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Hawks Cay Resort gives so many issues to do, the place will we even start? This unimaginable lodge on Duck Key makes an important choice for multigenerational teams and vacationers of all ages, irrespective of how energetic or relaxed they need to be. Do not waste treasured trip time in paradise deciding what to do. As a substitute, use our Hawks Cay overview and listing of 21 family-friendly issues to do on the resort to plan forward and profit from your Florida Keys trip!
1. Discover Duck Key by boat.
Hawks Cay is a ship lover’s paradise. To actually admire the fantastic thing about the Florida Keys, it’s essential to take to the water.
Hawks Cay Marina
Boat house owners particularly admire Hawks Cay. That is as a result of you may even dock your individual vessel (as much as 110-feet lengthy) in one in every of 85 slips at this resort. Study extra concerning the Hawks Cay Marina companies and expertise.
Solé Watersports
These of us who do not personal our personal boat (or who do not need to sail it to Duck Key), ought to e book an tour with Solé Watersports. On the group Sundown Cruise boat trip, my household ventured by way of wee inlets on the resort after which out to the Atlantic ocean.
Included in all their boat journeys are drinks like beer, wine, and fruit-flavored spiked seltzers. In the meantime, teetotalers and youngsters can sip sodas and water. You may need to toast your success when you watch nature’s fiery present shimmer throughout the water because the solar dips beneath the horizon.
Solé Watersports gives personal charters, too. The captain will take as much as six friends for a one-hour personal island tour, two-hour sandbar tour, half-day journey, or night cruise.
2. Splash within the personal Saltwater Lagoon.
Though Hawks Cay doesn’t supply an unlimited seashore, the resort is dwelling to a good looking artifical lagoon.
The aquamarine waters are heat and surrounded by delicate, pale sand and chaise lounges galore. The small zero-entry seashore is a success with all ages. In actual fact, Hawks Cay made our listing of the finest seashore resorts for households.
You simply may see an iguana or two hanging out by the Saltwater Lagoon. There’s one thing magical about sharing an ocean view with iguanas. They’re wild however shy. And tremendous quick after they need to be!
3. Swim in Hawks Cay Swimming pools.
Hawks Cay gives 5 completely different swimming pools to your swimming pleasure. Moreover, 18 of the resort’s villas supply your individual personal plunge pool.
Fundamental Resort Pool for all ages
The large Fundamental Resort Pool is stuffed with over 65,000 gallons of water and boasts attractive ocean views. You’ll be able to order meals served proper to your lounge chairs from the close by Tiki Grill. There are many palm bushes and solar umbrellas encircling this pool however arrive early within the day to assert shaded loungers.
Anticipate a festive vibe right here with upbeat pop music performed on audio system. All through the day, select to take part (or not) in organized household video games and actions.
This pool gives zero entry, good for younger swimmers. It does have a deep finish, although, so preserve that in thoughts if swimming with little youngsters.
Within the evenings, collect round a fireplace pit on the Fundamental Resort Pool. Examine the resort schedule for s’mores nights with campfires and candy treats with nice views.
Oasis Cay Tranquility Pool for adults-only
For a extra tranquil setting, Hawks Cay’s guests aged 21+ can chill on the Oasis Cay Tranquility Pool, simply across the nook from the Fundamental Resort Pool.
For the last word in leisure at this adults-only pool, reserve a daytime personal cabana. You may get upscale facilities like a ceiling fan, chilled bottled waters, a contemporary fruit tray, and a concierge server for an à la carte menu.
Coral Cay Pool for households
Coral Cay Pool is a superb house for households to splash and swim collectively. Household swimming pools, Coral Cay and Pirate Ship, are positioned subsequent door to one another on the Coral Cay Actions & Journey Heart.
Pirate Ship Pool for teenagers
Arg, mateys! Youngsters can faux to be buccaneers crusing the excessive seas on the Pirate Ship Pool. It has water cannons, small water slides, and a giant pirate ship good for make-believe adventures.
