10 Beautiful Private Islands for Sale (That You Could Actually Afford)

Posted in Features on July 9, 2008
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Who hasn’t dreamed of living on a private island, away from the hustle and bustle of city life? But, how often have you dismissed this dream with thoughts that you couldn’t possibly afford this luxury? Well, you may need to rethink your dreams, because many private islands now are listed for less than $500,000 USD. In fact, you can find islands for less than $100,000. All you need to do is spend a little time searching online for your dream environment.

The point to remember in this situation is that you get what you pay for. Cheaper islands, on the whole, tend to be undeveloped. This means that you may need to acquire electricity, plumbing and land suitable for building to complete your dream of living on said island. Additionally, it may be tough to obtain a mortgage for island purchases, because most islands lack ‘comparables’ for valuation purposes. So, you’ll either need cash on hand or a solid business plan for development that could add valuation to your island (such as a resort).

On the other hand, you can employ such amenities as prefabricated homes, easy-to-install solar power, reverse-osmosis water filtration systems and composting toilets. All these items, which are perfect for island living, are within reach for an island dweller’s average budget. So, keep these plus-side items in mind when you tackle your search. The ten islands listed below will give you a head start, as they lead to real estate businesses that can help you realize your private island dream.

The list below is organized by price, with the least expensive listed first, and the most expensive at the end.

