HAWKS CAY RESORT
The Insider's Guide to the Florida Keys
By Tom Rowland
Host of Saltwater Experience | 21 Years at Hawks Cay
Why This Guide Exists
Over the last 21 years, I've stayed at Hawks Cay Resort more than anyone else on Earth. I've filmed over 21 seasons of Saltwater Experience here, 17 seasons of Into the Blue and 3 seasons of Life On The Water. I've fished with almost every captain at the marina. I've eaten at every restaurant dozens of times. I've brought my family, my film crews, my sponsors, and hundreds of guests through this property. This is definitely a home away from home for me.
This isn't a brochure. This is what I'd tell a friend who called me and said, "I'm going to Hawks Cay next month — what do I need to know?"
🌴 What Makes Hawks Cay Special
Hawks Cay is a one-of-a-kind Florida Keys escape set on 60 acres surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Guests can choose from spacious hotel rooms or premium multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens, private lanais, and tropical island décor.
Days here are filled with possibilities: lounge by three sparkling pools or the natural saltwater Lagoon, enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, or unwind at the award-winning Calm Waters Spa. For dining, five restaurants tempt every palate, including Salt + Ash, our newest hotspot from Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Ford.
Adventure seekers can head to the newly transformed full-service marina for snorkeling, sunset cruises, SCUBA and world-class fishing charters. Hawks Cay is home to Saltwater Experience TV show for 20 years and featured on Into the Blue, Life on the Water and many other TV shows.
Insider tip: When you call to book, mention this guide and ask for VIP treatment. They know me.
The Captains I'd Book for My Own Family
After 20+ years filming at Hawks Cay, I've fished with every captain at this marina. These aren't just names on a website — I know these guys. Here's who I call depending on what you're after.
🎣 Inshore / Backcountry
Captain Jeff Malone — Tarpon Time & I'm Hooked
Two boats: Tarpon Time (main boat) & I'm Hooked (21' Egret Moccasin)
We've had Jeff on Saltwater Experience TV more than any other captain. For good reason — Jeff is a true professional and the hardest-working fishing guide I have ever met. That's saying a lot. His passion is tarpon (hence the boat name), but he'll put you on bonefish, permit, snook, redfish, sharks, whatever you want. He's equally great with expert anglers or families with kids who just want to bend a rod.
Jeff now runs two boats at Hawks Cay. Tarpon Time is his main boat for most charters. I'm Hooked is a 21' Egret Moccasin — a skinny-water machine that can get into spots the bigger boats can't touch. Perfect for classic sight-fishing Keys flats experiences with fly and light tackle. You will not be disappointed with either boat.
Captain Anthony Vargas — Rippin Line Charters
Inshore, Nearshore & Everglades
Anthony's background is unique — former NASA Space Program recovery ship team member. Now he runs inshore, nearshore, and Everglades trips. Want to catch tarpon under the bridges? Snook in the Everglades backcountry? Gulf wrecks? Anthony covers a lot of water and brings real passion for getting people out on the water. He also runs the official Saltwater Experience boat.
🚤 Offshore
Brandon Simmons — Tailwalker
44' Sunny Briggs | Air-conditioned cabin | Up to 6 anglers
Brandon hosts Life on the Water, which we produce, and there's a reason we chose him — he catches everything. Yes, he's known for swordfish (he's in the Billfish Foundation's Tag and Release program), but he's just as deadly on mahi, tuna, sailfish, and reef fish. Beyond the fishing, Brandon is one of the most personable and likeable captains you'll meet. You're going to have a great day.
Captain Chris Pena — Tailwalker 3
Operated by Brandon Simmons
Chris Pena captains Tailwalker 3, operated by Brandon Simmons. Another excellent offshore option for those looking to experience world-class Keys fishing.
David Jensen — Gotcha
45' Key West | New Cummins diesels | Huge A/C cabin
Second-generation Keys captain with 30+ years running charters. David just repowered the Gotcha with new Cummins diesels — more than double the horsepower, way quieter, and now fast enough to run out to the Marathon Hump for mahi, wahoo, tuna, and daytime swordfish. Great with families and serious anglers alike.
Dave Perry — Final Final
38' Final Final
Born and raised in the Keys. Dave runs the Final Final for full-cabin offshore comfort. He's equally comfortable with beginners who've never tied a hook or seasoned anglers chasing trophies.
Captain Mike Lewis — Eagle Eye
26' Regulator center console
Mike Lewis now owns and operates the Eagle Eye — a 26' Regulator center console that's fast, versatile, and can fish 30 miles offshore or hit Gulf wrecks.
Captain Andrew Hall — Snapshot & Snapshot II
34' Sea Vee | 22' Pathfinder
Andrew runs both boats and has been fishing out of Hawks Cay for 15+ years. The Snapshot is a fast, stable center console that can handle offshore big game or reef fishing. The Snapshot II is a shallow-draft bay boat perfect for flats, bridges, and nearshore wrecks. Family and kid-friendly operation with great reviews.
