
Three Waters Resort and Marina
Best for boaters and couples who want marina access and an adults-only Cove within a family resort.
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Three Waters Resort and Marina is a 214-room Islamorada waterfront resort with a full-service marina, multiple pools and an adults-only enclave—good for families who want marina energy plus an option for 21+ quiet. Hawks Cay Resort is a larger, family-focused resort in Marathon with many pools, on-site marina-style activities and a full-service spa—read this if you want a lively family resort with kid-focused amenities.
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Best for boaters and couples who want marina access and an adults-only Cove within a family resort.

Best for families wanting a bigger resort footprint with multiple pools, kid activities and a full-service spa.
When Three Waters Resort and Marina wins: choose Three Waters if you want direct marina access (72 slips), a concentrated Islamorada location, and the option of a 21+ Cove with its own private beach and pool—ideal for boaters, couples and mixed-age groups who want both family spaces and an adults-only enclave.
When Hawks Cay Resort wins: pick Hawks Cay if you want a larger, traditionally family-oriented resort in Marathon with more on-site recreational infrastructure (water park access, multiple bars, an arcade/game room and a full-service spa) and broad programing for kids.
Bottom line: both properties suit families and water-focused travelers, but Three Waters tilts toward marina activity and a smaller-Islamorada footprint with an adults-only slice, while Hawks Cay is a bigger, Marsh-run family resort with more built-in kid amenities and event space.
| Category | Three Waters Resort and Marina | Hawks Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Marina-forward Islamorada resort with an adults-only Cove plus family areas | Larger family-focused resort with multiple pools, water-park style features and spa |
| Location | Islamorada, mile marker 84 on US-1 with nearby local attractions (Theater of the Sea, Windley Key) | Marathon (61 Hawks Cay Blvd), on the ocean near Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks |
| Size (rooms) | 214 rooms, suites and cottages | 292 guestrooms |
| Who it's for | Families, groups, couples and boaters; The Cove is 21+ | Families and groups; resort programming and facilities for kids and teens |
| Pools & beach | Three year-round pools (including an adults-only Cove pool) and five beaches across the property collection; swim-up Kokomo bar | Three outdoor pools, private beach and water-park style features/splash pad/waterslide (access/surcharge noted) |
| Restaurants & bars | Nine culinary venues including Kindler (signature wood-fired), Little Limón (rooftop), Tiki Bar and a swim-up Kokomo bar | Four restaurants and multiple bars, including poolside bars and 3 bars/lounges on property |
| Spa & wellness | Oceanside massages and an open-air fitness center; Wave Motion Studio (21+) at The Cove | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials plus fitness and yoga classes on site |
| Marina & water sports | Full-service marina with 72 slips, fishing charters, kayaking, paddleboarding and Rum Runner water taxi to sister properties | On-site marina and wide water-sport offerings; fishing and motor boating nearby |
| Family & kids | Family-oriented overall with kids' pools, arcade and family dining; The Cove remains 21+ | Family-focused with arcade/game room, splash pad, waterslide and kid-friendly programs |
| Accessibility & policies | 21+ to check in; dogs allowed with fee; resort fee includes activity rentals and water taxi (published policy) | Not adults-only; accepts children (up to 9 children 12 and under stay free in room with parents, per listing); various accessibility features listed |
Three Waters sits at mile marker 84 in Islamorada on 15 waterfront acres with nearby local attractions.
Choose Three Waters for an Islamorada base with marina access and short drives to local Keys attractions.
Hawks Cay is on Duck Key in Marathon, positioned by the ocean with state parks and marine recreation nearby.
Pick Hawks Cay if you want a Marathon base with straightforward beach access and resort-scale recreation.
Three Waters offers 214 rooms, suites and cottages with a mix of family and adults-only Cove accommodations.
Three Waters balances family-room options with a dedicated 21+ collection for guests wanting separation from kids' areas.
Hawks Cay provides 292 guestrooms across a larger resort footprint.
Hawks Cay offers more total rooms and a traditional family-resort room mix for bigger groups and families.
Three Waters lists nine dining destinations, anchored by Kindler Wood-Fired Fare and a rooftop Little Limón.
Three Waters gives a broad mix from elevated wood-fired dining to casual beach and pool food across multiple venues.
Hawks Cay features multiple on-site restaurants and 3 bars/lounges serving a range of meals and poolside snacks.
Hawks Cay is set up for family dining and poolside convenience with several on-property outlets and bars.
Three Waters emphasizes water-based amenities: three year-round pools, a 72-slip marina and inter-resort water taxi access.
If marina access and a mix of family pools plus a 21+ pool matter, Three Waters is tailored to those priorities.
Hawks Cay highlights family water features, three outdoor pools and water-park style elements with surcharge options.
Hawks Cay is geared to families who prioritize multiple curated pool experiences and kid-focused water features.
Three Waters offers oceanside massages and fitness options, with some adults-only fitness and lounge spaces in The Cove.
Three Waters blends daytime wellness with low-key evening live music and an adults-only lounge option.
Hawks Cay operates a full-service spa and fitness offerings plus family-oriented evening programming.
Hawks Cay is a good pick if you want a full-service spa plus family-friendly evening activities on site.

Three Waters — full-service marina with 72 slips and the deepest channel in the Upper Keys.

Hawks Cay — splash pad, waterslide/water-park features and kid-focused programming make it family-forward.

Three Waters — The Cove is an adults-only (21+) resort-within-a-resort with its own private beach and pool.

Hawks Cay — full-service spa, multiple pools and broader on-site recreational infrastructure.
Three Waters—its 72-slip full-service marina and deep channel make it the clearer choice for boaters and fishing charters.
Hawks Cay has more explicit kid-focused features (waterslide, splash pad, arcade) while Three Waters is family-friendly overall but also includes an adults-only Cove area.
Yes—Three Waters has The Cove (21+), a resort-within-a-resort with its own private beach and pool; Hawks Cay is not adults-only.
Yes—Hawks Cay states reservations are required for massage services; Three Waters publishes oceanside massage services and booking in advance is advised.
Explore how Three Waters Resort and Marina stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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