Did you know that Duck Key was once completely uninhabitable until 1953 when it was finally connected to the Overseas Highway by a causeway? Today, this 60-acre tropical paradise in the Florida Keys has transformed into one of Florida’s most enchanting island getaways. Nestled between Key Largo and Key West, Duck Key offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure that makes it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Getting to Duck Key & Planning Your Journey
Duck Key is conveniently located in the Middle Keys, about 2 hours (160 km/100 miles) south of Miami and 1.5 hours (105 km/65 miles) northeast of Key West. You have several options for reaching this island paradise:
By Air
The closest major airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). From either airport, you’ll need to rent a car and drive to Duck Key. For those preferring a shorter drive, Marathon International Airport is just 15 minutes away, though flights are typically more limited and expensive.
Ready to Fly to Paradise?
Find the best flight deals to start your Duck Key adventure!
By Car
Driving to Duck Key is part of the experience! The iconic Overseas Highway (US-1) offers breathtaking views as you cross numerous bridges connecting the Florida Keys. Once you hit Miami, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Duck Key. The journey itself is stunning, with sparkling blue-green waters visible on both sides of the highway.
By Boat
If you’re traveling by boat, Hawks Cay Marina offers 85 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 110 feet long. This makes Duck Key an excellent stop for boaters exploring the Florida Keys.
Duck Key is located in the Middle Keys, making it a perfect base for exploring the entire Florida Keys archipelago.
Best Time to Visit Duck Key
Duck Key enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a viable destination in any season. However, some times are better than others depending on your preferences:
Recommended (November-April)
- Temperatures range from 21-27°C (70-80°F)
- Low humidity and minimal rainfall
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities
- Peak tourist season (book accommodations early)
- Higher prices for accommodations and activities
Less Ideal (June-October)
- Hurricane season with potential for storms
- Higher temperatures 29-32°C (85-90°F)
- Higher humidity levels
- More rainfall, especially in September
- Lower prices and fewer crowds
Traveler Tip: May and early June offer a sweet spot with good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices before hurricane season intensifies.
Getting Around Duck Key
Duck Key is a small island, making it relatively easy to navigate. Here are your best options for getting around:
Car
Having a car is essential if you plan to explore beyond Duck Key. The Overseas Highway connects Duck Key to nearby Marathon (10 minutes) and other Keys attractions.
Bicycle
Bicycles are a popular and eco-friendly way to explore Duck Key. Many accommodations offer bike rentals, or you can rent from local shops. The flat terrain makes for easy cycling.
Golf Cart
Golf carts are a fun way to get around the island. Hawks Cay Resort offers complimentary golf cart transportation throughout the property, or you can rent your own from local vendors.
Walking
If you’re staying at Hawks Cay Resort, many amenities are within walking distance. The resort itself covers about 10% of Duck Key’s total area.
Where to Stay in Duck Key
Duck Key’s accommodation options are dominated by Hawks Cay Resort, which occupies a significant portion of the island. However, there are also private vacation rentals available.
Hawks Cay Resort
This 60-acre resort is the crown jewel of Duck Key and has been ranked as the #1 family resort in the country by USA Today. The resort offers:
Hotel Rooms
- 177 rooms and suites
- Standard rooms with king or two queen beds
- Family rooms with king bed and bunk beds
- “Fifth Sleeper” rooms for families of five
- Luxury suites with separate living areas
Villas
- 250 two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas
- Full kitchens and living rooms
- Private patios or balconies
- In-room laundry facilities
- Some with private plunge pools
Find Your Perfect Stay in Duck Key
Book your accommodations now to secure the best rates and availability!
Alternative Accommodations
If you’re looking for options beyond Hawks Cay Resort, consider these nearby alternatives:
- Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort (Marathon, 15 minutes away) – Luxury beach houses with full kitchens and private beach access
- Isla Bella Beach Resort (Marathon, 20 minutes away) – Upscale resort with oceanfront rooms and multiple pools
- Private Vacation Rentals – Duck Key has several private homes available through vacation rental platforms
Dining & Local Cuisine in Duck Key
Duck Key offers several dining options, primarily within Hawks Cay Resort. The Florida Keys are known for fresh seafood, key lime pie, and tropical cocktails.
Hawks Cay Resort Dining
- Angler and Ale – Waterfront casual dining with fresh seafood, including their famous “Hook and Cook” where they’ll prepare your own catch
- Sixty-One Prime – Upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant, also serving breakfast buffet
- Tiki Grill – Poolside dining with burgers, sandwiches, and tropical drinks
- Oasis Cay Bar & Grill – Adults-only bar with cocktails and light fare
- Hawks Cay Marketplace – Quick grab-and-go items, Starbucks coffee, and pizza
- Coral Grill – Family-friendly casual dining near the kids’ activities area
Nearby Dining Options
A short drive to Marathon (10-15 minutes) opens up more dining possibilities:
- Sparky’s Landing – Local favorite with great seafood, tropical drinks, and live music
- Hungry Tarpon Restaurant – Located at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, famous for fresh seafood
- Morada Bay Beach Cafe – Upscale casual waterfront dining with stunning sunset views
- Islamorada Brewery and Distillery – Local craft beers and spirits with a family-friendly outdoor area
Local Delicacy: Don’t miss trying the conch fritters, a Keys specialty made from the meat of queen conch, mixed with a batter and fried to golden perfection.
Top Attractions & Activities in Duck Key
Duck Key offers a wealth of activities centered around water and relaxation. Here are the top attractions and things to do during your visit:
Water Activities
- Dolphin Connection – The only hotel in the mainland U.S. with an on-site dolphin program, offering interactive experiences for all ages
- Snorkeling & Diving – Explore the Great Florida Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world
- Fishing – World-class fishing for grouper, mahi-mahi, snapper, and billfish
- Sunset Cruises – Take in breathtaking sunset views from the water
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Explore the calm waters around Duck Key at your own pace
- Parasailing – Get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Keys landscape
Book Your Duck Key Adventures
Secure your spot for dolphin encounters, snorkeling trips, and more!
