Hawks Cay FAQ

Answers to guests' most common questions

Category

General Resort

Can I fly my personal drone on Hawks Cay Property?

Due to safety concerns for guests as well as concerns for individual privacy Hawks Cay prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, by anyone – including recreational users and hobbyists – without prior written authorization from the Resort.

Do you have beach access?

We’re delighted you’re considering a visit. Our Florida Keys resort has non-traditional beach access at Tiki Beach. The enclosed swimming area is fed directly from the Atlantic Ocean and rises and lowers with the tide. It’s a fun and safe environment to swim, snorkel, or paddle around on one of our complimentary paddleboards or kayaks. 

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in time begins at 4pm and check-out is at 11am.

Is Hawks Cay Resort a non-smoking property?

There are designated smoking areas around the resort.  Smoking in rooms, villas, balcony or patios are prohibited and will result in a fine of $250. Designated smoking areas are located throughout the resort property. You can find them at the marina, the porte-cochere, outside the Overseas Conference center, the fire pit near the Tranquility pool, and Tiki Beach.

How old must you be to reserve a room at Hawks Cay?

21 years or older.

Do you have any special offers?

Special offers can be found here.

Is there an ATM available on property?

Yes, it’s located in the lobby.

Am I allowed to bring my pet?

Yes! Hawks Cay is now Pet Friendly! Click here for more information on pet friendly options at Hawks Cay.

Is there a work out facility?

Yes, our fitness center is located at the Calm Waters Spa. It is open daily from 7am until 5pm.

What is your cancellation, reservation, and security deposit policy?

We require notice of cancellation seven days prior to check-in to receive a full refund. Cancellation policy may vary by promotion booked, certain exclusions may apply. A deposit equivalent to the amount of one night required to secure your stay.

Is valet parking available? If so, how much does it cost?

We offer complimentary self parking for all resort guests. Valet parking is available for $25.

Is there in-room wireless Internet?

Yes, wireless internet is provided as a part of the daily resort fee.

Are cribs available?

We offer pack-and-play beds upon request based on availability. 

What is included in the resort fee?

The following items are included as part of guests’ daily resort fee: unlimited use of the putting course, sports field, hard and clay court tennis facility; complimentary self parking; complimentary resort-wide Island Tram; unlimited access to Coral Cay activities and adventures and the Calm Waters Spa Fitness Center; unlimited wireless internet access; local and toll free phone calls; complimentary bike rentals at Coral Cay; as well as complimentary access to kayaks and paddleboards at Tiki Beach. 

Gratuities for restaurants, bars and Calm Waters Spa associates are not included in your daily resort fee.

How do I rent a cabana?

You can find more information about cabana rentals here. You can also call one of our Coral Cay crew members at (305) 289-4906.

Are pool towels provided to guests?

Yes, towels are available at the main resort pool, tranquility pool, pirate ship pool, and at the Coral Cay pool.

What is your Covid Policy?

Your safety is our priority. Read our Covid 19 Policy here

Marina

Do I need to reserve a boat slip in advance?

Absolutely. Please contact us to ensure we have a slip available for your boat. We are a very popular resort marina and want to be sure we can accommodate your boat before you arrive.

Does Hawks Cay Marina sell fuel?

We sell marine fuel. We have both diesel and non-ethanol gas available from 7am to 5pm daily.

What is the controlling depth at Hawks Cay Marina?

Our controlling depth is 5 feet at mean lower low water and hard bottom. We have many regular marina guests whose boats draw up to 5½ feet. Prior to their visits, they consult local tides so they can arrive and depart around high tide.

What is the normal tide range at Hawks Cay Marina?

Our average tide range is 1-1½ feet.

What qualifies a boat to dock in the Small Boat Basin at Hawks Cay?

To use our Small Boat Basin, you must be staying in a room or villa at our resort or onboard another vessel in our main marina. Boats in the Small Boat Basin must be no more than 32 feet total, including engines and bow pulpits. No one may stay aboard a boat in our Small Boat Basin.

Can I park my boat trailer at Hawks Cay while I stay in the resort?

If you rent a slip in either our Small Boat Basin or our main marina for a boat you trailer in, your dockage fees will include trailer parking on property and use of our wide paved boat ramp. For Hawks Cay guests who do not rent slips and wish to keep their boats on trailers, trailer parking space is available on a first come, first served basis. Trailer parking fees vary with location and include use of the boat ramp.

