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Amara Cay Resort Islamorada, Florida
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Hotel comparison guide

Amara Cay Resort vs Waterside Suites & Marina

Amara Cay Resort is a 4-star, oceanfront Islamorada resort for families and water-activity travelers who want a private sunning beach, zero-entry pool, on-site dining and Keys excursions. Waterside Suites & Marina is a smaller, marina-side suite property in Key Largo for travelers who want suite-style rooms with kitchens and direct marina access.

Updated · about 20 miles apart

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

Amara Cay Resort

oceanfront · family-friendly · water activities

Best for families and guests who want an oceanfront resort with a private sunning beach, on-site restaurants, and a zero-entry pool.

See rooms & suites
Waterside Suites & Marina, Key Largo, Florida

Waterside Suites & Marina

marina-side · suite-style · waterfront

Best for travelers who want suite-style lodging with kitchen facilities and direct marina access in Key Largo.

Quick Verdict: Amara Cay Resort vs Waterside Suites & Marina

When Amara Cay Resort wins: Choose Amara Cay if you want a larger beachfront property with a zero-entry pool, full-service on-site restaurants and a broad set of included resort amenities and water activities suitable for families.

When Waterside Suites & Marina wins: Choose Waterside Suites & Marina if you prefer smaller, apartment-style accommodations with kitchens, private balconies and on-site marina access for boating or diving departures in Key Largo.

Bottom line: Pick Amara Cay for a traditional beachfront resort experience and on-site dining/activities; pick Waterside Suites & Marina for simple suites and marina convenience near Key Largo attractions.

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Amara Cay Resort vs Waterside Suites & Marina – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Amara Cay Resort and Waterside Suites & Marina
CategoryAmara Cay ResortWaterside Suites & Marina
Overall vibeResort-scale oceanfront property with public restaurants, pool and beach amenitiesSmaller, marina-side suite property focused on self-catering and boat access
LocationOceanfront at Mile Marker 80, Islamorada (Atlantic side)Waterfront in Key Largo, marina on site (201 Ocean Drive, Key Largo)
Size (rooms)110 rooms across 4 floors40 guestrooms
Ages / audienceAll ages welcome (primary guest must be 21+ to check in)
PoolsZero-entry pool near the ocean edge (pool hours 8am–sunset)One outdoor pool
Restaurants & barsOn-site ReelCatch (breakfast & dinner) plus Tiki Bar and Coastal Cup & LoungeNot published
Spa & wellnessOoh la la at The Collection spa services available (massage, yoga, facials) and beach massagesNot published
Known forPrivate sunning beach, water activities (snorkeling, diving, kayaks), on-site events/weddingsSuite units with kitchens, marina access and dive/snorkel activity options on site
Accessible featuresWheelchair-accessible rooms and accessible path of travel; elevatorsWheelchair accessible (may have limitations) and accessible parking
Typical travelerFamilies, couples and wedding groups looking for a full-service oceanfront stayCouples or small groups who want self-catering suites and boating access

A Look Inside Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesAmara Cay Resort: pools & beachPools & beachAmara Cay Resort: diningDiningAmara Cay Resort: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: Islamorada oceanfront vs Key Largo marina-side

Amara Cay Resort – Location

Amara Cay sits on Islamorada’s Atlantic side at Mile Marker 80 with direct oceanfront access and views toward Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

  • Private elevated sunning beach (not a traditional sand swimming beach) with stairway for snorkeling access
  • Complimentary Rum Runner water taxi and shuttle access to sister properties and nearby sites
  • Close to local Islamorada attractions such as Bud n' Mary's and Robbie's (water-based activities nearby)

Choose Amara Cay if you want a true oceanfront setting with beach and resort transport connections in Islamorada.

Waterside Suites & Marina – Location

Waterside Suites & Marina sits on the Key Largo waterfront with an on-site marina for boat access and dive/snorkel activities.

  • Waterfront location with marina on site and on-site scuba/snorkeling activity options
  • About 0.3–1.4 km to local Key Largo attractions listed in the supplier highlights (John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is nearby)
  • Limited on-site parking and a small property footprint (40 guestrooms)

Choose Waterside Suites & Marina if you want direct marina access and a Key Largo base for reef activities.

Rooms: Suites and family layouts vs kitchen-equipped suites

Amara Cay Resort – Rooms

Amara Cay offers a mix of rooms and suites (18 room types) with oceanfront options and family-friendly layouts.

  • 110 rooms total with oceanfront suites that sleep up to 6 in some configurations
  • Many rooms have lanais/ balconies and rooms advertised with sofa beds for extra guests
  • Rooms include typical resort amenities; property is nonsmoking and has housekeeping policies

Amara Cay is better if you want purpose-built family rooms and a larger selection of room types on an oceanfront property.

Waterside Suites & Marina – Rooms

Waterside Suites & Marina has suite-style rooms, many with full kitchens and private balconies.

