What Makes Three Waters Resort & Marina Different From Other Islamorada Resorts?

Three Waters Resort & Marina is a 15-acre waterfront property in Islamorada named for the rare meeting point of three bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. That geographical detail alone sets the tone. But the real answer to what separates this place from other Islamorada resorts goes much deeper than a clever name.

The resort features 214 rooms, suites, and cottages, nine culinary experiences, three pools, three beaches, a private lagoon, and a full-service marina. Most resorts in Islamorada offer maybe two or three of those things well. Three Waters tries to do all of them, and for the most part, it actually pulls it off.

Here is a closer look at what makes this property genuinely stand out.

A Resort That Is Actually Three Resorts

This is probably the single biggest differentiator, and something most visitors don’t realize until they arrive.

Three Waters Resort & Marina is part of the Islamorada Resort Collection, which connects three distinct resort destinations into one waterfront experience. Guests get access to Three Waters Resort, La Siesta Resort, and Amara Cay Resort. A water taxi called the Rum Runner connects the properties, allowing guests to hop between multiple beaches, pools, dining venues, and activities.

Guests can also use a lobby shuttle to move between properties if they prefer staying on land.

That is a wildly different setup compared to, say, Cheeca Lodge or Casa Morada, where the experience is confined to a single property. At Three Waters, booking one resort effectively unlocks three. And honestly, that kind of value is hard to find anywhere in the Keys.

The Cove: An Adults-Only Retreat Within the Resort

Plenty of resorts say they cater to “all types of travelers.” But very few actually carve out a separate, dedicated space for adults.

The Cove is an adult-focused escape within the resort, designed for couples, solo travelers, and groups seeking a more tranquil experience while still having access to the full resort’s amenities. It offers 63 rooms and suites, each with a king bed, balcony, and ocean or beach views.

Key features of The Cove include:

• A private adults-only beach with a walk-in shoreline
• A separate pool area away from the main resort
• The Wave Motion Studio, an indoor fitness center with Peloton bikes, rowing machines, and free weights
• Complimentary paddleboards and kayaks for lagoon and ocean use

The Cove is tucked away from the main resort and features a tranquil private beach lagoon. Think of it as the quiet side of a resort that also knows how to throw a party at the Tiki Bar. Competing properties simply cannot replicate that duality with a single layout.

Nine Dining Options on One Property

This is where Three Waters Resort & Marina gets a little ridiculous, in the best way.

The resort offers nine restaurants and dining experiences, making it one of the most dining-dense properties in the Florida Keys. Here is a quick breakdown:

Compare that to Cheeca Lodge, which has excellent dining but with fewer options, or Casa Morada, which has just 16 rooms and no on-site restaurant of this scale. The sheer variety at Three Waters means guests can eat somewhere new every single meal without ever leaving the property. For visitors flying in from Miami, pairing the resort’s dining scene with a fly and dine Islamorada experience makes the food itself a reason to book the trip.

The Tiki Bar and the Birth of the Rum Runner

Here is something most people don’t know. The Tiki Bar at Three Waters Resort & Marina was established in 1969 and stands as the first tiki bar in the Florida Keys. The Rum Runner cocktail was invented right here at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in the 1970s.

The resort traces its roots back to the 1950s as Holiday Isle Resort & Marina. That is decades of Florida Keys history baked into this property. Over the years, the location became a cultural touchpoint. The poolside bar was renamed Kokomo as a nod to the Beach Boys’ 1988 hit, and in 2013 the Zac Brown Band filmed their “Jump Right In” music video on the resort grounds.

That kind of cultural DNA is impossible to manufacture. Other Islamorada resorts are lovely, but they don’t have “birthplace of a globally famous cocktail” on their resume.

A Serious Marina for Serious (and Not-So-Serious) Anglers

Islamorada calls itself the Sportfishing Capital of the World for a reason, and Three Waters Resort & Marina leans into that identity harder than most competitors.

The marina features the deepest channel in the area, 18 transient wet slips, and can handle boats up to 80 feet in length. A fleet of experienced captains is available for offshore and backcountry fishing charters, snorkeling trips, guided jet ski tours, sandbar excursions, and sunset cruises.

For guests who aren’t diehard anglers, the marina still adds value. Abel’s Tackle Box & General Goods at the marina offers snacks, beer, bait, ice, fuel, and souvenir apparel. And there is even a full-service PADI scuba diving shop on site.

While Cheeca Lodge has a fishing pier and some charter options, the scale and depth (literally) of the Three Waters marina operation is a clear edge for anyone whose trip revolves around water activities.

How Three Waters Compares to Other Islamorada Resorts

Each property has its strengths. Cheeca Lodge is the classic luxury pick with impeccable grounds. Casa Morada is perfect for a boutique, intimate escape. But for sheer range of experiences under one booking, Three Waters Resort & Marina offers something the others just can’t match.

Getting There: Skip the Drive, Fly In

Here is something worth knowing for travelers flying into Miami. Three Waters Resort is about a two-hour drive from Miami International Airport. And anyone who has done that U.S. 1 drive on a Friday afternoon knows “two hours” is a generous estimate.

A seaplane charter to Three Waters Resort from Miami offers a scenic, hassle-free alternative, flying over crystal-clear waters and touching down directly in Islamorada. The flight takes roughly 40 minutes, and the aerial views of Biscayne Bay, Stiltsville, and the Upper Keys are an experience on their own. For couples, families, or groups who want the vacation to start the moment they leave Miami, a Three Waters day trip by seaplane turns the commute into the first highlight of the trip.

Who Is Three Waters Resort & Marina Best For?

• Couples looking for The Cove’s adults-only experience without giving up resort amenities
• Fishing enthusiasts who want a full-service marina with experienced captains
• Foodies who want nine dining options without needing a car
• Families who value space, multiple pools, and waterfront activities
• Groups who want event space (the resort has over 25 venues for weddings and gatherings)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Three Waters Resort & Marina adults only?

No. The main resort welcomes families and guests of all ages. However, The Cove is a dedicated adults-only (21+) section within the resort, offering its own private beach, pool, and fitness center while still providing full access to the rest of the property.

How many restaurants does Three Waters Resort & Marina have?

The resort currently offers nine dining and bar experiences, ranging from the signature Kindler Wood-Fire Fare restaurant and the rooftop Latin-Asian fusion spot Little Limon to the historic Tiki Bar, a swim-up pool bar, a pizzeria, and more.

What is the Tiki Bar at Three Waters known for?

The Tiki Bar was established in 1969 and is recognized as the first tiki bar in the Florida Keys. It is also the birthplace of the Rum Runner cocktail, which was invented on site in the 1970s. The bar features live music nightly and remains one of the most iconic waterfront bars in Islamorada.

Can guests access other resorts from Three Waters?

Yes. Guests at Three Waters Resort & Marina receive full access to two sister properties, Amara Cay Resort and La Siesta Resort & Villas, all connected by the Rum Runner water taxi and a lobby shuttle service.