Marina and fishing: planning a charter or bringing your boat
Three Waters Resort and Marina has a full-service 72-slip marina (including transient slips) and runs year-round fishing charters you can book through the marina. If you’re bringing your own boat, the resort’s deep channel and transient slips make docking straightforward; if you prefer not to crew a boat, book a charter from the marina and they’ll supply a captain, crew, and tackle.
In this guide
Marina basics at Three Waters
Three Waters Resort and Marina includes a full-service marina with 72 slips total, including transient slips, and is noted for having the deepest channel in the Upper/Middle Keys. The marina supports year-round boating and fishing charters.
Slip availability, transient docking and any services (fueling, pump-out, lines/cleats, storage) can vary; contact the marina or the resort concierge to confirm current services and transient slip procedures before arrival.
- Total slips: 72 (includes transient slips)
- Deepest channel in the Upper/Middle Keys — helps with low-tide access
- Year-round offshore and backcountry fishing charters available
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Marina size | 72 slips (including transient slips) |
| Channel depth note | Deep channel in Upper/Middle Keys for easier access |
| Charters | Daily offshore and backcountry options year-round |
Booking a fishing charter (what to ask)
If you want to fish without bringing a boat, book a charter through the resort’s marina. Confirm whether the quoted price includes licenses, tackle, ice and cleaning — policies differ by operator.
Ask the charter operator about target species (offshore vs backcountry), how many anglers the boat seats, what is included for bait/tackle, and the projected return time so you can plan meals and transfers.
- Charter length (half-day, full-day, overnight)
- Offshore vs backcountry targets (species differ)
- What’s included: licenses, bait, tackle, cleaning
- Maximum anglers and age/weight limits
- Cancellation, weather and refund policies
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What species will we target? | Determines tackle, bait and trip timing |
| Is crewed/captain included? | Most charters include captain and crew; confirms crew experience |
| Is fish cleaning included? | Saves time; confirms whether fillets or whole fish are returned |
Bringing your own boat — docking and arrival tips
Three Waters welcomes private boats and offers transient slips; because the property has one of the deeper channels in the Upper/Middle Keys, low-tide access is generally easier here than at many nearby marinas.
Reserve a transient slip in advance and let the marina know your expected arrival time. The resort’s marina staff can usually assist with docking; ask about pump-out, shore power and any limits on vessel size for specific slips.
- Reserve transient slips ahead of travel — availability can change
- Provide arrival time and vessel information (length, beam, draft)
- Ask marina staff about shore power and pump-out availability
- Confirm docking fees and payment method with the marina or concierge
| Before you arrive | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Transient slip needed | Call marina to reserve and confirm slip size |
| Vessel details | Share length, beam and draft with marina staff |
| Onshore services | Ask about shore power, pump-out, fuel and showers |
Practical packing and prep for a fishing day
Bring sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses), motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone to seasickness, and a light, layered windbreaker for offshore trips. Charters often provide rods, reels and tackle, but check in advance.
If you plan to keep fish, bring or ask about a cooler for the ride home; many anglers also bring a small tip for the crew if service is good. The resort offers cleaning services through charters or the marina — confirm whether cleaning is included in your booking.
- Sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses
- Non-slip shoes and light jacket
- Motion-sickness meds (if needed)
- Camera/phone in waterproof case
- Cooler or check if charter supplies ice
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Polarized sunglasses | Reduce glare for spotting fish |
| Non-slip shoes | Better footing aboard and on wet docks |
| Waterproof phone/case | Protects devices from spray |
On-property logistics and helpful resort services
Three Waters is on 15 waterfront acres at mile marker 84 and is part of a three-property resort collection linked by the Rum Runner water taxi. The nightly resort fee includes several guest benefits such as the Rum Runner water taxi, daily kayak/paddleboard rentals and enhanced Wi‑Fi.
Use the resort concierge or marina office to arrange charters, request local fishing recommendations (offshore vs backcountry), and coordinate luggage or vehicle parking. Self-parking is included in the resort fee; confirm parking rules for vehicles towing trailers in advance.
- Resort fee includes Rum Runner water taxi, kayak/paddleboard rentals and enhanced Wi‑Fi
- Concierge can book charters and answer local fishing questions
- Self-parking included with resort fee — ask about trailer/boat parking rules
- Three Waters connects to La Siesta Resort and Amara Cay Resort via water taxi
| Service | Included with resort fee? |
|---|---|
| Rum Runner water taxi | Yes (daily access included) |
| Kayak/paddleboard rentals | Yes (daily rental included for 2 guests per room) |
| Self-parking | Yes (included) |
Local conditions, timing and safety
Islamorada’s best general seasons for boating, fishing and snorkeling are during the dry season (November–April) and late spring/ fall, when weather tends to be milder and seas calmer. Summer months are hotter and wetter and are inside Atlantic hurricane season (June–November).
Always check the local marine forecast and charter cancellation/weather policies before you go out. If you’re bringing your own boat, verify planned routes, tide windows, and safety gear requirements with marina staff.
- Best general seasons: dry season Nov–Apr and late spring/fall
- Hurricane season runs June–November — watch forecasts
- Check local marine weather and confirm charter weather/cancellation terms
- Bring required safety gear and file float plans for private boats
| Season | Notes for boaters/fishers |
|---|---|
| Dry season (Nov–Apr) | Milder weather, calmer seas; popular time for trips |
| Summer (May–Oct) | Warmer water temperatures; higher rain risk and storm season |
| Hurricane season (Jun–Nov) | Monitor forecasts; charters may cancel for safety |
