Pros
- Gorgeous waterfront location on Duck Key, a 15-minute drive from the airport
- Contemporary rooms and suites have upscale amenities and outdoor spaces
- Villas feature up to four bedrooms, plus kitchens and laundry facilities
- Saltwater lagoon and beach area offer loungers and free kayaks
- Five outdoor pools, including kids' pool with pirate ship, and adults-only pool
- Seven restaurants serve good food, most with a view
- Dolphin Connection allows visitors to swim and play with dolphins (fee)
- Calm Waters Spa offers luxe treatments and a relaxation room
- Well-equipped fitness center; yoga classes available for a fee
- Fun and educational Camp Hawk for kids ages 5 to 12 (fee)
- 18-hole putting course, loaner bikes, and tennis courts
- Water-sports center for cruises, day trips, and fishing charters
- On-site marina offers 85 slips for boats up to 110 feet long
- Extensive meeting and wedding space, including outdoor venues
Cons
- Daily resort fee (covers Wi-Fi, parking, water sports, and bikes)
- Two-hour drive from Miami International Airport
- Fees for activities at kids’ club
- Extra fees for many of the activities offered on-site
- No beach (but pleasant lagoon with natural tides)
- Pools in kids’ club close early
- No pets allowed (a pro for some)
Bottom Line
The 177-room Hawks Cay Resort is an upscale, family-friendly property located in tiny Duck Key in the Florida Keys. A 2018 facelift brought an approachable upscale vibe and there's a seemingly never-ending list of vacation amenities and activities, from a dolphin experience to a full spa to five swimming pools to paddleboarding on the manmade lagoon. Seven dining options are equally varied and high quality. Rooms and suites are contemporary coastal in design and have upscale amenities, outdoor spaces, glossy bathrooms. There's also a selection of privately owned villas to rent with up to four bedrooms, full kitchens, and laundry facilities. It's a two-hour drive to Miami International Airport, though many guests arrive by boat to the resort's 85-slip marina. Note that there's a daily resort fee and some of the activities cost extra. Couples seeking something a little bit cheaper may want to compare rates at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection in Key Largo.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Cribs
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Pool
- Spa
What Are the Design and Scene Like at Hawks Cay Resort?
This family-friendly resort occupies 60 acres of a manmade lagoon and pretty grounds, and offers numerous activities.
It's difficult to tell just how large Hawks Cay Resort is, but the 177 rooms, 250 villas, five pools, lagoon, marina, seven restaurants, and full spa are thoughtfully tucked into 60 acres. The resort takes up the best part of Duck Key, a small island that’s just off the Overseas Highway and a 15-minute drive north of Marathon and the airport. The property is all entirely walkable, but trams are on-hand for guests who prefer a ride.
Hawks Cay Resort sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Irma and had to be almost completely renovated in 2018. The renovation brought a fresh and upscale look to the public areas and rooms, thanks the new furniture, a softer palette, and a stylish new design. The lobby features elegant palm-shaped fans that lazily blow a fresh scent throughout the space. Luxe wicker seats and huge windows that look out onto the pool and lagoon give the space a beachy vibe. Other common areas, such as the restaurants, have a mix of elegant, stylish decor and beachy accents that make the property feel upscale yet laid-back. The grounds are beautifully tended, with lovely lawns, a large fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, and plenty of space to relax, be it by the lagoon, the pools, or the marina. Amazingly, the resort's towering palm trees survived the hurricane, and it's worth a boat ride to view the resort's architecture and grounds from the water.
The resort is exceptionally popular with families (including lots of repeat local visitors), but couples stay here, too. There's a main activity pool for everyone, and an adults-only pool, hot tub, and bar and grill just for adults. It's a buzzy place with lots of activities, but there are quiet corners for those looking to escape and relax.
Where Is Hawks Cay Resort Located in the Florida Keys
It’s situated at mile marker 61, on tiny Duck Key, about halfway between Key Largo and Key West.
Hawks Cay Resort takes up a sizable portion of the 60-acre Duck Key and there's little of interest within walking distance outside of the resort. Marathon is the nearest town (about a 10-minute drive), home to grocery stores (for stocking kitchen villas), beach gear shops, the popular turtle hospital, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, and the quirky Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Key Largo is about a 50-minute drive north, while the drive from Hawks Cay Resort to Key West takes about an hour. The Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport is a 15-minute drive away, but plan on about a two-hour drive (mostly via the scenic Overseas Highway) to Miami International Airport. Many of Hawks Cay's visitors arrive by boat and dock at the resort's marina.