What is included in my Small Boat Basin dockage fees?

Small Boat Basin dockage fees include a non-live-aboard lay-along slip in the water, trailer parking and use of our boat ramp. There is no electric hookup in our Small Boat Basin.

Can I bring my wide sail or power catamaran into the main marina at Hawks Cay Resort?

Hawks Cay has a limited number of slips that can accommodate catamarans. Due to the special nature of these boats, please check with the Dockmaster’s office or the Marina Reservations Specialist to discuss your vessel’s specs and availability for the dates you wish to visit. You can contact them at (305) 743-9000.

Can I boat in for lunch at the Resort?

Yes, but space may be limited. Call ahead to check availability for docking in our main marina while you enjoy lunch at Angler and Ale, Island Time, or Coral Grill.

Can I book a fishing charter with the Hawks Cay Fleet if I am not staying at the resort?

All of the fishing charters and watersports located in our main marina are open to the public. But staying at Hawks Cay Resort puts your favorite water activities just steps away from your room or villa, so why not treat yourself?!

Can I purchase snacks and beverages to take on my charter or personal boat at Hawks Cay Marina?

We have a well-stocked Marketplace at the Resort where you can pick up sandwiches, beverages, and snacks. You can also buy ice, frozen bait, beer and marine items at the Dockmaster office.

Can we fish from the docks at Hawks Cay Marina?

For safety reasons, we do not allow fishing from our boat slips, but we do have an area at the marina to wet a line and bend a rod. If you don’t want the hassle of packing up your own gear, you can rent a pre-rigged rod from Solé Watersports at the Marina!

What radio channels does Hawks Cay Marina monitor?

We monitor Marine VHF FM, channel 16. Our working frequency is channel 10. Contact the marina on channel 16 as you approach Duck Key. The dockhands will communicate with you on channel 10 as you approach the Marina.

Do you have shower and laundry facilities?

We currently do not have a shower and laundry facility. Our Dockside store is currently closed for renovations. Once completed, Marina guests will have 24-hour access to restrooms with showers and a Laundromat. 

Do you have pump-out facilities?

We provide complimentary pump-outs at our fuel dock to guests as well as the public.

Weddings

Can I hold my ceremony at Hawks Cay Resort?

Absolutely! View our Florida Keys wedding venues including Sunset Lawn and Sunset Beach. We also offer experiential ceremonies such as saying "I do" on a private cruise or in the middle of the lagoon at Tiki Beach.

How many guests can Hawks Cay banquet facilities accommodate?

Up to 350 guests.

What information should I have when calling Hawks Cay Resort about my wedding?

We suggest that you have your date/season, expected guest count, budget and vision determined when calling for more information so that we can properly guide you through the booking process.

How many guests can be accommodated for a wedding ceremony and reception at Hawks Cay Resort?

We can hold up to 400 guests at our indoor or outdoor event venues.

Do you offer airport transportation?

Hawks Cay does not offer direct airport transportation. However, we work with several local transportation companies that service the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West airports. Please contact our Wedding Coordinator for more information.

Can I temporarily hold a date for my wedding?

All dates are first come, first served. If you are interested in a specific date, we suggest that you guarantee your date as early as possible (no earlier than 18 months in advance).

What are your deposit requirements?

We require a $2,500.00 deposit to hold the date and venue. All remaining deposits are split into four additional payments prior to your event based on your total wedding estimate.

Do you offer special room rates for our guests?

Yes! We offer special group room rates and discounts for your guests based on type and availability. We encourage you to contact us about this as soon as your dates are determined, as the hotel is most popular on weekends and tends to sell out on a regular basis.

What time should my ceremony start?

Most photographers familiar with Hawks Cay Resort recommend 1.5 hours prior to official sunset time. This allows for good lighting for post ceremony photos.

What time will my outdoor reception end?

All outdoor events must be concluded by 10pm. We can make arrangements at any of our evening dining outlets or a private indoor venue for an after party. We have indoor after party options available. Please contact our wedding coordinator for more information.

Do I have to add additional lighting?

Additional lighting is required for all outdoor events. Please contact our Wedding Coordinator for more information.

Do you offer onsite coordination?

