How to get to Amara Cay Resort from the airports
Amara Cay Resort is reached most easily via commercial flights to Miami (MIA) or Marathon (MTH), then by arranging ground transfers to Islamorada followed by the property's water-transfer options. The resort does not operate a dedicated airport shuttle — contact the resort or a local transfer provider (or BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350) to coordinate your transfer to the resort's boat/shore pickup or nearby arrival point.
In this guide
Which airports to use
The dossier lists Miami International Airport (MIA) and Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH) as common arrival airports for guests traveling to Amara Cay Resort. Key West International Airport (EYW) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) are also used by some travelers.
Because transfer options and schedules vary, choose the airport that best fits your flight schedule and budget, then arrange onward ground or shared shuttle transport into the Upper Keys / Islamorada area.
- Miami International Airport (MIA) — recommended major airport for many guests.
- Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH) — the nearest small commercial airport listed.
- Key West International (EYW) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) — alternate options depending on routings and fares.
| Airport | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Miami International (MIA) | Most flights and connections; recommended major airport in dossier |
| Marathon (MTH) | Nearest small airport listed in the dossier |
| Key West (EYW) / Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Alternate airports depending on schedules |
Getting from the airport to Islamorada (ground options)
Amara Cay Resort does not operate a direct airport shuttle. The resort dossier recommends guests use local transfer services such as Keys Shuttle or other private shuttles to reach the Islamorada area.
You can also consider intercity bus services (Greyhound) that stop in the Keys, but schedules are limited. For a more predictable arrival, pre-book a shared shuttle, private car, or rental vehicle to the Upper Keys pickup point you and your transfer provider agree on.
- Pre-book Keys Shuttle or a private transfer for door-to-door service to Islamorada.
- Greyhound buses run routes into the Keys but check schedules in advance.
- If you rent a car, confirm parking or handoff plans with your transfer provider — the resort is served via water transfers per the property's transfer options.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Shared shuttle / private transfer | Most practical — arrange pickup from MIA/FLL to Islamorada |
| Greyhound bus | Limited schedules; may require further transport from the bus stop |
| Rental car | Possible, but confirm how you will transition to the resort's water access |
Water transfer and on-property connections
Amara Cay Resort offers a Rum Runner water taxi service that connects the property with its sister resorts (La Siesta Resort & Villas and Three Waters Resort & Marina). This water taxi is for resort guests and included as part of the Islamorada Resort Collection benefits.
If you arrive in the Keys by ground transfer, confirm with your driver and the resort where the agreed dock or shoreline pickup/drop-off will be. The resort's front desk (24/7) can advise on the best landing point or schedule for the Rum Runner water taxi.
- Rum Runner water taxi connects Amara Cay with sister properties (check schedules with the resort).
- Confirm the dock/shore pickup location with your transfer provider before travel.
- Front desk is available 24/7 to help coordinate water transfers and local arrival logistics.
| Service | Who runs it / inclusion |
|---|---|
| Rum Runner water taxi | Resort-operated guest water taxi between collection properties (included for guests) |
| Local boat/charter | Private charters or taxis must be arranged directly with the provider |
| Shuttle to nearby shore | Ground shuttles deliver you to the Keys shoreline where you link with boat service |
What to tell your transfer company or driver
Because the property uses water access and local docks, give your transfer provider the resort address (80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036) and ask them to confirm the exact pickup/drop-off point and whether they can deliver you to an agreed dock or public marina near Amara Cay.
If you need help arranging last-mile water transport, contact the resort's front desk or BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350 before you travel so staff can advise on docks, Rum Runner schedules, or recommended local boat services.
- Provide resort address and phone to the transfer company.
- Ask whether the transfer includes a dock/boat handoff or only a shore drop-off.
- Confirm luggage handling and any wait-time policies with your driver.
| Info to share | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 | Resort address for navigation and confirmation |
| Front desk 24/7 or BookResorts agents | Helps coordinate timing for water taxi or dock pickup |
| Flight arrival time | So transfers and dock connections can be synchronized |
Arriving at the resort: check-in details
Amara Cay Resort's front desk is staffed 24/7. Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The primary guest checking in must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID and the card used for authorization.
The property is cashless and accepts major credit cards; at check-in the card is authorized for the remaining room balance plus an incidental hold (the dossier specifies an authorization hold up to $100 per night, up to $300). If you have arrival questions, call the resort or BookResorts agents for assistance.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM — front desk open 24/7.
- Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Primary guest must be 21+ with valid photo ID and card present.
- Resort is cashless; card authorization for incidentals is required.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| ID & card | Required at check-in; card authorized for incidentals |
| Resort fee | Mandatory — includes Wi‑Fi, pool/beach access and select rentals |
| Room options | Ask about rooms such as Standard King Room, Room, Oceanfront, or Suite, with Sofa bed if you need extra sleeping space |
If you arrive late, or you have special needs
Because water transfers and local shuttles can have limited hours, notify the resort or your transfer provider if you expect to arrive late at night. The front desk is 24/7 and can confirm whether a boat transfer is still possible or advise an alternative shore meeting point.
Amara Cay offers wheelchair-accessible rooms and accessible paths of travel. If you need an accessible transfer, state this when booking ground or boat transport so providers can confirm suitable vehicles or dock accommodations.
- Contact front desk (24/7) in advance for late arrivals or transfer changes.
- Request accessible transfer options when booking if you require them.
- If traveling with pets, review the resort pet policy ahead of arrival (the resort is dog-friendly with a fee).
| Issue | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| Late arrival | Resort front desk / transfer company |
| Accessible transport | Transfer company (request accessible vehicle) and resort front desk |
| Pet arrival | Resort front desk to confirm pet room and policy |
Final tips before you travel
Double-check with your airline and chosen transfer company about luggage allowances and any last-mile meeting points. Because the resort uses water transfers and local docks, confirmed pickup locations reduce stress on arrival.
If you need help planning transfers, call BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350 or the resort's front desk. Also review the resort's policies before you go: the primary guest must be 21+, the property is cashless, and a resort fee applies to most stays.
- Confirm your dock or shore pickup point with your transfer provider ahead of time.
- Bring a photo ID and the card used for booking to check in (primary guest must be 21+).
- Ask the resort about Rum Runner water taxi schedules and connections to sister properties if you plan inter-resort visits.
| Before you go | Action |
|---|---|
| Confirm transfer | Call transfer company and resort to confirm pickup details |
| Pack ID & card | Required at check-in (21+ primary guest) |
| Check water taxi | Ask front desk about Rum Runner timings |
