Booking & Payment Your Stay Boats & Dock The Area Policies
Section One

Booking & Payment

Reserving your stay, pricing, and how booking direct saves you money.

Why book direct instead of Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com?

You're talking to the same family who runs the listings on every platform — we just don't pay a 14–20% service fee to a middleman when you book here. That savings comes off your total. Same hosts, same cabanas, same support — better price.

You also get direct access to us before, during, and after your stay (no platform messaging in the middle), and we can be more flexible on small things like dock space, late check-out, or stitching together gap nights.

How do I pay? Is it secure?

Bookings are processed through Stripe, the same payment processor used by major brands worldwide. We accept all major credit cards. We never see or store your card details — Stripe handles everything end to end.

What's your nightly rate? Is there a minimum stay?

High season (Dec 21 – May 31): $299/night base rate.
Low season (Jun 1 – Dec 20): $159/night base rate.
Event weeks (around major holidays and fishing tournaments): $399/night.

Minimum stay: 2 nights on weekdays, 3 nights on weekends. We sometimes allow 1-night gap-night bookings if there's a single night open between other reservations — the live calculator on each cabana page will show you in real time.

Cleaning fee, taxes, and any extra-guest fees are added on top — you'll see the full breakdown before you confirm.

Standard occupancy and extra-guest fees?

Standard occupancy is 2 guests. Cabanas 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 sleep up to 4; Cabana 4 sleeps up to 3.

Guests beyond 2 are charged a small extra-guest fee per night, applied to the booking total. The exact amount appears in the live quote breakdown on each cabana page once you enter your guest count.

Can I get a quote without booking?

Yes — every cabana page has a live quote calculator. Enter your dates and party size and you'll see the full breakdown (nightly rate × nights, cleaning, taxes, any extra-guest fees, total) instantly. No commitment, no email required.

Section Two

Your Stay

Check-in, amenities, and what's actually in the cabana when you arrive.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

We offer self check-in with a keypad code emailed to you the morning of arrival. If you'd like a personal greeting at the property, just let us know your ETA in advance.

Early check-in and late check-out are sometimes available depending on the schedule — message us a day or two ahead and we'll try to make it work at no extra charge.

What's included in the cabana?

Each cabana comes fully equipped — you only need to bring clothes, a swimsuit, and a sense of humor.

  • Fully stocked kitchen (cookware, dishes, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, full-size fridge)
  • Linens, towels, beach towels, hair dryer, basic toiletries
  • Central A/C, ceiling fans
  • Smart TV with streaming apps
  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Beach chairs, snorkel masks (use at your own discretion)
  • Private patio with seating
  • Free on-site parking (1 spot per cabana)
  • Washer/dryer access on the property

Full per-cabana amenities lists are on each cabana page.

Is there parking?

Yes — one parking space per cabana, free of charge. If you have more than one car, talk to us in advance and we'll see what we can do (usually fine, depending on who else is staying).

Are pets allowed?

Unfortunately, no pets — sorry to the dog parents. We've found that pet allergens linger in small studios and impact other guests, so we keep all six cabanas pet-free.

Need a recommendation for a great kennel or sitter in Key Largo? Email us and we'll send a list.

Is smoking allowed?

No smoking inside the cabanas (including vaping). Outside on the patio is fine, but please use the provided ashtray and dispose of butts properly — we love this canal and so do the fish.

Are the cabanas family-friendly?

Yes — we host families regularly. The property has open canal-edge access, so guests with young kids should keep an eye on them around the water. We don't have pack-n-plays or high chairs on site, but they're easy to rent from local services if you need them.

Is there laundry on site?

Yes — a washer and dryer are available on the property for guest use. Free detergent provided.

Section Three

Boats & Dock

Bringing a boat to Key Largo? Read this first.

Can I rent a dock space for my boat?

We have one dock space at the property available for guest rental, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dock rates:

  • $80/night during high season (Dec 21 – May 31)
  • $60/night during low season (Jun 1 – Dec 20)

Because there's only one space across six cabanas, we strongly recommend reserving it when you book. Mention "dock space needed" in the inquiry form or email reservations@waterfrontcabanas.com — we'll confirm availability for your dates.

Note: The dock space is reserved separately from the cabana. Reserving Cabana 3 (the closest cabana to the dock) does not automatically include the dock — you still need to request it.
Is there a boat ramp at the property?