We handle all internal pre-planning aspects of your wedding (i.e. deposits, rooms and menus). On the day of, our coordinators are focused on working with our varying departments to ensure a seamless event. Your planner will handle all external details such as confirming vendors, timelines, seating charts, setup, breakdown, ceremony procession, etc. We require that you work with a “day of” coordinator to assist you directly with all the fine details of your special day. Please don’t hesitate to ask us about our top referrals.

Will we be the only wedding that day?

As we are such a large resort, we do have the ability to host multiple events on property in one day. It will ultimately depend on the size of each event. For example, if we have a wedding over 75 guests), we may agree to do a smaller wedding for less than 30 guests in another location on property, or vice versa. The weddings and events are scheduled so that they would not cross paths.

What is your Food & Beverage Minimum?

All Food & Beverage minimums vary based on venue and date chosen. Please contact our Wedding Coordinator for more information.

Can we rent a golf cart?

Golf Cart rentals are available by the day. You can find details here. Additionally, our Bellmen will be happy to drive guests wherever they need to go on property via personal transportation or Tram.

How can I get my dress or suit steamed, pressed, dry cleaned?

There is one dry cleaner in Marathon (305) 743-5142 and one in Islamorada (305)-664-5060. We suggest you consult the dress shop where you purchased your dress for the recommended method of refreshing your dress after travel. You will need to contact the dry cleaner before arriving at Hawks Cay Resort to confirm hours of operation and how much time they need to refresh your wedding dress. 

Where do I get ready on my wedding day?

Our Brides can get ready in the spa, their guest room or villa, or the guest room or villa of a family member. We will send a Bellman to escort the bride and bridal party to the staging area of the ceremony.

Do you offer anything special for military/active duty couples?

Yes! We’re here to serve. Please contact our Wedding Coordinator for more information. Download our PDF.

What overnight accommodations do you provide?

Standard hotel rooms, suites and 2-3 bedroom villas.

Do you have bridal suites?

We offer a complimentary room night in a premium style guest room to our special couple when booking the Island Wedding package.

Can we use an outside caterer or bring in our own alcohol?

Hawks Cay’s culinary team provides top-notch catered Food & Beverage for all events hosted onsite. Check out our wedding menus for a glimpse at what we have to offer!

Do we have to use your linens?

Hawks Cay Resort will provide you with classic white table linens and napkins. We encourage you to check out the specialty linens that our preferred vendors have to offer! Download a PDF.

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Hawks cay has an amazing list of vendors for you to choose from.

Recreation

What are the ages to attend Camp Hawk or Kids Night Out?

5-12 years old.

What are the ages for Teen Night Out?

13-17 years old.

What are the hours for Coral Cay?

Our standard hours of operation are currently 9am - 5pm.  Hours can vary, though, so please contact the front desk to confirm hours of operation at (305) 289-4906.

What activities do you offer?

We offer all kinds of activities through the year. You can view our activities schedule here.

How many pools are located at Coral Cay?

Two pools are located at Coral Cay; we have our Pirate Ship Pool and our Coral Cay Pool.

What is there to do at Coral Cay?

We have two pools, basketball, ping-pong, volleyball, soccer, football, mini golf, a foosball table, a PlayStation 4, and much more fun.

Are bikes available for rent?

Yes, bikes are included in your resort fee! Stop by Coral Cay and complete the waiver to take a bike for an hour.  Bike distribution stops one hour before Coral Cay closing time.

Do you have babysitting?

We do not have babysitting on the property. We advise families to check CARE.com for a babysitter that fits their family’s needs.

At what age am I able to leave my child unsupervised at Coral Cay?

They must be 13 years of age to be dropped off unattended.

Where do we get towels?

Towels are available at Coral Cay, Main Resort Pool and Oasis Cay.

Calm Waters Spa

Where is the spa located on the island?

It is at the entrance to Hawks Cay Resort. We are the first parking lot on the right hand side after turning onto Hawks Cay Blvd.

What are the spa opening hours?

The fitness center is open 7am-7pm daily. Spa is 9am-5pm daily.

Can I smoke within the spa premises?

Designated smoking areas are located throughout the resort property. You can find them at the marina, the porte-cochere, outside the Overseas Conference center, the fire pit near the Tranquility Pool, and Tiki Beach.

May I use my mobile phone at the spa?

We ask that cell phone usage be limited to the lobby or outside; it is not permitted in the spa area. We also ask that it is on silent mode if left in the locker.

May I bring my valuables?