  • 40 guestrooms with kitchen facilities (full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops) in many units
  • Room types include Suite, Deluxe Suite, Deluxe Studio Suite and accessible options
  • Complimentary WiFi and 50-inch LCD TVs; housekeeping provided once per stay

Waterside suits travelers who prefer self-catering suites and in-room kitchens for longer or more independent stays.

Dining & drinks: Resort restaurants vs not published on-site dining

Amara Cay Resort – Dining & drinks

Amara Cay provides multiple on-site dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • ReelCatch serves breakfast (7–11am) and dinner (5–10pm); Tiki Bar offers lunch and dinner with poolside service
  • Coastal Cup & Lounge provides lobby bar service and a daily Happy Hour (4–6pm)
  • Restaurants welcome non-guests and accept reservations; poolside dining and cabanas available

If on-site restaurants and regular dining hours matter, Amara Cay offers clear, full-service options.

Waterside Suites & Marina – Dining & drinks

Waterside lists amenities and onsite services but does not publish a signature restaurant in the supplier listing.

  • Rooms include kitchen facilities that let you prepare meals in-suite
  • Concierge services and limited on-site food-service details are available through the front desk
  • Limited parking may affect off-site dining visits

Pick Waterside if you plan to cook in your suite or you prefer dining off-property in Key Largo.

Pools & beach or marina features

Amara Cay Resort – Pools & beach or marina features

Amara Cay features a zero-entry pool overlooking the ocean and a private sunning beach area.

  • Zero-entry pool with in-pool loungers and pool hours 8am–sunset
  • Private elevated sunning beach with chaise lounges and thatched huts (stairway access for snorkeling)
  • Water-sport rentals, snorkeling and scuba diving offered on site or via resort activities

Amara Cay is the better option for guests who prioritize an ocean-facing pool and a private beach area.

Waterside Suites & Marina – Pools & beach or marina features

Waterside has one outdoor pool and direct marina access.

  • One outdoor pool listed in supplier amenities
  • Marina on site with boat tours, personal motorized watercraft and sailing listed among activities
  • On-site scuba diving, snorkeling and boat tours available

Waterside works well for boaters and divers who value immediate marina access over a larger resort beach/pool complex.

Wellness & nightlife: Spa services and evening live music

Amara Cay Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Amara Cay offers on-site spa services and evening entertainment several nights a week.

  • Spa/wellness services provided by Ooh la la at The Collection (massage, facials, beach yoga) — specific Amara Cay hours not published
  • Live music Thursday–Saturday at ReelCatch and Tiki Bar (6–9pm)
  • Fitness center open daily from 6am–10pm

Amara Cay suits guests wanting spa treatments and scheduled evening live music on site.

Waterside Suites & Marina – Wellness & nightlife

Waterside's supplier listing highlights recreational water activities but does not publish an on-site spa or evening entertainment program.

  • On-site recreational offerings include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and boat tours
  • Concierge and tours/ticket assistance can arrange local activities
  • Limited resort-scale nightlife or spa details are published for this property

Choose Waterside if your priority is activity planning from a marina base rather than on-site spa and scheduled evening entertainment.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for families
Reception desk and wood-paneled wall with Amara Cay Resort lettering

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay — family-friendly programming, a zero-entry pool, private sunning beach and multiple room types that accommodate kids.

Best for boaters & divers
Waterside Suites & Marina, Key Largo, Florida

Waterside Suites & Marina

Waterside Suites & Marina — on-site marina and easy access to diving/snorkeling departures.

Best for on-site dining
Seating area in the resort lobby with wicker chairs and pendant lights

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay — ReelCatch, Tiki Bar and Coastal Cup & Lounge with set hours and public access.

Best for self-catering stays
Waterside Suites & Marina, Key Largo, Florida

Waterside Suites & Marina

Waterside Suites & Marina — full kitchens in many suites and private balconies for apartment-style stays.

Frequently asked questions

Amara Cay Resort vs Waterside Suites & Marina: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which property is better for families with young children?

Amara Cay — it’s explicitly family-friendly, has a zero-entry pool and kid-friendly dining options; the primary check-in guest must be 21+.

Which hotel is more convenient for diving or boating?

Waterside Suites & Marina — it has a marina on site and lists on-site scuba diving and boat tours; Amara Cay also arranges diving and snorkeling but is focused on an oceanfront resort experience.

Do either property’s rooms have kitchens?

Waterside Suites & Marina: many rooms include full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Amara Cay: rooms and suites do not list full kitchens; dining is primarily on-site restaurants.

Are both properties open to guests of all ages?

Yes — both properties accept guests of all ages; Amara Cay requires the primary guest checking in to be at least 21 years old. Waterside is not adults-only.

More Amara Cay Resort Comparison Guides

Explore how Amara Cay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:

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