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Amara Cay Resort Islamorada, Florida
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Hotel comparison guide

Amara Cay Resort vs Hawks Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort is a 4-star oceanfront resort in Islamorada with a zero-entry pool, private elevated sunning beach, and family-friendly water activities — read this if you want a compact, activity-focused Keys stay with easy access to local snorkel/fishing options. Hawks Cay Resort is a larger 4-star, family-oriented full-service resort in Marathon with multiple pools, a marina and a busy activities program — read this if you want a bigger resort with extensive on-site programming for kids and families.

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Curved resort pool with palm trees and loungers at Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort

Oceanfront · Zero-entry pool · Family-friendly

Best for small-to-mid-size family stays focused on oceanfront rooms, easy access to snorkeling/diving, and a compact resort feel.

Hawks Cay Resort, Marathon, Florida

Hawks Cay Resort

Large family resort · Marina & water activities · Multiple pools

Best for families who want a broad activity program, multiple pools and water-park-style features plus on-site marina services.

Quick Verdict: Amara Cay Resort vs Hawks Cay Resort

When Amara Cay Resort wins: choose Amara Cay if you want a smaller, oceanfront Islamorada property with a zero-entry pool, direct snorkeling access and a compact set of restaurants and beach-side venues; it’s a good pick for couples and families who prefer a quieter, waterfront base with easy access to local Keys activities.

When Hawks Cay Resort wins: pick Hawks Cay if you want a larger, full-service resort with extensive family programming, multiple outdoor pools (including waterslide/splash features), a marina and on-site dive/fishing services — it fits families and groups that prioritize on-site activities and variety.

Bottom line: both are 4-star, family-friendly Keys resorts. Choose Amara Cay for a smaller oceanfront stay in Islamorada with direct reef access and a zero-entry pool; choose Hawks Cay for a larger, activity-forward resort in Marathon with multiple pools and a marina.

Amara Cay Resort vs Hawks Cay Resort – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Amara Cay Resort and Hawks Cay Resort
CategoryAmara Cay ResortHawks Cay Resort
Overall vibeSmaller oceanfront resort with a compact set of beachfront amenities and water-sports focusLarger, full-service family resort with a wide activity program and marina services
Location (island/town)Islamorada (Mile Marker 80) — Atlantic / sunrise sideMarathon — Middle Keys, oceanfront
Size (rooms)110 rooms across 4 floors292 guestrooms (listing)
Ages / family policyAll ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check inAll ages welcome; family-oriented resort
Pools & water featuresZero-entry oceanfront pool near the water plus private elevated sunning beach and snorkel accessThree outdoor pools, waterslide, splash pad and private beach access
Restaurants & barsReelCatch (breakfast & dinner), Tiki Bar (poolside), Coastal Cup & Lounge — on-site seafood-forward diningFour restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and poolside dining/snacks (on-site variety for families)
Spa & wellnessOoh la la at The Collection provides spa/wellness services and beach massages/yoga (shared with sister properties)Full-service spa on site with massages and body treatments
Signature featuresZero-entry pool, private Lighthouse Beach, Rum Runner water taxi to sister resortsOn-site marina, water-sports center, waterslide and conference/meeting space
Accessibility & practicalWheelchair-accessible rooms and path of travel; elevators; 24-hour front desk; resort fee includes many extrasWheelchair-accessible facilities, multiple accessible parking spaces, 24-hour front desk, conference space
Best forCouples and families who want a compact oceanfront base with reef/snorkel accessFamilies and groups seeking on-site activities, pools and marina services

Location: Islamorada vs Marathon

Amara Cay Resort – Location

Amara Cay sits at Mile Marker 80 on Islamorada’s Atlantic side with direct oceanfront access and nearby Islamorada attractions.

  • Oceanfront location with views toward Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
  • Close to Bud n’ Mary’s Dive Center and Indian Key (boat-accessible state park).
  • Complimentary Rum Runner water taxi links Amara Cay with sister properties and restaurants.

Pick Amara Cay for a compact Islamorada stay with direct reef/snorkel access and water-taxi links to sister resorts.

Hawks Cay Resort – Location

Hawks Cay is in Marathon (Middle Keys), a larger resort property set on its own stretch of oceanfront with a marina.

  • Located in Marathon with on-site marina and easy access to diving and fishing departures.
  • Larger property footprint that supports multiple pools and activity centers.
  • Close to Curry Hammock State Park and other Middle Keys destinations (per supplier listing).

Choose Hawks Cay if you want a Marathon base offering expanded on-site marine services and family activities.

Rooms: intimate oceanfront rooms vs more guestrooms

Amara Cay Resort – Rooms

Amara Cay has 110 rooms in a four-floor property with several oceanfront room and suite types.

  • Room types include oceanfront rooms, suites with sofa beds and multi-bed family suites (exact room names listed in the resort record).
  • Oceanfront rooms offer lanai options and direct pool/beach proximity.
  • Elevator access to all floors and wheelchair-accessible rooms available.

Amara Cay’s 110-room scale keeps the property compact and ocean-focus clear; room variety includes family suites and oceanfront lanai options.

Hawks Cay Resort – Rooms

Hawks Cay offers a much larger inventory (listed as 292 guestrooms) to accommodate families and groups.