No — there is no boat ramp on-site. You'll need to launch your boat at a public ramp and motor over to our dock.

Most guests use one of these nearby ramps:

  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — 10 minutes north on US-1. The most popular option. Day-use fee applies.
  • Garden Cove Public Ramp — north Key Largo, free public access.
  • Harry Harris Park — Tavernier, about 15 minutes south, public ramp with parking.

If you're not sure which is best for your boat size and dates, email us — we can recommend based on tides and weather.

What size boat fits the dock?

The slip comfortably fits boats up to about 24 feet. Tighter for anything bigger, but message us with your boat's specs and we'll let you know if it'll work.

I don't have a boat — can I still get on the water?

Absolutely. Across US-1 you'll find Paddle The Florida Keys for kayak and SUP rentals (deliverable straight to our canal). For powered options, charters and boat rentals are easy to book in Key Largo — see the Guide Book for our favorite operators.

Section Four

The Area

Getting around Key Largo, dining nearby, and the famous trips you'll want to plan.

Where exactly are you located?

300 Buttonwood Circle, Key Largo, FL 33037. Just off US-1 at Mile Marker 99, on a private saltwater canal that opens to the Atlantic.

From Miami International Airport: about 1 hour 15 minutes south on US-1. From Fort Lauderdale: about 2 hours. We're the first major stop in the Florida Keys.

Do I need a rental car?

Yes — strongly recommended. Key Largo is spread out along US-1 and there's no public transit. Most restaurants, dive shops, and attractions are a short drive away. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) works but coverage thins out at night.

What's walking distance?

Within a 5–10 minute walk:

  • Mrs. Mac's Kitchen — legendary Keys diner, two locations within walking distance, breakfast and dinner classics.
  • Sharkey's Pub & Galley — casual seafood, cold beer, family-friendly.
  • Bayside Grille — bayfront sunset dining.
  • Snook's Bayside — upscale dinner with the best sunset view in Key Largo.
  • Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe — fresh-off-the-boat seafood, no frills.

Across US-1: Paddle The Florida Keys for kayaks and SUPs. The full restaurant and activity list is in our Guide Book.

What about John Pennekamp and diving?

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is 10 minutes north on US-1 — America's first underwater park and the gateway to the Florida Keys reef. Glass-bottom boats, snorkel tours to the Christ of the Abyss statue, scuba charters, kayak launches, and a swim beach.

We can recommend specific dive operators, fishing charters, and snorkel trips based on your skill level — just ask.

Day trips to Islamorada, Marathon, or Key West?

All easy from here.

  • Islamorada: 30 minutes south — sportfishing capital of the world, sandbar afternoons.
  • Marathon: 1 hour south — Turtle Hospital, Sombrero Beach, Seven Mile Bridge.
  • Key West: 2 hours south — full-day trip, Mallory Square sunset, Duval Street, Hemingway House.

US-1 is a beautiful drive — leave early, take your time, stop along the way.

Section Five

Policies & Fine Print

Cancellations, damage, and the rules we ask everyone to follow.

What's your cancellation policy?

Full refund for cancellations made 30+ days before check-in.
50% refund for cancellations made 14–29 days before check-in.
No refund for cancellations made within 14 days of check-in.

We're flexible when something unavoidable comes up — illness, family emergency, weather closures. Email us as soon as you know and we'll work with you, often by rebooking your stay for a future date.

What if there's a hurricane?

If a mandatory evacuation is issued for Monroe County that covers your stay dates, you'll receive a full refund or free rebooking — no questions asked.

Outside of mandatory evacuations, our regular cancellation policy applies. We recommend travel insurance during hurricane season (June – November) as an extra layer of protection.

Is there a damage deposit?

No upfront damage deposit, but you're responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. We've hosted hundreds of guests with zero incidents — we trust people to treat the cabanas the way they'd want their own home treated.

Quiet hours?

10 PM to 8 AM. Six cabanas share thin Keys walls and a small property, so we ask everyone to keep evening volume reasonable. Patio conversations, music low, no parties.

Can I host an event or party here?

The cabanas are designed for guests staying overnight, not for events. Small family gatherings on your own patio are fine. Larger events, parties, or non-registered visitors aren't permitted out of respect for other guests.

Didn't find your answer?

Reach out — we usually reply within a few hours.

Email
reservations@waterfrontcabanas.com
Phone
(305) 400-0550