What Are Rooms Like at Hawks Cay Resort?
Contemporary coastal rooms have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and attractive bathrooms; some have direct pool access.
All of the hotel’s 177 rooms and suites were renovated in 2018, and the updates brought a whole new look. Overall, the decor is tropical contemporary, with wood-like floors, an ocean-inspired color palette, and large sliding glass doors that let in lots of light. Natural wood furniture with clean lines combines with blue accents in bathroom doors, throw pillows and area rugs to create soothing, stylish spaces with some beachy flair. All rooms and suites have furnished balconies, while Water View Lanai Rooms have a large furnished patio and direct access to the adults-only pool.
Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV, single-cup coffeemakers, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Size and layout are similar across the board, the biggest difference is the views, which range from full water vistas to the resort grounds. Suites add sitting areas with double sofa beds.
Spacious bathrooms are equipped with large vanities, glass-enclosed showers, and a private water closet. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. One-Bedroom Presidential Suites are the only room type outfitted with a separate tub.
For families and groups that want to self-cater, Hawks Cay offers a wide range of villas with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and up to four bedrooms. Some have their own private plunge pool. Villas are individually owned time-share properties, but the owners must maintain certain standards and the decor was chosen from a pre-approved package, so there should be few surprises. All villas are serviced by housekeeping and guests get access to the full range of Hawks Cay facilities.
What Restaurants and Bars are at Hawks Cay Resort?
Seven dining options cater to a variety of budgets and tastes.
Hawks Cay Resort offers six restaurants and a coffee shop, and many guests eat all of their meals on-site.
Located off the main pool deck, Hawks Cay Marketplace offers a hot breakfast buffet with items such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh juice, oatmeal, pastries, and make-your-own waffles. The area then transforms later in the day to a grab-and-go market or casual sit-down option for paninis, salads, and sandwiches. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Tiki Grill -- open for lunch and dinner -- is a casual lagoon-side restaurant with outdoor seating and a large, covered bar. The menu offers salads, fish tacos and burgers, along with tropical cocktails, beer, and wine. Oasis Cay (lunch only) is much like the Tiki Grill, but it's by the adults-only pool. Coral Grill is a casual option by the Pirate Ship pool. It's open seasonally and offers kid-friendly fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.
Sixty-One Prime is the upscale dinner restaurant, located off the lobby. It has an industrial beach vibe and the menu serves excellent and creative fare that can include pork belly, fresh fish, lobster, steaks, octopus, and gourmet salads. Dessert and wine lists are high quality and extensive.
Open for lunch and dinner, Angler and Ale offers indoor and outdoor dining, water views, and fun events like trivia contests. Menu highlights include Key lime pie, conch fritters, lobster mac and cheese, tuna nachos, whole snapper, and a bison burger. Guests can bring their own fish for the chef to prepare to taste. There are also a kids' menu and an extensive bar.
Island Time Coffee Bar is located inside the gift shop just off the lobby. This is the place to grab a Starbucks coffee or a treat throughout the day. Room service is also available for breakfast and dinner until late night. Boxed lunches are options for guests headed out on the water or a road trip.
There is no Hawks Cay Resort all-inclusive package -- the only meal plan offered on-site is the bed-and-breakfast option.
What Features are Available at Hawks Cay Resort?
The dolphin research center, manmade lagoon, multiple pools, relaxing spa, and kids' camp are highlights here.
The list of features at Hawks Cay Resort Duck Key is impressive. Dolphin Connection is a research center that allows guests to view dolphins free of charge. There are all sorts of paid packages that allow for everything from cute dry photo-ops on the dock to getting in the water with the dolphins to an entire trainer-for-a-day experience.
Guests can also swim, stand-up paddleboard, and kayak in the manmade saltwater lagoon. It has a zero-entry beach for little ones, plus sun loungers and umbrellas on the sand. Note that the lagoon is pretty small, and guests wanting to get out on the open water are better off renting equipment from SOLE water sports (also on property).
Five swimming pools are sprinkled around the hotel grounds, including a large main resort pool and a quiet adults-only pool. Over at Coral Cay (still part of the property, about a three-minute walk from the resort's main building) there are a family pool and a fun pool with an interactive pirate ship. A cast of characters, such as a mermaid and a pirate, make regular appearances. Coral Cay also has a small lunch restaurant, sports court, 18-hole mini-golf, playground equipment, and a weekend Swashbuckling Show.