Sundown Pool, a small oasis for the entire household
If your loved ones is craving a extra mellow setting than you will discover on the Fundamental Resort Pool or Coral Cay Pool, then head to the Sundown Pool. This smaller swimming gap is tucked far-off from the foyer and all of the motion.
Private plunge swimming pools
The villas in Sanctuary Village at Hawks Cay Resort supply private plunge swimming pools. These present a refreshing solution to cool off whereas having fun with the privateness of your individual giant furnished patio.
4. Go deep-sea fishing.
The Center Keys is a major fishing vacation spot. Grouper, mahi-mahi, snapper, and billfish are among the many species you may be fortunate to reel in throughout a fishing journey at Duck Key. Hawks Cay will hook you up with a plethora of easy accessibility to beneficial fishing charters.
Should you catch ’em, then Hawks Cay will cook dinner ’em. The cooks on the resort’s Angler and Ale Restaurant are comfortable to serve your freshly caught fish fried, grilled, or blackened — your alternative!
5. Embark on a snorkeling or diving tour.
The Florida Keys are dwelling to the Nice Florida Reef, the third-largest barrier reef on the earth and the biggest in North America. That makes Hawks Cay a major spot for water sports activities like snorkeling, SNUBA, or SCUBA diving.
My household launched into a gaggle snorkeling and sandbar tour with Solé Watersports, which included an hour of snorkeling within the shallow waters and coral reefs of the Coffins Patch Sanctuary Preservation Space. We noticed all kinds of colourful tropical fish and had our eyes peeled for moray eels and nurse sharks.
Movement illness victims (like me) ought to pack some Dramamine for this tour. Though I felt completely advantageous on our Sundown Cruise, I did begin to really feel queasy after bobbing about within the saltwater whereas snorkeling on this tour.
Fortunately, I used to be feeling advantageous by the point we reached the subsequent portion of our journey: the sandbar. We spent some time standing in the course of the ocean on a reasonably sandbar, sipping chilly drinkies whereas surrounded by startlingly clear water.
6. Work together with dolphins.
Hawks Cay Resort gives a Dolphin Connection program, which permits friends to interface with these superb ocean mammals. In actual fact, Hawks Cay is the one lodge within the mainland U.S. that options on-site dolphin encounter packages for all ages.
All the dolphins at Hawks Cay have been both rescued or born beneath human care. The dolphins reside and swim of their pure setting in an ocean-fed saltwater lagoon. Since their habitat is adjoining to a canal, the dolphins can safely observe a wide range of marine life that regularly go by together with manatees, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and tarpon.
The Dolphin Connection program gives loads of choices like their 45-minute Dockside Dolphins for the entire enjoyable and training from a dolphin deck with out swimming. Or, go all out with the three-hour personal Dolphin Coach for a Day, which offers an up-close and private expertise with the non-migratory Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. My household didn’t take part in a dolphin expertise.
7. Hire kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.
Are you beginning to get the sense that Hawks Cay is all about water play? That is as a result of water is the star at this resort! For one more solution to admire the resort’s island location, hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. You may get a pleasant exercise whereas taking in the fantastic thing about the calm, turquoise water that surrounds Duck Key.
8. Play miniature golf.
The onsite Coral Cay Actions & Adventures is the place to go for all kinds of play. Obtainable at no further cost, friends can borrow golf equipment and balls for a spherical or two of mini-golf on the Hawks Cay 18-hole placing course.
9. Be part of group actions and sports activities.
Swing by the Coral Cay Actions & Adventures workplace for a listing of day by day occasions. All ages will get pleasure from mid-day crafts, a playground, sports activities fields, and board video games. Even teenagers like to hitch the enjoyable with organized basketball, kickball, and sand volleyball tournaments on a sports activities court docket.
10. Discover by bicycle.
Hawks Cay is large. In actual fact, the 60-acre island resort occupies over 10 p.c of the island of Duck Key. Why not discover the resort on two wheels? Hire bicycles from Coral Cay Adventures & Actions for the day.
