Hawks Cay Resort – Marathon Resort Review
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Choose Hawks Cay Resort if...
- You're a family wanting dolphin programs, a kids' club, and a lazy river on a private island
- You're a couple wanting a spa retreat with a saltwater lagoon and island seclusion
- You're a boater or angler wanting an 85-slip marina with charters and sunset cruises
Skip Hawks Cay Resort if...
- You're on a budget — Hawks Cay's destination-resort pricing reflects its full amenity package
- You want nightlife — Duck Key is a residential island with no scene
- You want walkability — the resort is car-dependent for anything off-property
AskTheKeys Traveler Match
How well does Hawks Cay Resort fit your trip?
Before you book — the one trade-off
Hawks Cay is a self-contained island resort with everything on-site, and you pay destination-resort rates for it — there's nothing walkable off the island.
AskTheKeys Decision SummaryHawks Cay Resort is best for families, couples, and groups wanting an all-in-one destination island resort with dolphin programs, saltwater lagoon, marina, five restaurants, and kids' club on Duck Key. It is not ideal for budget travelers, solo nightlife seekers, or guests who want walkable downtown access.
Choose Hawks Cay if you want an all-in-one island resort with dolphin programs, lagoon, and kids' club. Skip it if you're on a budget or want walkable nightlife.
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Before You Book
The details that matter after you've narrowed down your options.
Best for
- Families wanting dolphin programs, kids' club (Pirate Camp), and lazy river pool on a private island
- Couples seeking a spa retreat with saltwater lagoon, waterfront dining, and island seclusion
- Boaters and anglers who want an 85-slip marina with fishing charters and sunset cruises
- Groups needing villa-style accommodations with full kitchens alongside destination-resort amenities
Not ideal for
- Budget travelers — Hawks Cay's destination-resort pricing reflects its comprehensive amenity package
- Solo nightlife seekers — Duck Key is a residential island with no nightlife scene
- Walkability seekers — the resort is car-dependent for any off-property exploration
Quick facts
| Address | 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, FL 33050 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (305) 743-7000 |
| Check-in / Out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Parking | On-site (free) |
| Pets | Yes (fee may apply) |
| Beach access | Yes |
| Pool(s) | Yes |
| Spa | Yes (full-service) |
| EV charging | Yes |
Location & nearby
Hawks Cay Resort is located in Duck Key within Marathon.
What's nearby
- Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay(0 mi, 0 min walk)
- Sombrero Beach(9 mi, 180 min walk)
- Turtle Hospital(8 mi, 160 min walk)
- Seven Mile Bridge(8 mi, 160 min walk)
- Crane Point Museum & Nature Center(7.5 mi, 150 min walk)
- Bahia Honda State Park(18 mi, 360 min walk)
- Marathon Community Park(9 mi, 180 min walk)
- Keys Fisheries Market & Marina(8.5 mi, 170 min walk)
Amenities overview
Property highlight features
- Dolphin Connection — on-site interactive dolphin encounters
- Saltwater lagoon and multiple pools including lazy river
- Full-service 85-slip marina with fishing charters
- Five restaurants and Calm Waters Spa
- Kids' and teens' club (Pirate Camp) and six tennis courts
Pricing positioning
Typical nightly pricing tends to fall in the $$$ range, depending on season and room type.
premium destination island resort
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Independent Decision Engine
Florida Keys Resorts operates as a fully objective, crowdsourced review system. We do not accept paid placements from hotels to alter their scoring records. Instead, we use standardized API connections to provide transparent third-party rate checks for our community.
How Hawks Cay Resort Compares to Other Marathon Resorts
Hawks Cay Resort vs Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort
- Hawks Cay Resort wins:177-acre island resort with dolphin programs, saltwater lagoon, marina, spa, and five restaurants
- Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort wins:beachfront beach-house resort with full kitchens and private sand beach in Marathon proper
Hawks Cay Resort vs Isla Bella Beach Resort
- Hawks Cay Resort wins:destination island resort on Duck Key with dolphin experience, 85-slip marina, kids' club, and spa
- Isla Bella Beach Resort wins:luxury Marathon resort with five pools, spa, brewery, and expansive 24-acre waterfront grounds
Hawks Cay Resort vs Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina
- Hawks Cay Resort wins:full-service island resort with restaurants, dolphin programs, spa, and comprehensive amenities
- Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina wins:independent villa resort with full kitchens, private marina, and self-catering flexibility
FAQs
Does Hawks Cay Resort have dolphin programs?
Yes. Hawks Cay is home to the Dolphin Connection, offering interactive dolphin encounters, swim-with-dolphin programs, and educational sessions directly on the resort grounds. Advance reservations are recommended as sessions sell out quickly.
Is Hawks Cay Resort on its own island?
Yes. Hawks Cay Resort occupies 177 acres on Duck Key, a small island connected to the Overseas Highway by bridge approximately 10 miles northeast of Marathon. The island setting provides seclusion while remaining accessible by car.
Does Hawks Cay have a marina?
Yes. Hawks Cay operates a full-service 85-slip marina that accommodates boats up to 110 feet. The marina offers fishing charters, sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and fueling services.
Is Hawks Cay family-friendly?
Yes. Hawks Cay is one of the most family-oriented resorts in the Florida Keys. It features Pirate Camp (kids' and teens' club), a family pool with lazy river, dolphin programs, and organized activities for all ages. Villa-style units with full kitchens are available for families.
Does Hawks Cay have a spa?
Yes. Calm Waters Spa at Hawks Cay offers massages, facials, body wraps, and wellness treatments in a waterfront setting. The spa includes a relaxation lounge and outdoor treatment options.
How many restaurants does Hawks Cay have?
Hawks Cay has five dining venues ranging from upscale waterfront dining to casual poolside fare. Options include a seafood restaurant, an Italian concept, a poolside grill, a tiki bar, and a grab-and-go market.
Is Hawks Cay pet-friendly?
Yes. Hawks Cay welcomes pets in designated rooms and villas for an additional fee. The resort's expansive grounds and island setting provide ample outdoor space for walking pets.
Do you need a car at Hawks Cay?
A car is needed to reach Duck Key and for any off-island exploration. Once on property, the resort is self-contained with restaurants, spa, marina, and activities. Free on-site parking is provided, and resort shuttles circulate the property.