Hawks runs an excellent daily kids' camp (for a fee) at Coral Cay. The dedicated staff arranges a full morning, afternoon, or all-day session for ages 5 to 12. Activities take place indoors and out, and there's a fun environmental component -- plus kids' stuff like making slime and art projects. Occasional night-time activities are also offered. There is also a section for teens, complete with video games, foosball, and sports and group activities.
For adults, Calm Waters Spa is an excellent place to relax. There's a co-ed relaxation area with snacks, teas, and fruit-infused waters. Treatments include facials, massages, and wraps using local influences from the Florida Keys. Salon and bridal services can also be booked. The adjacent fitness center offers a variety of LifeFitness cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and a stretching room. Yoga is available for an additional fee. Outside, there are full tennis courts with pro trainers, clinics, camps, and private lessons. Use of the courts is free for all guests.
The 85-slip marina offers full services, and the maximum length allowed on-site is 110 feet. The hotel also offers extensive meeting and wedding space, including a 5,500-square-foot waterfront ballroom, several smaller rooms, and a number of outdoor venues.
A daily resort fee is added to the bill at Hawks Cay, and covers Wi-Fi, self-parking, water sports in the lagoon, bikes to borrow, and resort shuttle services.
This Hotel Also Featured In
The Best Times to Visit the Most Popular Florida Attractions
Florida is more than Disney World and the bikini-ready coastline (although those are on the list, too!) — it’s also full of art, wildlife, national parks, space technology, and architectural marvels. If you can put up with warm weather and humidity (and the occasional long line), Florida is easily an all-seasons destination. Ready to book…
The Most Beautiful Florida Keys Resorts
Popular among many travelers, the islands that make up the Florida Keys are known for their natural beauty and charming, eccentric atmosphere. The coast is surrounded by mangrove forests, sandbars, and offshore reefs, while the main towns of Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo are home to everything from tiki huts to lively LGBTQ+ nightlife.…
What's Open in Florida's Middle Keys After Hurricane Irma?
Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key/Oyster Since Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys in 2017, the popular tourist destination has made a major turnaround. All 10 state parks are open and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (in Key Largo) is operating daily snorkeling tours. But what about the Middle Keys? We visited…
Top Family Beach Hotels in Florida
Let’s not bury the lede: Florida ranks high when it comes to top family vacation destinations. With a variety of gorgeous beaches, warm-weather year-round, plenty of water sports, and theme parks galore, the Sunshine State has a little something to please every member in your crew. But whether you come for Mickey or Miami’s swanky…
The 12 Most Popular Hotels in Florida Right Now
If you live in the United States and are looking for a year-round beach destination, Florida is the top pick. Since it’s as close to the Caribbean as you can get within the mainland U.S., it has similar warm weather and numerous gorgeous beaches. Plus, whether the sunny getaway is for a rowdy bachelorette party…
Room With A View: 13 Hotels With Incredible Vistas
Whether it’s overlooking a beach, set in the middle of a desert, across the water from a lit-up metropolis, or tucked away on a remote and picturesque hillside somewhere, there’s nothing quite like a hotel with amazing views. This is why we’ve trekked from coast to coast seeking out the best views this country has…
Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations: Our Top Tropical Picks
What’s the secret to a great family vacation? Finding a location that allows everyone to explore and have fun — at their own pace. A spot where the kids (most likely bursting with energy) can have a blast while you enjoy a relaxing massage and a margarita…or several margaritas. (Go ahead — it’s vacation.) And…
7 Ridiculously Awesome Beach Getaways for Kids
Traveling with the kids is hardly a picnic, and all too often parents don’t get to do a lot of vacationing on their vacations. If you’re hoping to tantrum-proof your family beach getaway this winter, we have some solutions for you: resorts so ridiculously awesome for kids that your little imps will likely be too…
Roller Coasters, Trapeze Lessons, and More: Oyster's Top Kid-Friendly Hotel Attractions
If you want to plan a family vacation with wow factor, look no further: Picking a hotel with one of the following kid-friendly attractions will earn you major points with your kids. And with activities this fun, you just may end up acting like a kid yourself. Water Parks
Wacky Wednesday: Caption This Photo!
