Rum Runner water taxi and access to sister resorts
The Rum Runner water taxi is a complimentary boat service for guests of the Islamorada Resort Collection that links Amara Cay Resort with its sister properties (La Siesta Resort & Villas and Three Waters Resort & Marina), giving you easy water access to their restaurants, pools, and beaches. The resort fee includes Rum Runner access, but specific sailing times or reservations should be confirmed with the front desk on arrival.
In this guide
What the Rum Runner water taxi is
Rum Runner is the Islamorada Resort Collection’s guest-only water taxi that operates between Amara Cay Resort and the collection’s two sister properties, La Siesta Resort & Villas and Three Waters Resort & Marina.
Use of the Rum Runner is listed as part of the resort-fee inclusions for guests, meaning it’s available to registered guests without a separate ticket charge; exact schedules and boarding locations are operated by the resort.
- Included with the resort fee (confirm current inclusions at check-in)
- Runs between Amara Cay, La Siesta, and Three Waters
- Intended for resort guests—policies for day guests or companions should be checked with the front desk
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Who may ride | Registered guests of the Islamorada Resort Collection |
| Stops | Amara Cay Resort, La Siesta Resort & Villas, Three Waters Resort & Marina |
| Cost | Included in the resort-fee (confirm at check-in) |
How to use Rum Runner during your stay
Ask the 24-hour front desk for the current Rum Runner schedule, boarding point, and any reservation or capacity rules—these details may change daily and the desk handles guest coordination.
Plan transfers around restaurant hours or activities at sister properties; the water taxi is meant to make dining, pool time, and beach access easier without needing to use the resort shuttle.
- Check boarding location at Amara Cay on arrival
- Confirm whether you need a reservation or a boarding pass for a specific sailing
- Arrive early for popular meal times (happy hours and weekend evenings may be busiest)
- Verify luggage and stroller policies with the front desk if you’re moving between resorts for an extended period
| Common reason to ride | Tip |
|---|---|
| Dining at sister-resort restaurants | Check ReelCatch/Tiki Bar hours and plan a return sailing |
| Using a different pool or beach | Confirm guest access rules for that property before heading over |
| Spa or activity at a sister property | Reserve services in advance and confirm water-taxi times |
Access to sister-resort restaurants and bars
Guests riding the Rum Runner can reach dining options across the Resort Collection. ReelCatch and the Tiki Bar at Amara Cay are on-site; sister properties add more restaurant and bar choices that are listed as part of the 12 dining destinations available to resort-collection guests.
If you plan to eat at a sister property, check whether reservations are recommended and whether any venue is open to non-guests; ReelCatch and Tiki Bar at Amara Cay accept reservations and welcome outside diners, but policies at sister venues may differ.
- ReelCatch (Amara Cay) — breakfast and dinner; reservations accepted
- Tiki Bar (Amara Cay) — lunch and dinner; cabanas can be reserved
- Confirm access and hours for sister-property venues before you go
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| ReelCatch (Amara Cay) | Breakfast & dinner (reservations accepted) |
| Tiki Bar (Amara Cay) | Lunch & dinner; cabana reservations available |
| Sister-property restaurants | Additional options included across the Resort Collection (check hours) |
Resort-fee, shuttle and other transport options
The mandatory resort fee lists the Rum Runner water taxi among its inclusions, along with a local shuttle that serves the resort-collection area. Confirm current resort-fee inclusions and any limits at check-in.
A complimentary land shuttle serves the local resort cluster (one source lists service roughly from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM); for airport transfers or other off-property travel, the resort does not operate an airport shuttle and guests should arrange external transport.
- Rum Runner water taxi — included with the resort fee (confirm current policy)
- Complimentary shuttle between nearby Islamorada-mile-marker stops — check posted hours with front desk
- No airport shuttle is operated by Amara Cay; use a local transfer provider when needed
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rum Runner water taxi | Included per resort-fee list; confirm schedule and boarding |
| Local shuttle | Complimentary for resort-collection guests; hours may be limited |
| Airport transfers | Not provided by the resort; arrange independently |
Practical tips and what to bring
Because the Rum Runner is a small-boat service, pack lightly for short crossings and bring any essential items (medications, swimsuits, sunscreen) with you rather than risking being separated from luggage if you plan multiple short trips between properties.
Confirm safety and accessibility details for the water taxi if you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair or mobility device; the resort desk can advise on boarding assistance or alternative transfer options.
- Ask about life-jacket availability and child policies before boarding
- Bring a lightweight dry bag or case for phones and valuables on water crossings
- Check return sailing times so you don’t miss late-evening events or dinner service
- If traveling with pets, confirm whether the water taxi allows animals (pet rules vary)
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen & hat | Short boat rides expose you to sun during crossings |
| Waterproof phone pouch | Protect devices from spray and splashes |
| Small photo ID & room key | Needed for guest verification at sister properties |
Alternatives and on-property options
If the Rum Runner schedule doesn’t match your plans, Amara Cay offers on-site dining at ReelCatch and the Tiki Bar, a zero-entry pool, private Lighthouse Beach access for snorkeling, and water-sport rentals (kayaks, paddleboards) included with the resort fee.
The resort’s front desk can help you book guided ecotours, fishing charters, or off-property excursions; confirm meeting or pick-up points and whether a land transfer is needed for those activities.
- Zero-entry pool and Tiki Bar for poolside meals and drinks
- On-site kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and dive options
- Spa and wellness services booked through Ooh la la at The Collection
| Activity | Where to arrange |
|---|---|
| Kayaking / paddleboarding | Book at Amara Cay front desk (included/extras vary) |
| Spa treatments | Ooh la la at The Collection (separate booking line) |
| Fishing or boat charters | Front desk can arrange local operators |