You may if you wish, but it is at your own risk. We do provide a locker and key, but the best place for valuables is in the guest room safe.

Should I book my treatments before we arrive?

Yes! We book up very quickly. To ensure a desired time slot, advanced bookings are recommended. Additionally, we ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment, as all treatments begin and end on time as a courtesy to other scheduled guests. If you are late, you will receive the remaining time of your scheduled service at the original price.

What is your cancellation policy?

24 hours’ notice. Same day cancellation or no-show appointments are subject to 100% of the appointment charge.

How do I choose my treatment?

Be sure to read our menu and ask questions as necessary when booking to select the most ideal treatment for your needs.

How can I ensure a fabulous spa experience?

Be sure to communicate directly with your therapist to ensure your comfort throughout your experience.

Is there someone who will help me decide what treatments are best for me?

Absolutely! Any of the spa concierges or therapists can assist in your decision making process. Call Calm Waters Spa at (305) 289-4810.

Should I let someone know about any allergies, ailments, or disabilities?

Yes. There is a form to complete prior to your appointment, which will cover these items. Your therapist will review the completed form with you.

Can I request specific therapists?

Absolutely!

How early should I arrive at the spa?

At least 15 minutes early, but you may come as early as 8:30am to enjoy our co-ed lounge.

Should men shave before a facial?

We do recommend shaving beforehand. If your skin is very sensitive, we recommend shaving a day in advance.

What should I wear for my treatment?

We will provide you a robe and slippers to wear while at the spa.

Should I tip the therapist?

A 22% service charge is automatically added to all services upon check out, but additional gratuity is at your discretion and can be paid in credit or room charge.

Dolphin Connection

Is there somewhere to store my belongings?

All personal valuables should be left at home or in your guestroom. If personal belongings are brought with you, we can keep them in the Dolphin Connection classroom, which remains locked during the entire session. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

When do I pay for the program?

Payment is accepted right before you meet our dolphins. We take most major credit cards, travelers’ checks, cash and room charges.

What happens when there is inclement weather?

Programs will not be cancelled due to rain or cold. However, in the case of extreme weather conditions, necessary cancellation decisions will be made by the program directors.

Why can’t I bring my camera down on the docks?

For the safety of our dolphins and other liability reasons, cameras are not permitted on the docks or in the water. To ensure you capture this memorable experience, staff photographers are present at every session. You are also more than welcome to film from the beach or other overlooking areas.

Why do I need to sign a liability waiver?

We provide rules and safety policies, which are clearly stated in the waiver. Participants must review and sign in order to interact with the dolphins.

What is the cancellation policy?

You have up to 72 hours prior to the session date to cancel at no charge. Cancellations made within 72 hours and participants who do not show up for their scheduled sessions will be charged the full amount.

Why do I need to check in for my program 15-20 minutes prior to the program start time?

This time is required to complete the liability waiver and to fulfill payment.

Why is it necessary to contact the special needs coordinator before booking a program if a guest in my party has a special need?

Providing all guests with a memorable and safe experience is our primary concern. Those with special needs may require some additional preparation. Therefore, please contact the Dolphin Connection Special Needs Coordinator at (305) 289-9975 prior to making a reservation.

Solé Watersports

Do you offer snorkeling?

Yes, currently we offer a morning or afternoon 3.5 hour charter to the reef for snorkeling and then to the sandbar for relaxing. Private excursions for up to six passengers are also available.

Where do you snorkel?

Usually, we go to Coffins Patch, a shallow coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

How much is the snorkeling excursion and what does it include?

Adults are $95, 12 and under $75. Includes snorkel gear, noodles, giant floating mat, a variety of beverages.

What is the minimum age for snorkeling?

Usually, children under five are too young. Please call us to discuss your options.

What else can we do besides snorkeling?

We offer many private charters! Your captain can take you to a sand bar, the Conch Shell Nursery, Starfish Alley, multiple snorkel spots and/or cruising. You may choose your activities. We also offer Private Sunset Cruises and Duck Key Cruises.

Where can I kayak or paddleboard?

We launch from the marina area. Depending on your experience, the weather and the tides, you can meander around the marina and the shallow flat beyond. Free kayaks and paddleboards are available at Tiki Beach.

 

*GPS capable devices, including but not limited to the Navionics app or Garmin InReach, that track the boats’ location are not allowed onboard fishing charters.