Hawks Cay Resort Activities
- Five Swimming Pools – Main Resort Pool, adults-only Oasis Cay, family-friendly Coral Cay Pool, kids’ Pirate Ship Pool, and the quieter Sunset Pool
- Saltwater Lagoon – A manmade beach area with clear, calm waters
- Calm Waters Spa – Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments
- Tennis & Pickleball – Professional courts with lessons available
- Coral Cay Activities & Adventures – Family activity center with miniature golf, sports courts, and games
- Camp Hawk – Kids’ club for ages 5-12 with themed activities
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
The natural beauty of the Florida Keys is on full display in and around Duck Key. Here are some of the best ways to experience the local ecosystem:
Wildlife Encounters
- The Turtle Hospital (Marathon) – Tour this sea turtle rehabilitation facility and learn about conservation efforts
- Aquarium Encounters (Marathon) – Interactive aquarium where you can feed turtles, stingrays, and other marine life
- Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key) – Educational facility focused on dolphin research and conservation
- Bird Watching – The Keys are home to numerous bird species, including herons, egrets, and osprey
- Iguana Spotting – These colorful reptiles can often be seen sunning themselves around Duck Key
Natural Areas
- Coffins Patch Sanctuary Preservation Area – Protected coral reef area perfect for snorkeling
- Sombrero Beach (Marathon) – One of the best public beaches in the Keys
- Coco Plum Beach (Marathon) – Free beach known for turtle spotting
- Crane Point Museum & Nature Center (Marathon) – 63-acre hardwood hammock with walking trails
Eco Tip: When exploring marine environments, avoid touching coral reefs and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect these delicate ecosystems.
Day Trips from Duck Key
Duck Key’s central location in the Florida Keys makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions:
Key West (1.5 hours)
The southernmost point in the continental United States offers:
- Historic Old Town with colorful architecture
- Duval Street’s shops, restaurants, and bars
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Sunset celebrations at Mallory Square
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Islamorada (30 minutes)
- Robbie’s Marina – Feed the famous tarpon and browse local vendors
- Theater of the Sea – Marine mammal park with shows and swim programs
- History of Diving Museum – Explore the history of underwater exploration
- Rain Barrel Artisan Village – Local art and craft shopping
Marathon (10-15 minutes)
- The attractions mentioned in previous sections (Turtle Hospital, Aquarium Encounters)
- Seven Mile Bridge – Iconic bridge connecting the Middle and Lower Keys
- Pigeon Key – Historic island accessible via ferry
- Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters – Interactive marine life experiences
Explore More of the Florida Keys
Book a cruise to see even more of this beautiful archipelago!
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Enjoying Duck Key safely requires awareness of a few important considerations:
Water Safety
- Always check weather conditions before water activities
- Use life jackets when boating, especially for children
- Be aware of marine life – stingrays, jellyfish, and coral can cause injuries
- Never touch or stand on coral reefs
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection – the Florida sun is intense
Hurricane Awareness
If visiting during hurricane season (June-November):
- Monitor weather forecasts regularly
- Have an evacuation plan – the Overseas Highway is the only road out
- Consider travel insurance that covers weather disruptions
- Follow all official guidance if a storm threatens
Local Etiquette
- Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars)
- Respect wildlife – don’t feed wild animals except at designated locations
- Observe catch limits and regulations if fishing
- Dress is casual throughout the Keys, but cover-ups are expected in restaurants
Visitor Comments About Duck Key
“Hawks Cay Resort was the perfect family vacation spot! Our kids loved the Pirate Ship Pool and dolphin encounter, while my husband and I enjoyed the adults-only pool and spa. Duck Key’s central location made it easy to explore both Marathon and Key West during our week-long stay.”
“As avid snorkelers, we found Duck Key to be an ideal base for exploring the reefs. The water clarity was amazing, and we saw so many colorful fish and even a nurse shark! The sunset cruise from Hawks Cay Marina was a highlight of our trip.”
“We stayed in a villa at Hawks Cay and loved having our own kitchen and space to spread out. The resort has so many activities that we barely left during our 5-day stay. The saltwater lagoon was perfect for our toddler to safely enjoy the water.”
Practical Travel Tips for Duck Key
Getting the Most from Your Visit
- Grocery Delivery – If staying in a villa, consider grocery delivery from Publix in Marathon
- Reservations – Book popular activities like dolphin encounters well in advance
- Traffic – Allow extra travel time, especially on weekends and during peak season
- Internet Access – Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Hawks Cay Resort
- Cell Service – Generally good throughout Duck Key and the Middle Keys
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Multiple swimsuits
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Underwater camera if snorkeling
- Light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned restaurants
Money Matters
- Credit cards are widely accepted
- ATMs are available at Hawks Cay Resort and in Marathon
- Expect to pay a premium for goods compared to mainland prices
- Budget for daily resort fees if staying at Hawks Cay ($45-55 per day)
Ready for Your Duck Key Adventure?
Duck Key offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Florida Keys. Whether you’re swimming with dolphins, exploring coral reefs, fishing in world-class waters, or simply unwinding by the pool, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the entire Keys archipelago, from Key Largo to Key West.
With year-round warm weather, abundant water activities, and family-friendly accommodations, Duck Key delivers an authentic Florida Keys experience without the crowds of more famous destinations. Start planning your escape to this hidden gem today, and discover why visitors return to Duck Key year after year.
Plan Your Duck Key Getaway Today!
Book your flights, accommodations, and activities now for the perfect Florida Keys vacation.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