11. Drop the children off at Camp Hawk.
Youngsters aged 5 to 12 are in for a deal with at Camp Hawk (previously Camp Journey) at Coral Cay. Educated counselors lead kids in crafting, out of doors actions, and splash time on the Pirate Pool. Themed afternoon choices embody Mermaid & Pirate Academy, Superhero, Magical Mayhem, and extra.
Hours differ relying on the season and day of the week. Usually, mother and father can duck out for date evening on weekends when Camp Hawk extends into the evenings. Inquire with the resort to safe babysitting companies for younger kids or youngsters of all ages who want one-on-one consideration.
12. Loosen up at Calm Waters Spa.
After you have dropped the children at Camp Hawk, saunter on over to Calm Waters Spa for leisure and pampering. Select from a tempting array of facials, massages, and physique scrubs at this full-service spa. Salon companies are additionally accessible together with manicures, pedicures, and waxing, plus hairstyling, cuts, and highlights.
Should you actually need to indulge at this full spa, although, e book a Calm Waters Signature Buff and Therapeutic massage. The 100-minute remedy features a rejuvenating exfoliation remedy adopted by a therapeutic massage that includes warmed Himalayan salt stones and aromatherapy. Swoon!
13. Pirate Actions.
Till March 2022, households may collect across the Pirate Ship Pool at Coral Cay to observe Priscilla the Pirate Queen and her crew sing, dance, and seek for treasure. The 30-minute interactive Swashbuckling Pirate Present was geared towards youngsters ages 3 to 11.
The present has since been changed by pirate characters main actions comparable to scavenger hunts and sword-fighting courses periodically all through the week. Work together with characters like Koral the Mermaid, Captain Hawk, Clarence the First Mate, or the Pirate Queen.
14. Play tennis or pickleball.
Study from a tennis professional throughout your Florida Keys trip or problem your journey mates to a match as a part of the Cliff Drysdale Tennis program at Hawk Cay Resort. Tennis court docket utilization is included for lodge friends.
For a price, search for group clinics for adults and juniors, together with pickleball matches in summer time. Non-public classes with a USPTA-certified coach can be found, too. Hire (or buy) balls and rackets or convey your individual.
15. Feed fish at Hawks Cay Marina.
Purchase a bag of frozen shrimp from the Dockside Retailer at Hawks Cay Marina to feed tarpons. These fish are nicknamed “silver king” due to their spectacular dimension and silver coloration. Make sure to preserve your eyes peeled for appearances by the sleek cows of the ocean, manatees!
16. Watch a dive-in film.
Collect at Coral Cay Actions & Adventures for a family-friendly film. Watch whereas floating within the pool or settle right into a lounge chair to benefit from the flick.
17. Take pleasure in dwell music.
Do you like to take heed to dwell music? Collect with different friends aged 17+ on the adults-only Oasis Cay Tranquility Pool each Saturday night to take heed to a neighborhood band. Grown-ups also can get pleasure from drinks and dialog round a blazing firepit right here.
18. Dine out at Hawks Cay Resort.
Whenever you’re hungry or thirsty you have obtained six restaurant and bar choices at Hawks Cay. You may additionally discover scrumptious eating choices not removed from the resort within the nearest city, Marathon. Plus, room service is obtainable.
Sixty-One Prime
Linked to the foyer, Sixty-One Prime is the resort’s fine-dining choice within the night, specializing in steaks and seafood. Make sure to get the scrumptious key lime pie for dessert!
Go right here for a buffet within the morning full with contemporary fruits, scrambled eggs, meat like sausage or bacon, an array of pastries, and a breakfast deal with like pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Hawks Cay Market
For one thing fast within the morning, seize a Starbucks espresso drink from Hawks Cay Market. You may also choose up restricted, easy fare right here like boxed sandwiches and chips for lunch, or pizza for dinner.