It seems like everyone has a case of Olympic fever lately, and marine mammals are no exception. They didn’t make it to London for this year’s summer games, but our best dolphin friends down at the Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys may just qualify for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…
What Are the Design and Scene Like at Hawks Cay Resort?
This family-friendly resort occupies 60 acres of a manmade lagoon and pretty grounds, and offers numerous activities.
It's difficult to tell just how large Hawks Cay Resort is, but the 177 rooms, 250 villas, five pools, lagoon, marina, seven restaurants, and full spa are thoughtfully tucked into 60 acres. The resort takes up the best part of Duck Key, a small island that’s just off the Overseas Highway and a 15-minute drive north of Marathon and the airport. The property is all entirely walkable, but trams are on-hand for guests who prefer a ride.
Hawks Cay Resort sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Irma and had to be almost completely renovated in 2018. The renovation brought a fresh and upscale look to the public areas and rooms, thanks the new furniture, a softer palette, and a stylish new design. The lobby features elegant palm-shaped fans that lazily blow a fresh scent throughout the space. Luxe wicker seats and huge windows that look out onto the pool and lagoon give the space a beachy vibe. Other common areas, such as the restaurants, have a mix of elegant, stylish decor and beachy accents that make the property feel upscale yet laid-back. The grounds are beautifully tended, with lovely lawns, a large fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, and plenty of space to relax, be it by the lagoon, the pools, or the marina. Amazingly, the resort's towering palm trees survived the hurricane, and it's worth a boat ride to view the resort's architecture and grounds from the water.
The resort is exceptionally popular with families (including lots of repeat local visitors), but couples stay here, too. There's a main activity pool for everyone, and an adults-only pool, hot tub, and bar and grill just for adults. It's a buzzy place with lots of activities, but there are quiet corners for those looking to escape and relax.
Where Is Hawks Cay Resort Located in the Florida Keys
It’s situated at mile marker 61, on tiny Duck Key, about halfway between Key Largo and Key West.
Hawks Cay Resort takes up a sizable portion of the 60-acre Duck Key and there's little of interest within walking distance outside of the resort. Marathon is the nearest town (about a 10-minute drive), home to grocery stores (for stocking kitchen villas), beach gear shops, the popular turtle hospital, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, and the quirky Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Key Largo is about a 50-minute drive north, while the drive from Hawks Cay Resort to Key West takes about an hour. The Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport is a 15-minute drive away, but plan on about a two-hour drive (mostly via the scenic Overseas Highway) to Miami International Airport. Many of Hawks Cay's visitors arrive by boat and dock at the resort's marina.
What Are Rooms Like at Hawks Cay Resort?
Contemporary coastal rooms have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and attractive bathrooms; some have direct pool access.
All of the hotel’s 177 rooms and suites were renovated in 2018, and the updates brought a whole new look. Overall, the decor is tropical contemporary, with wood-like floors, an ocean-inspired color palette, and large sliding glass doors that let in lots of light. Natural wood furniture with clean lines combines with blue accents in bathroom doors, throw pillows and area rugs to create soothing, stylish spaces with some beachy flair. All rooms and suites have furnished balconies, while Water View Lanai Rooms have a large furnished patio and direct access to the adults-only pool.
Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV, single-cup coffeemakers, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Size and layout are similar across the board, the biggest difference is the views, which range from full water vistas to the resort grounds. Suites add sitting areas with double sofa beds.
Spacious bathrooms are equipped with large vanities, glass-enclosed showers, and a private water closet. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. One-Bedroom Presidential Suites are the only room type outfitted with a separate tub.
For families and groups that want to self-cater, Hawks Cay offers a wide range of villas with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and up to four bedrooms. Some have their own private plunge pool. Villas are individually owned time-share properties, but the owners must maintain certain standards and the decor was chosen from a pre-approved package, so there should be few surprises. All villas are serviced by housekeeping and guests get access to the full range of Hawks Cay facilities.
What Restaurants and Bars are at Hawks Cay Resort?
Seven dining options cater to a variety of budgets and tastes.
Hawks Cay Resort offers six restaurants and a coffee shop, and many guests eat all of their meals on-site.