Captain Mike Macko — Tailwalker 2
Drafts only 16" | Great for families
Second-generation captain, Navy veteran, 20+ years in the Keys. Tailwalker 2 is the ideal family boat — smooth ride, plenty of shade, and drafts only 16 inches so Mike can get you into backcountry skinny water or run offshore to the reef. Great for mixed groups where some want action and others want comfort.
Tell them you're booking through this guide — they know me, and they'll take care of you. Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season, especially for tarpon (March-June) or sailfish (winter). And don't miss dinner at Angler & Ale after your trip — they'll cook your catch.
📅 What You'll Catch (And When)
Tarpon
Feb-Nov
Peak: March-June
Sailfish
Jan-Aug
Peak: Feb-April
Mahi
Apr-Dec
Peak: May-Oct
Swordfish
Year-round
Best: May-Sept
Sharks, Grouper, Snapper
Year-round
⚓ Hawks Cay Marina
Midway down the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Marina is one of the best full-service marinas in the region. Whether you're arriving by boat or trailering your own, this is where boaters, cruisers, sailors, anglers, and divers come to refuel, reload, and relax.
Proudly recognized in the 2024 Boaters' Choice Awards!
Marina Specs
- Slips: 66 boat slips accommodating vessels up to 92 feet
- Controlling Depth: 6 feet at mean low water
- Tidal Range: 1-1.5 feet
- Services: Boat in/boat out service, dockage for resort guests and liveaboard boaters
- Boat Ramp: Paved ramp for easy launching
Recently Upgraded Marina Features
- Completely rebuilt & redesigned dock and promenade
- Hawks custom 7.5' KillerDock Slam cleaning stations
- Klipsch audio and Wi-Fi throughout marina
- 24/7 monitored security system
- Fuel dock, boat ramp, and trailer parking
- Live Bait
Fuel Dock
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Fuel: 90 octane non-ethanol gas and marine diesel
Experienced dockhands will guide you in and make sure your boat is properly secured. Arriving guests receive a welcome packet with special offers, resort discounts, and a resort map.
The Ship Store
Located in the marina next to Angler & Ale, the Ship Store is your perfect stop for:
- High-tech fishing gear
- Fishing apparel
- Hawks Cay swag
- Quick bites before heading out on your charter
Navigation
Coordinates: Duck Key Inlet Channel Light 1
N24° 45' 50.16" / W80° 54' 39.81"
Please respect No Wake and Minimum Wake signs when entering Duck Key canals.
Reserve a Slip
Book your slip online through Dockwa for easy reservations:
A minimum of 50% of boat slips are available for rental by the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Trailer parking is reserved for guests with a boat slip reservation.
Complimentary shuttle service is provided from the marina to Hawks Cay's main resort and back.
🌊 Duck Key Watersports
All watersports at Hawks Cay are operated by Duck Key Watersports, owned and run by Jeff and Tabitha Malone. Jeff is the same Captain Jeff Malone who runs Tarpon Time — the hardest-working guide I know. His watersports operation brings the same professionalism and passion to every experience on the water.
Book Duck Key Watersports
All excursions depart from the main resort pool and saltwater lagoon area. Visit their website for current offerings and reservations.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Hawks Cay has five restaurants ranging from casual to Michelin-level. Here's what you need to know:
Salt + Ash — The Signature Experience
Farm-to-table from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford. The restaurant has its own 6-acre farm in South Florida. Wood-fired cooking, bold flavors. Menu highlights: Crispy Local Snapper, Wood-fired Pizzas, Jerk Carrots.
Hours: Sun-Thu 5:00-9:00 PM, Fri-Sat until 10:00 PM
Angler & Ale — Where Fishermen Eat
Waterfront. This is where I eat most nights. The "Hook & Cook" experience is the move: bring your catch and they'll prepare it for you. Weekend brunch is excellent. Great seafood, good atmosphere, right on the marina.
Brunch: Every Saturday and Sunday | 9am – 3pm
Pilar Bar
Handcrafted cocktails, drinks, light dishes. Named after Hemingway's boat. Good for sunset drinks.
Tiki Grill
Beach chair service, frozen drinks, burgers, tacos. Pool-adjacent casual dining.
The Café
Starbucks coffee bar, grab-and-go snacks, breakfast goods. Early morning or late-night fuel.
🏨 Where to Stay
Hotel Rooms (177 rooms)
- Standard: 376 sq ft, 2 queen beds, private balconies
- Deluxe: 480 sq ft, spacious upgrade
- Penthouse Suites: 1,400 sq ft with stargazer rooftop terraces
Tropical Villas (2, 3, and 4-bedroom)
Caribbean-style décor, full kitchens, washer/dryer, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, coffee makers, WiFi. Many have private plunge pools. This is what I book when bringing the family or a film crew — space to spread out, kitchen for early mornings.
I am particularly fond of the villas. I like to have a kitchen to make breakfast and for my whole family to stay together. Being able to keep the boat right out the back door is also a big plus.
Resort Fees
- Daily Resort Fee: $39 — includes kids club, hotel WiFi
- Parking: $25/day self-park or $40/day valet
Note: Coral Cay pool is currently closed for construction of our new Waterpark – expected July 2026
📞 Contact Information
Main Reservations
(888) 395-5539Marina & Fishing
(305) 743-9000Duck Key Watersports
(305) 393-0174