By Lindsey Brown, Travel Advisor
August 13, 2026

If you're dreaming of turquoise waters, endless sunshine, and a resort that truly offers something for everyone, Hawks Cay Resort deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Better yet, I'd love to help you plan your own unforgettable Florida Keys getaway!

My family has been visiting Hawks Cay Resort for nearly 10 years, so I've experienced firsthand what keeps us coming back year after year. Nestled on the island of Duck Key, this beautiful waterfront resort perfectly blends laid-back island charm with upscale amenities. Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an adventure-filled family vacation, or a romantic weekend away, Hawks Cay Resort offers an experience you'll never forget.

The Location

Located on the secluded island of Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort offers a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently positioned between Key Largo and Key West. The resort's private island setting provides breathtaking ocean views in every direction and easy access to some of the Florida Keys' best boating, fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

While Miami is the closest airport, I actually prefer flying into Key West and making the scenic drive north to Duck Key. Not only do you avoid much of Miami's traffic, but you also get to experience one of the most beautiful drives in the Keys—and perhaps spend a little time exploring Key West before settling into the resort.

From the moment you arrive, you'll feel welcomed. The lobby features a stunning saltwater fish tank, friendly team members, and refreshing infused water, often flavored with citrus or cucumber. You'll also find the Island Time Boutique, where you can shop for favorites like YETI®, Huk®, Maui Jim®, Costa®, resort apparel, souvenirs, sunscreen, and other vacation essentials.

Accommodations

Hawks Cay offers accommodations to fit a variety of travel styles, including:

Traditional guest rooms
Spacious suites
Private villas for families and larger groups

One of my favorite options for families is the Family Suite, which features a king bed along with built-in bunk beds—perfect for traveling with children.

Personally, my family prefers staying in the main hotel because everything is just a short walk away, including the pools, restaurants, marina, and activities. While the villas offer additional space and privacy, some can be quite a walk from the resort's main amenities.

Travel Advisor Tip: If you're considering a villa, be sure to book through the resort or a trusted travel advisor. Villas booked through some third-party providers may not include access to all of Hawks Cay Resort's amenities, and I always want my clients to enjoy the complete resort experience.

Resort Amenities

Five Unique Pool Experiences

One of the things I love most about Hawks Cay is that every pool offers a different atmosphere.

Family Pool located near the main building
Adults-Only Tranquility Pool tucked away for a quieter experience
Pirate Ship Kids Pool (currently being transformed into the exciting new Coral Cay Adventure Park)
Quiet Pool located behind Calm Waters Spa
Additional pool areas throughout the property

The upcoming Coral Cay Adventure Park, expected to open in late 2026, promises exciting water slides, splash areas, and adventures designed for guests of all ages.

Beyond the pools, the resort features a beautiful saltwater lagoon, where guests can enjoy complimentary paddleboards and kayaks as part of the resort fee. It's one of our favorite places to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Full-Service Marina

Boating enthusiasts will appreciate Hawks Cay's full-service marina with direct access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf waters.

Guests can enjoy:

Fishing charters
Sunset cruises
Boat rentals
Watersports excursions
Personal boat slips

Fishing has become a yearly tradition for my family, and it's something we look forward to every visit.

Calm Waters Spa & Fitness Center

If relaxation is on your vacation agenda (it's definitely on mine!), don't miss Calm Waters Spa.

The spa offers:

Massages
Facials
Body treatments
Salon services

I've treated myself to many of these services over the years—and there's a reason I keep going back.

The fitness center is equally impressive, featuring cardio equipment, free weights, and strength-training machines. Every time I've visited, it's been clean, quiet, and well-maintained.

Dining at Hawks Cay Resort

One of the highlights of staying at Hawks Cay is the variety of dining options available.

Some photos courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort

Angler & Ale

This casual waterfront restaurant overlooks the marina and serves fresh seafood, burgers, and Florida Keys favorites.

One especially unique experience is the popular Hook It & Cook It program. If you've spent the day fishing, the chefs will prepare your fresh catch for you.

Salt + Ash

The resort's signature restaurant offers:

Fresh breakfast selections
Coastal-inspired dinners
Fresh seafood
Premium steaks
Seasonal specialties

Café Marketplace

Perfect for mornings or quick meals, the marketplace offers:

Coffee
Pastries
Sandwiches
Grab-and-go meals
Snacks

Poolside Favorites

If you're relaxing by the pool, don't miss:

Smoked Fish Dip
Watermelon Salad
Baja Fish Tacos

And if you're looking for a refreshing cocktail, my personal favorite is the Spicy Lagoon Margarita.

Family-Friendly Activities

One of the reasons Hawks Cay has become such a special place for our family is the incredible variety of activities available for children and adults alike.

Daily activities are available through the resort's website or at the front desk each morning, making it easy to plan your day.

Coral Cay Kids Club

Parents can enjoy a little downtime while children participate in supervised, age-appropriate activities.

Throughout the week you'll often find:

Poolside games
Pirate and mermaid meet-and-greets
Crafts
Family activities

While the original pirate-themed splash area is currently under construction, the upcoming Coral Cay Adventure Park looks like it will be even more exciting for families with children of all ages.

Dolphin Experiences

One of Hawks Cay's most memorable experiences is its long-standing dolphin program.

Guests can participate in educational dolphin encounters under professional supervision.

When my children were younger, we started with the Dockside Encounter. Once they were old enough, they graduated to the in-water experience, and it's still one of our family's favorite vacation memories.

Tip: Dolphin experiences are incredibly popular, so I recommend reserving them as early as possible after you arrive.

Outdoor Adventures

If your family enjoys staying active, Hawks Cay offers plenty of opportunities.

Included with your resort fee:

Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Bicycle rentals
Mini golf

One of my favorite traditions is riding bikes around Duck Key with my son. It's such a peaceful way to explore the island together.

Additional activities include:

Fishing charters
Snorkeling excursions
Pickleball
Tennis

Even if snorkeling isn't your thing, I still recommend joining the boat excursion—you'll enjoy incredible scenery and become part of the adventure without ever getting in the water.

Is Hawks Cay Resort Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you're looking for beautiful waterfront views, comfortable accommodations, outstanding dining, and activities for every generation, Hawks Cay Resort is one of my favorite destinations in the Florida Keys.

For my family, it's become much more than a vacation destination—it's a place that truly feels like coming home. Seeing familiar faces year after year, including incredible team members like Basil, Omar, Ava, and so many others who have become part of our vacation memories, makes every visit even more meaningful.

Whether it's your very first trip to the Florida Keys or you're planning another island escape, Hawks Cay Resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and family time.

If Hawks Cay sounds like your kind of getaway, I'd be honored to help you plan every detail of your vacation so all you have to do is arrive and start making memories.

Ready to Start Planning?

I'd love to help you plan your own Florida Keys escape to Hawks Cay Resort.

Lindsey Brown
Travel Advisor | Wishes Family Travel

📧 Lindsey@WishesFamilyTravel.com

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Disclaimer: All experiences shared in this review were purchased at publicly available consumer rates.

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