Angler and Ale
My favourite restaurant at Hawks Cay Resort was Angler and Ale. Along with spectacular marina views, you will discover seafood dishes like lobster macaroni and cheese, Caribbean conch fritters, and coconut almond shrimp. Landlubbers can keep on with gadgets like ribs, rooster, or steak as an alternative.
Get your order to go to convey alongside in your Solé Watersports journey, which units sail from the Hawks Cay Marina out again.
Coral Grill
Households enjoying at Coral Cay Actions & Adventures can take a lunch break on the Coral Grill. Open seasonally, this snack bar options scorching sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and PB&Js. High it off with ice cream for dessert. Mother and pa will likely be happy to seek out grownup drinks on the market right here, too.
Oasis Cay Bar & Grill
If you wish to escape the children and quench your thirst, then stomach as much as the Oasis Cay Bar. This adult-only watering gap is positioned between the Fundamental Resort Pool and the adults-only Oasis Pool.
Calm down with a Corona, frozé, or one in every of Hawks Cay’s signature cocktails. Or how a couple of Lime within the Coconut made with coconut rum, Coco Lopez, contemporary lime juice, and coconut water?
Tiki Grill
Beneath a palapa by the Fundamental Resort Pool is the place you will discover Tiki Grill. Assume burgers, canine, salads, and wings for lunch. Moreover mojitos, margaritas, piña coladas, and different tropical drinks — search for day by day drink specials.
You may also order meals from the Tiki Grill servers, who flow into by way of the Fundamental Pool space.
19. Dine in at Hawks Cay Resort.
Along with the resort’s restaurant choices, friends who e book a villa can dine-in at Hawks Cay. The villas’ full kitchens come outfitted with a full-sized fridge, oven, range, microwave, dishwasher, and all of the cooking and eating utensils wanted for a home-cooked meal. Your villa might also have a blender to make your individual tropical drinks. Word: there are not any grills at Hawks Cay Resort.
Grocery Supply
Make your trip straightforward as pie by ordering groceries to be delivered straight to your villa from Publix Tremendous Markets. Order all of the meals and requirements you need on-line from native grocery shops after which knowledgeable shopper will collect your gadgets from the shop when you chill out in your lanai. You have to be current to just accept the supply. Place your order right here. Hawks Cay Resort’s deal with is: 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050. Make sure to give your villa quantity!
20. Train on the Calm Waters Health Heart.
In spite of everything that good meals, your bathing go well with could also be feeling a bit tight. Work off your trip energy on the Calm Waters Health Heart, positioned inside the similar constructing because the Calm Waters Spa.
Along with seven strength-training machines, you’ll really feel the burn on cardio tools like stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines. Free weights, yoga mats, and train balls spherical out the expertise. After your exercise, benefit from the scorching tub, sauna, and eucalyptus steam room.
21. Commemorate your journey with skilled photographs.
Make sure that your great trip recollections final a lifetime with a images session. Go away it to the professionals to seize the sweetness and pleasure of your expertise at Hawks Cay so you may deal with residing within the current second.
As a mother and the unofficial household photographer, I’m usually solely current in trip selfies. (Are you able to relate?) I want I had booked a session with the resort’s accomplice, Folland Pictures, throughout my household’s Hawks Cay trip! Study extra and e book your picture session.
The place is Hawks Cay Resort?
This family-friendly resort is positioned in Duck Key, one in every of over 800 keys that make up the Florida Keys archipelago. A secret is a small island, or cay, fashioned on the floor of a coral reef. Thirty of those islands are inhabited.
Key West is the southernmost spot in the entire United States, and doubtless probably the most well-known trip vacation spot within the Keys. One of many causes to decide on Duck Key within the Center Keys over Key West is its nearer proximity to Mainland Florida.
For these flying in on constitution flights, Hawks Cay Resort is simply quarter-hour or so from the Marathon Worldwide Airport. The highway journey from South Miami by way of Key Largo alongside the Abroad Freeway to Hawks Cay will take about two hours with out heavy site visitors. In the meantime, it’s going to require at the least one other two hours to achieve Key West.
