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

Best for families who want a broad activity program, multiple pools and water-park-style features plus on-site marina services.
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.
| Category | Amara Cay Resort | Hawks Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Smaller oceanfront resort with a compact set of beachfront amenities and water-sports focus | Larger, full-service family resort with a wide activity program and marina services |
| Location (island/town) | Islamorada (Mile Marker 80) — Atlantic / sunrise side | Marathon — Middle Keys, oceanfront |
| Size (rooms) | 110 rooms across 4 floors | 292 guestrooms (listing) |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome; family-oriented resort |
| Pools & water features | Zero-entry oceanfront pool near the water plus private elevated sunning beach and snorkel access | Three outdoor pools, waterslide, splash pad and private beach access |
| Restaurants & bars | ReelCatch (breakfast & dinner), Tiki Bar (poolside), Coastal Cup & Lounge — on-site seafood-forward dining | Four restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and poolside dining/snacks (on-site variety for families) |
| Spa & wellness | Ooh 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 features | Zero-entry pool, private Lighthouse Beach, Rum Runner water taxi to sister resorts | On-site marina, water-sports center, waterslide and conference/meeting space |
| Accessibility & practical | Wheelchair-accessible rooms and path of travel; elevators; 24-hour front desk; resort fee includes many extras | Wheelchair-accessible facilities, multiple accessible parking spaces, 24-hour front desk, conference space |
| Best for | Couples and families who want a compact oceanfront base with reef/snorkel access | Families and groups seeking on-site activities, pools and marina services |
Amara Cay sits at Mile Marker 80 on Islamorada’s Atlantic side with direct oceanfront access and nearby Islamorada attractions.
Pick Amara Cay for a compact Islamorada stay with direct reef/snorkel access and water-taxi links to sister resorts.
Hawks Cay is in Marathon (Middle Keys), a larger resort property set on its own stretch of oceanfront with a marina.
Choose Hawks Cay if you want a Marathon base offering expanded on-site marine services and family activities.
Amara Cay has 110 rooms in a four-floor property with several oceanfront room and suite types.
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 offers a much larger inventory (listed as 292 guestrooms) to accommodate families and groups.
Hawks Cay’s larger inventory suits groups, families and travelers who want more on-site lodging options.
Amara Cay offers a small, consistent set of on-site venues focused on seafood and poolside dining.
Amara Cay provides a tight set of reliable waterfront dining options, emphasizing seafood and poolside service.
Hawks Cay lists four restaurants and three bars plus snack/coffee outlets for broader on-site dining choices.
Hawks Cay’s larger food-and-drink footprint gives families more on-site variety and casual options.
Amara Cay highlights a zero-entry pool with in-pool loungers and a private elevated sunning beach with snorkel access.
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’s aquatic offerings are expansive, with three outdoor pools, a waterslide, splash pad and a private beach area.
Hawks Cay is built around varied pool experiences and marina access — ideal for families wanting many water-activity options on site.
Amara Cay provides spa/wellness through Ooh la la at The Collection, beach massages and evening live music at its venues.
Amara Cay combines modest wellness services and scheduled live music with flexible oceanfront event spaces for weddings and gatherings.
Hawks Cay features a full-service spa, conference and ballroom facilities and family entertainment options like an arcade.
Hawks Cay supports both wellness and event needs with larger meeting spaces and family-entertainment programming.

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

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

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

Hawks Cay — on-site marina and full activity desk simplify boat charters, fishing and dive trips.
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.
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.
No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; Amara Cay and Hawks Cay are family-friendly.
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.
Explore how Amara Cay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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