Located off the main pool deck, Hawks Cay Marketplace offers a hot breakfast buffet with items such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh juice, oatmeal, pastries, and make-your-own waffles. The area then transforms later in the day to a grab-and-go market or casual sit-down option for paninis, salads, and sandwiches. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Tiki Grill -- open for lunch and dinner -- is a casual lagoon-side restaurant with outdoor seating and a large, covered bar. The menu offers salads, fish tacos and burgers, along with tropical cocktails, beer, and wine. Oasis Cay (lunch only) is much like the Tiki Grill, but it's by the adults-only pool. Coral Grill is a casual option by the Pirate Ship pool. It's open seasonally and offers kid-friendly fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.
Sixty-One Prime is the upscale dinner restaurant, located off the lobby. It has an industrial beach vibe and the menu serves excellent and creative fare that can include pork belly, fresh fish, lobster, steaks, octopus, and gourmet salads. Dessert and wine lists are high quality and extensive.
Open for lunch and dinner, Angler and Ale offers indoor and outdoor dining, water views, and fun events like trivia contests. Menu highlights include Key lime pie, conch fritters, lobster mac and cheese, tuna nachos, whole snapper, and a bison burger. Guests can bring their own fish for the chef to prepare to taste. There are also a kids' menu and an extensive bar.
Island Time Coffee Bar is located inside the gift shop just off the lobby. This is the place to grab a Starbucks coffee or a treat throughout the day. Room service is also available for breakfast and dinner until late night. Boxed lunches are options for guests headed out on the water or a road trip.
There is no Hawks Cay Resort all-inclusive package -- the only meal plan offered on-site is the bed-and-breakfast option.
What Features are Available at Hawks Cay Resort?
The dolphin research center, manmade lagoon, multiple pools, relaxing spa, and kids' camp are highlights here.
The list of features at Hawks Cay Resort Duck Key is impressive. Dolphin Connection is a research center that allows guests to view dolphins free of charge. There are all sorts of paid packages that allow for everything from cute dry photo-ops on the dock to getting in the water with the dolphins to an entire trainer-for-a-day experience.
Guests can also swim, stand-up paddleboard, and kayak in the manmade saltwater lagoon. It has a zero-entry beach for little ones, plus sun loungers and umbrellas on the sand. Note that the lagoon is pretty small, and guests wanting to get out on the open water are better off renting equipment from SOLE water sports (also on property).
Five swimming pools are sprinkled around the hotel grounds, including a large main resort pool and a quiet adults-only pool. Over at Coral Cay (still part of the property, about a three-minute walk from the resort's main building) there are a family pool and a fun pool with an interactive pirate ship. A cast of characters, such as a mermaid and a pirate, make regular appearances. Coral Cay also has a small lunch restaurant, sports court, 18-hole mini-golf, playground equipment, and a weekend Swashbuckling Show.
Hawks runs an excellent daily kids' camp (for a fee) at Coral Cay. The dedicated staff arranges a full morning, afternoon, or all-day session for ages 5 to 12. Activities take place indoors and out, and there's a fun environmental component -- plus kids' stuff like making slime and art projects. Occasional night-time activities are also offered. There is also a section for teens, complete with video games, foosball, and sports and group activities.
For adults, Calm Waters Spa is an excellent place to relax. There's a co-ed relaxation area with snacks, teas, and fruit-infused waters. Treatments include facials, massages, and wraps using local influences from the Florida Keys. Salon and bridal services can also be booked. The adjacent fitness center offers a variety of LifeFitness cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and a stretching room. Yoga is available for an additional fee. Outside, there are full tennis courts with pro trainers, clinics, camps, and private lessons. Use of the courts is free for all guests.
The 85-slip marina offers full services, and the maximum length allowed on-site is 110 feet. The hotel also offers extensive meeting and wedding space, including a 5,500-square-foot waterfront ballroom, several smaller rooms, and a number of outdoor venues.
A daily resort fee is added to the bill at Hawks Cay, and covers Wi-Fi, self-parking, water sports in the lagoon, bikes to borrow, and resort shuttle services.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
-
Air Conditioner
-
Airport Transportation
-
Babysitting Services
-
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
-
Beach
-
Beauty / Hair Salon
-
Business Center
-
Cable
-
Children's Pool
-
Concierge
-
Cribs
-
Dry Cleaning
-
Fitness Center
-
Full Kitchen
-
Gameroom / Arcade
-
Internet
-
Jacuzzi
-
Kids Allowed
-
Laundry
-
Meeting / Conference Rooms
-
Pool
-
Room Service
-
Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
-
Spa
-
Supervised Kids Activities
-
Swim-Up Bar
-
Tennis Court
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.