Plan to spend much more time on the highway if touring from North Miami or throughout rush hour, peak tourism season (winter and spring), on weekends, or throughout heavy rains. It took my household 4 hours to achieve Hawks Cay from Miami on a wet summer time weekend day!
Is Hawks Cay Resort all-inclusive?
Hawks Cay Resort doesn’t supply an all-inclusive choice. You’ll be able to, nonetheless, go for a mattress and breakfast bundle, which features a buffet breakfast each morning at Sixty-One Prime.
A day by day resort price covers self and valet parking, and entry to the Calm Waters Health Heart and Hawks Cay tennis courts. Transportation is offered freed from cost all through the resort by way of golf carts in case you do not thoughts ready for a raise, however most friends simply hoof it.
Visitors have use of the swimming pools, the saltwater lagoon, and lounge chairs on the resort grounds. Resort actions like garden video games and scavenger hunts are included for friends, too. Plus, complimentary web entry is offered.
Coral Cay Actions & Adventures choices like miniature golf, board video games, basketball courts, and volleyball are included, as are group actions like sports activities tournaments. Drop-off Camp Hawk youngsters’ membership, nonetheless, requires a further cost.
Housekeeping each different day is offered as effectively however by request solely. Name 24 hours upfront to request cleansing companies. This amenity will not be accessible on weekends.
Visitors should pay further for spa companies, meals and drinks, Solé Watersports actions, fishing charters, bicycle leases, slip leases, tennis classes and tournaments, and dolphin interactions.
What lodging choices are there at Hawks Cay Resort?
This resort gives a wide range of lodging to go well with all kinds of vacationers, irrespective of which room sort you search. The principle lodge accommodates 177 prime quality lodge rooms and suites. Plus, the villas comprise a set of 250 two-, three-, and four-bedroom models.
Fundamental lodge choices begin with customary visitor rooms with a king-sized mattress or two queens. You may also select a Household Visitor Room with a king mattress for the mother and father and bunk beds for the children. Massive households will admire a Fifth Sleeper room class, which gives households of 5 a further mattress to comfortably sleep the entire clan. Suites supply much more house to unfold out.
For an much more spacious expertise, reserve a villa at Hawks Cay Resort. Villas come outfitted with a kitchen, lounge with a flat-screen TV, patio, and in-room laundry services. My household stayed in a darling two-story, two-bedroom, two-bath villa and we liked the beachy décor and homey really feel.
Guide your Hawks Cay trip.
Hawks Cay is a lot greater than a spot to sleep whereas vacationing within the Florida Keys. This actually is a vacation spot resort, stuffed with tons of thrilling issues to do. You might (and will!) spend a complete week or extra right here and by no means get bored.
The array of room sorts, personal location, Hawks Cay options, and approachable upscale vibe make this top-of-the-line Florida Key resorts. It makes a superb choice for household reunions, {couples} retreats, and girlfriend getaways.
Learn further Hawks Cay opinions by way of TripAdvisor and Accommodations.com. Able to e book a Hawks Cay trip? Check out their particular gives and e book your keep right this moment!
Discover extra of Florida.
For a really unforgettable expertise, uncover what it is wish to swim with manatees in Florida.
Orlando is without doubt one of the world’s hottest trip locations. Take a peek on the finest issues to do in Orlando with youngsters to your subsequent household trip.
Should you’re touring with greater youngsters, then you’ll want to learn our suggestions for visiting Disney World with teenagers and tweens.
Searching for extra issues to do within the Sunshine State? Check out one of the best spots for Florida household holidays.
Save this stuff to do at Hawks Cay Resort.
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Which of this stuff to do at Hawks Cay Resort would you love to do first? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
A Word from The Journey Mama: My household was hosted by Hawks Cay Resort in 2021, together with some meals and our Sundown Cruise with Solé Watersports. This story was up to date in 2023 to replicate present actions at Hawks Cay Resort. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation from Hawks Cay associated to this story.
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