Kawama Yacht Club Key Largo Review: Beachfront Family Accommodation in the Florida Keys

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission — at no additional cost to you. We only recommend hotels, tours, and experiences we’ve personally used and loved.

Why Stay in Key Largo and Why Kawama Yacht Club

Key Largo is the first of the Florida Keys, just over two hours from Miami, making it an easy first stop on a Florida Keys road trip. It’s also a good midpoint if you’re heading down to Key West or exploring the wider Keys.

For families, Kawama Yacht Club is ideal. It’s a condo-style resort, offering space and privacy for everyone. The kitchens make meal prep easy, the living areas are comfortable, and the private beachfront cove is literally on your doorstep—a rare find in the Keys. It’s a relaxing base for families who want both adventure and downtime.

Is Key Largo a Good Place to Stay with kids?

Key Largo works perfectly as a base for exploring the Keys:

• Just under an hour from Miami, making it an easy drive from the airport.

• Close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, perfect for a family snorkelling adventure (read our snorkelling review here).

• Within reasonable driving distance for a day trip to the Everglades or Big Cypress (see our airboat tour experience and Big Cypress vs Everglades overview).

• Plenty of restaurants and supermarkets nearby, including the famous Something Sweet Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop—a hit with the kids.

• Not as busy or touristy as Key West (although you can visit for a day trip as we did), making it easier to relax and enjoy a slower pace.

For families on a road trip, Key Largo strikes a perfect balance of convenience, activities, and calm.

Accommodation – Condo-Style Living

Kawama Yacht Club offers condo’s rather than traditional hotel rooms, making it ideal for families:

• Two-bedroom condos that sleep four, giving parents and kids separate spaces.

• Fully fitted kitchen with toaster, filter coffee machine, full fridge with ice maker.

• Private BBQ with gas provided

• Laundry machine and dryer for longer stays.

• Comfortable living room and a balcony or outdoor seating area.

• Two toilets—one upstairs, one downstairs—but only showers, so best for school-aged kids rather than babies or toddlers.

• Check-in is 4 p.m., but early check-in is often possible if requested. Check-out is 10 a.m.

• Private host, very attentive and responsive.

• Keyless entry with a code for convenience.

• Parking is flexible; you can park right outside your condo.

• The community is a mix of permanent residents and visitors and was quiet at night.

This setup is perfect for families who want space, privacy, and home-like facilities while still being in a prime Florida Keys location.

Beach, Pools, and Facilities

Families often ask what they can do on-site, and Kawama Yacht Club delivers:

• Small beachfront area with a swimming lagoon, ideal for kids and easy water activities like canoeing.

• Small pool with sun loungers and some parasols for shade.

• Tennis courts and a marina.

• Safe, gated community—perfect for peace of mind when travelling with children.

The combination of water activities, pool, and secure surroundings makes it easy to keep kids entertained without leaving the property.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lots of space for families

• Kitchen and washing machine

• Gated and safe

• Great location for Key Largo

• Private BBQ area

• Perfect for relaxing a few days - the beach lagoon was amazing

Cons:

• Not a luxury resort

• A car is essential to get around

• Apartments vary as they’re privately owned

How Many Nights to Stay

For a Florida Keys road trip, 2–3 nights is ideal:

• A great stop to take in the Everglades, Miami or more of the Florida Keys

• A perfect location to sit back and relax or do some half day trips like snorkelling

• Also works as a calm stop before Orlando, especially if you’re planning theme park adventures (read our full itinerary for 2 weeks in Florida here).

Final Verdict – Is Kawama Yacht Club Good for Families?

Kawama Yacht Club is an excellent choice for families:

• Great for road trips along the Florida Keys (see our full road trip itinerary here).

• Not a luxury hotel, but the space, kitchen, and beachfront access make it perfect for families.

• Best for those looking for a relaxed Florida Keys stay with easy access to snorkelling, wildlife adventures, and local attractions.

In short, if you want comfort, convenience, and a safe environment for the kids without being in a hotel, Kawama Yacht Club is hard to beat. We booked via Expedia, as this a property managed by a private host and not considered a hotel you won't find it on other booking platforms.

Planning a Family Trip to the USA

If you’re planning a family trip to the United States, we’ve created a collection of practical guides based on our own experiences travelling there with a child. In our USA Travel Hub, you’ll find advice on everything from ESTA requirements and travel insurance to driving, healthcare and managing jet lag with kids, alongside destination guides for places we’ve explored including New York, Colorado, South Dakota and Florida. It’s a useful starting point for parents researching how to plan a smooth and enjoyable family trip to the USA.