Rum Runner water taxi and access to sister resorts

The Rum Runner water taxi is a complimentary service included in the nightly resort fee at Three Waters Resort and Marina that connects guests to two sister properties in the Islamorada Resort Collection: La Siesta Resort and Amara Cay Resort. Use it to hop between beaches, pools, and dining venues without driving; schedules and boarding locations are available from the concierge.
In this guide
- What the Rum Runner water taxi is and who can use it
- Where to board and how the route works
- What you can visit at the sister resorts
- How the Cove and adults-only access works with the water taxi
- Practical tips: timing, reservations, and what to bring
- Using the water taxi with different room types
- Safety, accessibility, and additional services
What the Rum Runner water taxi is and who can use it
The Rum Runner water taxi is a complimentary boat shuttle that runs between Three Waters Resort and Marina and the resort’s two sister properties, La Siesta Resort and Amara Cay Resort. Access to the water taxi is included in the nightly resort fee.
All registered guests of Three Waters can use the service; the resort fee that covers the water taxi also applies to guests of the Islamorada Resort Collection. For exact pickup times and boarding locations, check with the Three Waters concierge or front desk.
- Included with the nightly resort fee
- Connects Three Waters to La Siesta Resort and Amara Cay Resort
- Open to registered guests of the resort collection
| Service | Included with |
|---|---|
| Rum Runner water taxi | Nightly resort fee |
| Local shuttle (land) | Nightly resort fee |
| Bike/kayak rentals (daily) | Nightly resort fee |

Where to board and how the route works
Boarding locations and exact schedules can vary; the resort concierge or front desk will give current times and the nearest dock when you arrive. The Rum Runner provides a scenic, short hop between the three properties so you can access other beaches, pools, and restaurants without driving.
If you plan to use the water taxi during peak times (late morning, late afternoon, or around dinner hours), ask the concierge about recommended departure windows or whether reservations are needed for specific sailings.
- Ask concierge/front desk for current boarding point and schedule
- Ideal for moving between beaches, pools, and dining venues
- May be busier during peak resort hours—check ahead
| When to check with concierge | Why |
|---|---|
| Arrival day | Get boarding location and first-day schedule |
| Before dinner | Allow time to return for reservations |
| During peak hours | Verify space or alternative departure times |
What you can visit at the sister resorts
La Siesta Resort and Amara Cay Resort each offer beaches, pools, and dining options that extend what’s available at Three Waters. Guests often use the Rum Runner to try different restaurants, relax on alternate beaches, or access other pool environments.
Because the three properties operate under the Islamorada Resort Collection, many shared amenities (like beach loungers and enhanced Wi‑Fi included in the resort fee) are available across the properties; for any venue-specific rules or dining hours, check with the venue or concierge.
- Alternate beaches and pool areas
- Additional dining venues beyond Three Waters’ nine culinary outlets
- Easy access to specialty spaces at sister resorts without a car
| Sister resort | What to expect |
|---|---|
| La Siesta Resort | Additional pools, beaches, and dining options |
| Amara Cay Resort | Alternate beach/pool settings and restaurants |
| Three Waters Resort and Marina | Full-service marina, multiple restaurants and bars, The Cove adults-only area |

How the Cove and adults-only access works with the water taxi
The Cove at Three Waters is an adults-only (21+) resort-within-a-resort with its own private walk-in beach and pool. Access to The Cove’s adults-only facilities is limited to guests eligible by age and room booking; confirm your eligibility with the front desk if you plan to move between adult and family areas.
If you’re using the Rum Runner to visit sister properties and also want to use The Cove, check with the concierge about any additional rules or requirements for crossing between The Cove and other resort areas during your visit.
- The Cove is 21+ and has its own private beach and pool
- Guests should verify access rules at check-in if moving between adult and family spaces
- Concierge can confirm whether specific Cove facilities are restricted
| Area | Access |
|---|---|
| The Cove pool & beach | Guests 21+ only |
| Three Waters family pools/beaches | All registered guests |
| Sister resort beaches/pools | Available to resort collection guests via water taxi |
Practical tips: timing, reservations, and what to bring
The Rum Runner is convenient for daytime beach-hopping and evenings out, but exact schedules and capacity can change. If you have a dinner reservation at Little Limón, Kindler, or another venue on a sister property, allow extra time for the water taxi and confirm timing with the concierge.
Bring what you need for a short boat ride—sunscreen, a hat, water, and any essential medications. Large coolers or personal pool chairs are not permitted on the property, and you should follow any guest guidelines the concierge provides for water taxi use.
- Confirm sail times at the front desk before heading out
- Reserve dining at Little Limón or Kindler through concierge if you plan to arrive by water taxi
- Do not bring large coolers or personal pool chairs—resort rules prohibit them
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen & hat | Bring for daytime rides and beach stops |
| Reservations | Confirm dining or spa bookings ahead of time |
| Large coolers | Not allowed on property |

Using the water taxi with different room types
Guests in any of the resort’s room types (for example Room, Balcony, Ocean View; The Village Room; Junior Suite, with Sofa bed, Oceanfront; or Suite, with Sofa bed, Balcony, Oceanfront) can access the Rum Runner as part of the resort fee. If your reservation includes The Cove-only room categories (those marked with Ages 21/The Cove), verify access rules at check-in.
If you plan to move between properties while staying in a specific room type, the concierge can advise on the best boarding point and any timing considerations so you return for check-in, activities, or meals without missing reservations.
- All registered guests (including Room, Balcony, Ocean View and The Village Room) have access via the resort fee
- The Cove room categories are restricted to guests 21+—confirm eligibility at check-in
- Concierge can advise on boarding points for your room location
| Room example | Notes about water-taxi use |
|---|---|
| Room, Balcony, Ocean View | Guest has access to water taxi—check boarding point |
| The Village Room | Guest has access to water taxi—confirm schedule |
| Suite, with Sofa bed, Balcony, Oceanfront (Ages 21) | Cove/21+ rooms require age verification at check-in |
Safety, accessibility, and additional services
The resort provides life jackets and follows standard safety practices for guest boat transport; if you have accessibility needs, tell the concierge so they can advise about boarding and paths between docks. The property also offers a land shuttle within a local radius included with the resort fee if the water taxi isn’t suitable.
If you have questions about transporting gear, bringing pets, or mobility equipment, confirm details with the front desk before using the water taxi—pet and accessibility policies are handled at check-in and may affect how you travel between properties.
- Life jackets and standard boat safety measures are provided
- Inform concierge of accessibility needs before boarding
- Land shuttle is available within the local area as an alternative
| Need | Best contact |
|---|---|
| Accessibility assistance | Concierge / front desk |
| Pet transport questions | Front desk (pet policy applies) |
| Alternative to water taxi | Daily land shuttle (resort fee covers shuttle) |


