby areas even a few times, renting a car for the week is generally more practical and may even be cost-effective compared to multiple rideshare trips.

In short, weigh convenience and flexibility against the parking fee. For most travelers staying a week at South Seas, a rental car makes the trip easier and less restrictive.