
Three Waters Resort and Marina
Best for boating, fishing charters, and a bigger resort campus with more dining and pool choices.
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Three Waters Resort and Marina is a larger, marina-centered Islamorada resort with multiple pools, a full-service marina, and family- and group-friendly spaces. Amara Cay Resort is a sleeker, beachfront Islamorada property with a smaller campus and a simpler set of on-site dining and pool options; read this if you’re choosing between a marina-focused, activity-rich stay and a straightforward beachfront resort.
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Best for boating, fishing charters, and a bigger resort campus with more dining and pool choices.

Best for travelers who want a compact beachfront resort with a straightforward set of amenities and easy beach access.
When Three Waters Resort and Marina wins: choose Three Waters if you want a larger resort campus with a full-service 72-slip marina, three pools (including an adults-only Cove pool), more restaurants and bars, on-site oceanside massages, and activities for families and groups.
When Amara Cay Resort wins: choose Amara Cay if you prefer a sleeker, smaller beachfront property with fewer on-site venues and a simpler, more compact stay in Islamorada.
Bottom line: both are Islamorada Resort Collection sister properties with beach access and shared water-taxi connections; pick Three Waters for scale, dining variety, and boating options, or pick Amara Cay for a smaller, beachfront-focused stay.
| Category | Three Waters Resort and Marina | Amara Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Larger marina resort campus with historic tiki bar, multiple pools, varied dining and family-friendly programming. | Sleek, beachfront resort with a more compact set of on-site facilities and a straightforward beachfront feel. |
| Location | 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada; on 15 waterfront acres at mile marker 84 with marina access. | 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada; beachfront property in Matecumbe. |
| Size (rooms) | 214 rooms, suites, and cottages. | 110 rooms. |
| Ages / audience | All-ages resort overall; includes The Cove, a 21+ resort-within-a-resort. | All-ages property (not adults-only). |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools year-round (Kokomo swim-up bar pool, Overseas Pool, and The Cove 21+ pool). | One outdoor pool listed. |
| Restaurants & bars | Nine+ on-site dining destinations (Kindler Wood-Fired Fare, Little Limón rooftop, Mercado Morada, Tiki Bar, swim-up Kokomo, etc.). | Two restaurants and three bars/lounges listed; poolside bar available. |
| Spa / wellness | Oceanside massage services (Oo La La / Ooh La La) and open-air fitness areas including a Wave Motion Studio (21+). | Not published |
| Marina & water sports | Full-service marina with 72 slips, fishing charters, motor boating, snorkeling, paddleboarding on-site. | Water activities nearby and on-site options such as kayaking and scuba listed; no full-service marina noted. |
| Resort fee / extras | Nightly resort fee includes Rum Runner water taxi, bike and paddleboard rentals, shuttle, welcome cocktail, enhanced Wi‑Fi, self-parking. | Not published |
| Pet policy | Welcomes well-mannered dogs with $150 non-refundable fee per room per stay (max two dogs). | Pet policy: Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting property (pet fee listed when applicable). |
Three Waters sits on 15 waterfront acres at mile marker 84 with marina access and multiple beaches.
Choose Three Waters if you want the largest on-site waterfront footprint and easy inter-resort water access.
Amara Cay is a Matecumbe beachfront resort located on Overseas Highway with direct private beach access.
Choose Amara Cay for a straightforward beachfront location and easy access to local dive and fishing operators.
Three Waters offers 214 rooms, suites, and cottages with family- and adult-only options.
Pick Three Waters for more room types and clearly separated adult-only and family areas.
Amara Cay lists 110 air-conditioned rooms and a mix of standard rooms and suites.
Choose Amara Cay for a compact set of beachfront room options including oceanfront and partial-ocean views.
Three Waters provides a wide mix of restaurants and bars across the campus.
If on-site dining variety matters, Three Waters gives many different atmospheres and menus.
Amara Cay lists two restaurants and three bars/lounges for on-site dining and drinks.
Amara Cay suits travelers who want a smaller, simpler set of on-site dining choices and quick beachside meals.
Three Waters runs three year-round pools and multiple beaches including The Cove, an adults-only enclave.
Families and groups will appreciate more pool options and a separate adults-only area at Three Waters.
Amara Cay offers private beach access and one outdoor pool on-site.
Amara Cay is a good pick if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach and prefer a smaller pool area.
Three Waters has oceanside massage services and multiple active options across the property.
Choose Three Waters for a broader mix of wellness and on-site evening entertainment.
Amara Cay lists fitness facilities and nearby nightlife options but no published on-site spa.
Amara Cay is suitable if you plan to use nearby Islamorada nightlife and activities rather than rely on a large in-house spa program.

Three Waters — full-service marina with 72 slips and year-round fishing charters.

Amara Cay — compact beachfront resort with easy private beach access and a smaller set of on-site venues.

Three Waters — a wide range of restaurants and bars from wood-fired dining to rooftop and tiki bar scenes.

Amara Cay — fewer rooms and a streamlined set of amenities for a lower-footprint stay.
Yes. Three Waters is explicitly family-friendly while also offering The Cove as a 21+ enclave; Amara Cay is not adults-only and welcomes families.
Yes. The Islamorada Resort Collection operates a Rum Runner water taxi and shuttles that connect Three Waters with sister properties including Amara Cay.
Three Waters has the full-service marina (72 slips) and is the clear choice for boating and fishing charters.
Not published
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