  • Larger room count supports group bookings, conferences and resort programming.
  • Standard full-service resort room amenities noted (LCD TVs, safes, coffee/tea makers).
  • Accessible rooms and public spaces are provided; 24-hour front desk service.

Hawks Cay’s larger inventory suits groups, families and travelers who want more on-site lodging options.

Dining & drinks: focused waterfront dining vs wider on-site variety

Amara Cay Resort – Dining & drinks

Amara Cay offers a small, consistent set of on-site venues focused on seafood and poolside dining.

  • ReelCatch serves breakfast and dinner with seafood-forward menus and live music Thurs–Sat.
  • Tiki Bar provides poolside lunch/dinner and daily happy hour; Coastal Cup & Lounge covers lobby bar service.
  • Guests at Amara Cay also have access to 12 restaurants and bars across the sister properties via the resort collection benefits.

Amara Cay provides a tight set of reliable waterfront dining options, emphasizing seafood and poolside service.

Hawks Cay Resort – Dining & drinks

Hawks Cay lists four restaurants and three bars plus snack/coffee outlets for broader on-site dining choices.

  • Multiple on-site restaurants and bars allow staggered meal options without leaving the property.
  • Room service and poolside bars are available (subject to hours/fees).
  • Breakfast is offered for a fee and there are casual and family-friendly dining options.

Hawks Cay’s larger food-and-drink footprint gives families more on-site variety and casual options.

Pools, beach & signature amenity

Amara Cay Resort – Pools, beach & signature amenity

Amara Cay highlights a zero-entry pool with in-pool loungers and a private elevated sunning beach with snorkel access.

  • Zero-entry oceanfront pool open 8 am to sunset.
  • Private Lighthouse Beach with thatched huts and a stairway for snorkeling access (not a traditional sand swimming beach).
  • Resort fee includes kayaks, paddleboards and access to some sister-resort pools/beaches.

Amara Cay’s signature is its oceanfront zero-entry pool and reef/snorkel access — good for families and guests wanting near-water activities.

Hawks Cay Resort – Pools, beach & signature amenity

Hawks Cay’s aquatic offerings are expansive, with three outdoor pools, a waterslide, splash pad and a private beach area.

  • Multiple pools including poolside bars and a waterslide/splash-pad environment for children.
  • Private beach area plus direct marina access for boat activities and fishing.
  • Pool cabanas and guest amenities available (some on surcharge).

Hawks Cay is built around varied pool experiences and marina access — ideal for families wanting many water-activity options on site.

Wellness, nightlife & events

Amara Cay Resort – Wellness, nightlife & events

Amara Cay provides spa/wellness through Ooh la la at The Collection, beach massages and evening live music at its venues.

  • Spa treatments, yoga and beach massages are offered (Ooh la la brand shared across sister properties).
  • Live music Thursday–Saturday at ReelCatch and the Tiki Bar.
  • Event and wedding venues include multiple oceanfront and courtyard options sized for small-to-midsize gatherings.

Amara Cay combines modest wellness services and scheduled live music with flexible oceanfront event spaces for weddings and gatherings.

Hawks Cay Resort – Wellness, nightlife & events

Hawks Cay features a full-service spa, conference and ballroom facilities and family entertainment options like an arcade.

  • Full-service spa with massages and body treatments; reservations required for spa services.
  • Significant conference/banquet space for events and meetings (listing cites large square footage).
  • On-site family entertainment includes an arcade/game room and scheduled activity offerings.

Hawks Cay supports both wellness and event needs with larger meeting spaces and family-entertainment programming.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for snorkel/diving-focused stays
Reception desk and wood-paneled wall with Amara Cay Resort lettering

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay — oceanfront location with a stairway into snorkeling water and easy access to local dive operators.

Best for variety of on-site pools & kid features
Hawks Cay Resort, Marathon, Florida

Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay — multiple pools, waterslide and splash pad give kids and families many on-site options.

Best for a compact oceanfront resort experience
Seating area in the resort lobby with wicker chairs and pendant lights

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay — smaller room count and direct oceanfront setting keep the property intimate and waterfront-focused.

Best for marina services and fishing/diving logistics
Hawks Cay Resort, Marathon, Florida

Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay — on-site marina and full activity desk simplify boat charters, fishing and dive trips.

Frequently asked questions

Amara Cay Resort vs Hawks Cay Resort: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which resort is better for families with young kids?

Both accept children, but Hawks Cay has more pool play features (waterslide, splash pad) and broader on-site programming; Amara Cay is family-friendly too, with a zero-entry pool and easy water-activity access.

Which property is better for snorkeling and reef access?

Amara Cay provides direct snorkel access via a stairway from its private sunning beach and is positioned for local reef excursions; snorkeling and dive services are also available from Hawks Cay but Amara Cay is more compactly focused on reef access.

Are either of these adults-only resorts?

No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; Amara Cay and Hawks Cay are family-friendly.

Do either resort’s stays include water activities or transfers?

Amara Cay’s mandatory resort fee includes kayaks, paddleboards and the Rum Runner water taxi between sister properties; Hawks Cay offers many on-site water activities but specific inclusions vary and should be confirmed with the property.

Couple enjoying a covered beachfront cabana looking toward the ocean at Amara Cay Resort
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