Islamorada Resorts with Boat Slips: What to Know Before You Book
If you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys and bringing your boat, one detail matters more than almost anything else: dockage.
Search for “Islamorada resorts with boat slips” or “Islamorada hotels with boat slips” and you’ll see plenty of options but not all dockage situations are the same. Before you book your stay, here’s what you should understand about boat slips in Islamorada and what makes certain properties stand out.
Not All “Boat Slips” Are Equal
Some hotels in Islamorada advertise nearby marina access. Others rely on public ramps. A few offer limited dock space without trailer parking. And very few provide a full, guest-only experience with a private ramp and complimentary dockage.
If you're traveling with your own boat, here’s what actually matters:
- Is dockage on-site or off-property?
- Is it included, or are there daily marina fees?
- Is trailer parking available?
- Is there a private boat ramp?
- What size boats are allowed?
- Is it first-come, first-served?
These questions can make or break your trip — especially during busy fishing seasons.
What to Look for in an Islamorada Hotel with Boat Slips
When choosing an Islamorada resort with dockage, convenience should be the priority.
On-Site Marina Access
The biggest advantage of staying at a true Islamorada marina resort is having your boat steps from your room. No trailering back and forth. No waiting in line at public ramps.
At Kon Tiki Resort, our bayside marina allows guests to keep their boat right at the property — making early fishing departures and sunset cruises effortless.
Learn more about our Islamorada hotel with boat dockage here.
Complimentary Dockage
Some marinas charge per foot, per night. Those costs add up quickly.
We offer complimentary dockage for one boat per cottage (up to 23’ max length, all-inclusive). Dockage is first-come, first-served, and during peak times guests may raft together — part of the friendly, cooperative Keys boating culture.
Private Boat Ramp & Trailer Parking
Many properties skip this detail entirely. A boat slip is great — but without a ramp and trailer parking, logistics get complicated.
Kon Tiki provides:
- A private boat ramp
- Complimentary trailer parking
- Water and electrical at the dock
- A fish cleaning table
If you’re planning to fish sailfish season, lobster season, or just explore the backcountry, this setup makes a difference.
Location Matters: Bay vs Ocean Access
Islamorada sits between the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Staying bayside provides calmer waters and quick access to:
- Mangrove channels
- Sandbars
- Lignumvitae Key
- Snake Creek (for ocean access)
If your plan includes snorkeling Alligator Lighthouse, backcountry fishing, or anchoring out at the sandbar, being centrally located makes your days easier.
For ideas on where to explore by boat, check out:
- Our guide to the clearest water in Islamorada
- Or our seasonal breakdown of Florida Keys lobster season
Why Boaters Choose Kon Tiki Resort
Islamorada has seen a wave of new corporate-style hotels in recent years. But for boat owners, charm doesn’t matter as much as practicality — and hospitality.
Kon Tiki has been an Islamorada staple for decades. We’re locally run, laid-back, and designed with boaters in mind.
Guests appreciate:
- Bayside cottages just steps from the dock
- Easy morning launches
- No hidden marina fees
- A relaxed, Old Florida Keys atmosphere
- Central location near restaurants and events
If you’re visiting during tournament season, you’ll also be close to events like the Bartenders Sailfish Open and Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament — without sacrificing quiet evenings back at your cottage.
You can also see why Islamorada makes the perfect home base for exploring the entire Florida Keys.
Bringing Your Boat to Islamorada? Plan Smart.
Before booking any Islamorada hotel with boat slips, confirm:
✔ Slip availability
✔ Boat size limits
✔ Ramp access
✔ Trailer parking
✔ Whether dockage is included
Those details determine how smooth your stay will be.
If convenience, central location, and true guest-friendly dockage are priorities, Kon Tiki Resort remains one of the few Islamorada resorts with boat slips, ramp access, and complimentary trailer parking — all in one place.
Bring your boat. Keep it in the water. And enjoy the Keys the way they’re meant to be experienced.