Booking & Rates

How do I book directly?

Use the Book Now button on any cabana page. Pick your dates and cabana and your quote is calculated instantly — the same rates and availability as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, without the 14–20% platform fee added to your total. That savings comes off your price when you book here.

Do you charge a booking fee?

No platform booking fee. We collect the 50% booking deposit at reservation and the balance 14 days before arrival. Florida sales tax (7.5%) and Monroe County tourist tax (5%) apply as required by law.

What is your cancellation policy?

Full refund for cancellations made 14+ days before check-in.
50% refund for cancellations made 7–14 days before check-in.
No refund within 7 days of check-in.
Free cancellation within 2 hours of booking (if arrival is 24+ hours away).

The same policy applies on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com — book wherever you like, the terms are identical.

When is my balance due?

The second 50% payment is charged automatically 14 days before arrival. You'll receive a reminder before it processes.

Is there a security deposit?

A $500 refundable security-deposit hold is placed before arrival and released 3 to 5 days after checkout, pending no damage.

Check-In & Stay

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is anytime after 3:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM. Your keypad code is emailed 24 hours prior to your arrival day.

How do I get in?

Every cabana has a Yale smart-keypad on the front door. Your unique code activates at 3:00 PM on arrival day and expires at 11:00 AM on departure day — no keys to carry or exchange.

What should I know about the canal?

The canal is a working waterway with active boat traffic — for your safety, no swimming, diving, or snorkeling in the canal itself. You're minutes from world-class ocean and reef swimming: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and area beaches are a short drive. 

The seawall and dock are great places to relax and watch the boats go by.

Can I bring my boat?

Yes! We have one private boat dock available for boats up to 30 ft, by reservation. Dock space is not included with your stay and requires an additional fee. It is subject to availability and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact us before arrival to check availability and reserve the dock.

Are pets allowed?

No — pets are not permitted. Service animals are always welcome as required by law; please mention it when booking.

What's the minimum age to book?

The primary renter must be 21 or older. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests per cabana (Cabana 4: 3 guests).

House Rules

• Check-in 3 PM · check-out 11 AM — early arrival ($50 from 1 PM / $75 from 9 AM) or late departure ($50, until 2 PM) by prior approval only
• Standard occupancy 2 guests · maximum 4 (Cabana 4: max 3) — $40/guest/night per additional guest, by prior approval; no visitors or day guests without prior approval
• Quiet hours 10 PM – 8 AM · no amplified music outdoors · no parties
• No smoking or vaping inside the cabanas (any substance) — permitted outdoors; smoke odor = cleaning fee
• No pets — service animals are always welcome as required by law
• One designated parking space per cabana — no street parking
• One dock space, by prior approval (fee applies) — includes free trailer parking; no other boat/trailer storage on the premises
• No grills, fire pits, candles, fireworks, or open flames of any kind
• NO swimming, diving, snorkeling, or jumping in the canal — active boat traffic, no lifeguard; children must be supervised near the water at all times
• No fishing or fish cleaning from the dock, seawall, or premises
• Toilet paper only — nothing else flushes (clogs billed up to $500)
• Keep doors and windows closed while the A/C is running
• No daily housekeeping — bring beach towels; don't remove linens (lost/damaged linens billed at 2× replacement)
• Exterior camera at the front entrance records video + audio of the entry area only — no cameras inside units or private areas
• No commercial filming or photography · no business activity
• Items left after check-out may be removed and discarded; we're not responsible for lost or stolen belongings
• Full terms (cancellation, hurricane, liability) are in your rental agreement, provided for e-signature at booking

Hurricane Season

If a mandatory evacuation is issued for Monroe County covering your stay dates, you'll receive a full refund or free rebooking — no questions asked. Outside mandatory evacuations, the standard cancellation policy applies. We recommend travel insurance during hurricane season (June–November).

The Area

You're in the heart of Key Largo at mile marker 100: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the African Queen, dolphin encounters, dive and snorkel charters, and restaurants like The Fish House, Sundowners, and Key Largo Fisheries. Miami International Airport is about 90 minutes north.

Still have questions?

Call (305) 400-0550 or email Reservations@Waterfrontcabanas.com — a real person (usually family) answers.