Coral Bay Resort of Islamorada: Pastel Getaway Cottages You’ll Love

When I think of vintage Florida Keys, I picture bungalows and pastels with the turquoise water just steps away, and that’s EXACTLY what you get at the Coral Bay Resort. This quiet slice of the Keys is located at the south end of Islamorada and is easy to miss if you are just looking at bigger resorts or fancy Keys stays. The Coral Bay Resort is very well maintained with spacious bungalow style rooms and a beautiful property, including some of the best snorkeling I’ve experienced in the Keys.

We’ve got the full scoop on what to expect and all the reasons why you would have a wonderful vacation staying at the Coral Bay Resort. If you have any questions about the accommodations or property, or if you need additional recommendations for things to do in Islamorada, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful Florida Keys vacation.

Why Stay at the Coral Bay Resort

what stands out the most to me about staying at the Coral Bay Resort is how peaceful it is. The property is set off far enough from the overseas highway that you don’t really hear traffic at all and the people who are staying here all seem to be repeat guests who have been coming here for years. that atmosphere is so mellow and in my time by the pool and out in the snorkeling area by the beach and even on my patio, I’ve meant no fewer than 10 people who are all repeat guests and are all so pleasant. I know you can’t guarantee the same people every time, but apparently all these folks come year after year.

When it comes to things to do on property, I think a lot of people are coming to the Coral Bay Resort simply to relax. It really is the perfect place for it as each bungalow has a lovely patio and there are plenty of shaded spots, from lounge chairs to hammocks all around the property. You can get the exact sort of quiet Florida Keys vacation You dream of when you come here. true, overall the resort is not updated to be like a brand new Florida Keys five-star hotel, but it is very clean and very quaint, and the pastel colors set you at ease as you wander the property.

And I have to say, the absolute highlight of staying at the Coral Bay Resort for me. was the phenomenal snorkeling. We have stayed in many hotels and resorts all throughout the Florida Keys and two of the best snorkeling spots we’ve ever had have been small resorts that’s on the Bay side of Islamorada. The Costa morada Resort, which is also wonderfully quiet and peaceful, but is adults only, And here at the Coral Bay Resort have had hands down the best snorkeling around. sharks and moray eels, colorful parrot fish and large schools of grunts and such make it a wonderful place to snorkel. I love it! here; it’s magical.

Check out Coral Bay Resort on Tripadvisor!

Accommodation Options at the Coral Bay Resort

There are a few different options when you’re booking your stay at the Coral Bay Resort. The most simple is the Bungalow which is like a standard hotel room either with a king or two queen beds, and then there are studios with full kitchens, and then apartment style options with either one or two bedrooms. All rooms or apartments have a good amount of space, including a covered patio or porch, and none of the bungalows or suites are too far from the pool or beach access.

The studios and apartments have full kitchens, but the bungalows just have a wet bar setup. If you’re going to be here for several days (and you’ll want to be) I would book one of the studios or apartments for the best option to relax and be self-sufficient. It’s such a peaceful property that it’s very easy to settle into the quiet vibes of Islamorada.

Coral Bay Resort Amenities

because the Coral Bay Resort is set up for longer vacation stays, the bungalows have kitchens and everything you need to check in and not have to leave. The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and pans and dishware, and then each bungalow has an outdoor grill. if you’re here for the fishing, you can get it right from the dock to the grill in minutes. There’s even a fish cleaning station separate of any swimming area, so this is a fisherman’s ideal getaway.

And there is also a fun pool with a great patio surrounding it which actually a fountain in the pool to makes it really fun for kids. Pool and beach towels are provided so you don’t have to worry about your own laundry full of towels. the beach area is fantastic. I love the calm cove, which has a rock wall surrounding it and pretty good snorkeling within. You can then swim out underneath the little bridge to the open water where the snorkeling is even better. There is a dock that you can easily swim under which has plenty of tropical fish to enjoy, and then there is the jetty wall which really is the best spot. That’s where I saw two moray eels, the largest nurse shark I’ve ever swam with, a giant puffer and so much more. You will also find lots of pylons and docks from the surrounding properties that you can easily snorkel under.

Overlooking all of this snorkeling is a wonderful waterside patio with lounge chairs and even a large tiki hut with a stand-up bar for enjoying meals out on the water. It’s not a bar like where you would get cocktails, but like a high top counter where you can serve your own food to yourself. The vibe everywhere is just so wonderful and I’m thankful to have gotten to spend such quality time here at the Coral Bay Resort.

Snorkeling at Coral Bay in Islamorada

I’ve mentioned snorkeling from Coral Bay Resort several times, because it really is wonderful. Both here at at Casa Morada (also in Islamorada) we’ve had exceptional snorkeling just from the hotel property. Being located on the bay side of the island, the calm waters make for great habitats for all sorts of marine life. Here at the Coral Bay Resort, there are several rock and concrete walls that are built up and then the neighboring properties have several docks, mooring buoys and pylons, so there are all kinds of good places for fish and sharks to hang out.

For beginner snorkeling, just snorkeling in the small lagoon is a good way to get comfortable and acquainted with the water. There are plenty of small fish and sometimes some large stoplight parrotfish in here, and if you’re patient and lucky, maybe even a seahorse or two. High tide is the best time for snorkeling in the small lagoon, even if the seaweed that comes in is hanging around. You can also enter the water from the outside part of the jetty and it’s an easy spot for beginners.

Staying near the jetty and docks is best for all levels of snorkelers, and you won’t be disappointed with the wildlife. Just right here I was able to see a nurse shark, two moray eels, a giant porcupine puffer, tons of parrotfish of different species, grunts, and even spiny lobsters. For the more experienced snorkelers, bring your diver-down flag (I have this one) and cautiously swim away from the resort. There are areas of seagrass and sandy beds, so you’re likely to see rays, manatees and different sorts of sharks. It’s a wonderful place to explore.

Dining Near Coral Bay Resort

There are no dining options on property as the Coral Bay Resort is very small, but Islamorada is full of restaurants both to the north and the south. Fun places like Papa Joe’s and the Square Grouper are great, and then Florida Keys Brewing Company and Islamorada Brewing Company are both fun to visit with great outdoor spaces that are basically tropical beer gardens. There’s no shortage of good food here, but then of course because all the bungalows here at the Coral Bay Resort have their own kitchens, you can also go to the Winn-Dixie or Publix to stock your own fridge and you can cook all of your meals in. That’s a great way to manage the budget for a Florida Keys vacation. There are also grills and a fish cleaning station, so maybe you just catch your meals daily!

Getting to the Coral Bay Resort on Islamorada

As you drive south on the overseas highway, Islamorada consists of several different islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, and then Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. The Coral Bay Resort is located at the end of Islamorada on Lower Matecumbe key. when you arrive, check in at the small office building and you will be assigned your bungalow and then there was parking next to each unit so you don’t have to go far. It is a very secure property and very quiet.

Activities and Sights Near Coral Bay Resort

You could just check into your bungalow and relax, enjoy the swimming pool and snorkeling, or you can explore all around Islamorada and beyond. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the Upper and Middle Florida Keys:

• Snorkeling at Founders Park or Library Beach Park
• Visit Robbie’s of Islamorada – if nothing else, for the spectacle
• Rent a boat and explore the backwaters and sandbars
• Check out the History of Diving Museum
• Visit Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park
• Do a sandbar tour with the Morada Mermaid
• Pop into World Wide Sportsman to see Ernest Hemingway’s boat and more
• See Betsy the Lobster at Rain Barrell Village
• Do a sunset cruise with champaign
• Charter a snorkeling boat out to Alligator Reef