  1. Lighthouses for auctionWest Bank Lighthouse: The U.S. General Services Administration actually is auctioning two lighthouses/islands in New York. The one shown here, the West Bank Lighthouse, and the Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse both are for sale. Both properties are open for bids starting at $10,000, and - as of this writing - no bids have been offered. On the plus side, both lighthouses offer 360-degree water views and both lighthouses retain basic integrity despite neglect. Plus, the new owners will claim a bit of history with either purchase. But, both lighthouses have been neglected, and they will be sold “as is” without warranties. Additionally, both properties require an easement to legally occupy the submerged land, and the properties must be maintained in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in consultation with the New York State Historic Preservation Office. The Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse is located approximately 3.5 miles south of New Drop Beach on Staten Island, Richmond County, New York. The keeper’s quarters consist of approximately 1000 square feet of space with porthole-styled windows. The interior is brick-lined in the first three stories. The West Bank Lighthouse is located in Lower New York Bay and is situated approximately 3.2 miles east of Staten Island, Richmond County, New York. This property sits on a man-made island and includes a riprap breakwater which extends westward approximately 100 feet from the lighthouse. There are two pilings which serve as moorings, and the interior is accessed by a metal platform and ladder. Both properties are accessible only by boat. Current price: Starting at $10,000 USD.
  2. Dolphin Bay IslandDolphin Bay Island: This is a small island that consists of 6,000 sq. ft., but it is located in a very nice area near Bocatorito, Panama, with views of Dolphin Bay. Plus, access to the island is easy, with a connection to San Cristobal Island via a strip of mangrove and access by boat within twenty minutes from Bocas. You’ll find a few large trees and some pineapple plants, and the island sits in protected waters with deep water nearby. The island displays elevation, and it is perfect for a single-family home. Current price: $40,000 USD.
  3. Bereck IslandBereck Island: Canadian islands remain a relative bargain, with several available for less than $100,000. Bereck Island, located on Stuart Lake in British Columbia, Canada, represents one of these bargains. Stuart Lake is the seventh largest lake in B.C., and it is a fisherman’s paradise stocked with rainbow trout, lake trout and kokanee. The island is approximately one acre, and it is surrounded by a shallow rocky shelf on its south side that is exposed during low water level and that is visible during winter. The island is accessible by boat or by floatplane. Bereck Island is zoned as residential, so there should not be any problems building a dwelling. Nearby towns include Fort St. James, which is accessible by paved road and is located about 60 km north of Vanderhoof and 160 km northwest of Prince George. Current price: CAD $65,000 ($64,327.21 USD).
  4. David IslandDavid Island: Settle down on approximately five forested acres in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. David Island lies in the bay of Port Felix, about 30km from the city of Canso and near the town of Whitehead. The existing simple 12′ x 16′ cabin was built in 2003, and it does not support a septic system. But, it will provide a roof over your head as you plan for your future residence (which is, in principal, possible). This island could serve as a great fishing camp, provided you bring potable water. The view includes the mainland and other islands, which lie in the Tor Bay direction. Current price: CAD $75,000 ($74,474.55 USD).
  5. Chris PinnacleChris Pinnacle: This sale consists of two islands, which comprise an area of approximately 2.47 acres or one hectare located in Jordan, on the western side of Guimaras, Philippines. One island contains a small bamboo hut with an outside seating area and a concrete pier. While no electricity runs to the islands, it is possible to transport power and water across from the mainland via underwater pipe. The mainland is only a few hundred meters, or a five-minute boat ride, from the island. The larger of the two islands holds a large area at the peak where a house could be situated. This view is magnificent, as you can enjoy the sunset to the west and unusual rock formations along the coastline to the east. The smaller island is in ‘virgin condition,’ and it also contains a flat top. Both islands are within viewing distance of a resort situated a mere 200 meters away on the mainland. This location and ease of access, in addition to the unusual stone formations, the potential for sea-kayaking and diving and snorkeling (yes, coral formations are abundant here) make these islands ideal for resort development. Current price: $100,000 USD.
  6. Cockroach CayeCockroach Caye: If you want to start from scratch, Cockroach Caye (shaped like a cockroach), located fifteen miles east of Belize City, Belize, Central America, is a great place to begin. This unspoiled, undeveloped virgin swamp-free ten-acre property features 500 feet of Caribbean sea front in Cockroach Bay with approximately 300 yards to the eighteen-mile-long reef. The island sits on top of the reef that extends from Turneffe Island, located a mere 300 feet west of this island. The island will need to be cleared for development, as it is packed with coconut trees and mangrove. But, you’ll discover beautiful white sand along its beaches. If you are into fishing, you’ll discover tarpon and bonefish in the nearby flats and in the deep blue you can fish for Marlin, Sail Fish, Tuna , Wahoo and more. Cockroach Caye is part of the Turneffe Atoll , which is about thirty miles long and about eight miles wide, and is the largest of the three atolls in the area. Turneffe is the closest to the mainland and is home to a number of world-class dive sites. The atoll has a scattering of fishing camps, some of which are permanently occupied, and some of which are used only on a seasonal basis. At peak times, when combined with tourists and researchers, the atoll is inhabited by approximately 300 people. If you arrive by air to Belize City, it will take you about one hour to get to your island by boat. The seller is eager, and will consider all offers and can offer some financing as well. Current price: $189,900 USD.
  7. Lenur IslandLenur Island: Lenur Island is a beautiful and unspoiled thirty-seven acre island, situated in the crystal clear waters of South Malakula, Republic of Vanuatu, Oceania. The archipelago is some 1,090 miles east of northern Australia, 310 miles north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands. The archipelago is of volcanic origin, and maintains a tropical or sub-tropical climate. The island is surrounded by small trees and a few coconut palms and there is about three fresh water streams that run from the mainland to the island’s harbor. From all claims, this island is the best site for a fishing stop for people who decided to come for game fishing in Vanuatu. It claims the best harbor and beautiful sunset views. Current price: $400,000 USD.
  8. Eagle's Nest IslandEagle’s Nest Island: Who would have thought that an affordable island could be found in the heart of the U.S.? Eagle’s Nest Island, located in Bath Springs, Decatur County, Tennessee, offers over 167 acres of undisturbed hardwoods, stone and sand in the middle of the Tennessee River. The island holds some Civil War history, as Union troops searched for Confederate troops here in 1863. Decatur County and its cities and communities (including Parsons and Decaturville) boasts an active and progressive Chamber of Commerce, fine medical facilities, one of the best paramedic and emergency response teams in the State of Tennessee, a host of volunteer fire departments, an all volunteer, highly professional rescue squad and an excellent education system. The county borders fifty miles of undeveloped river property, a tourism card that brings many visitors to this area to enjoy fishing, camping, swimming and river recreation, sports and hunting. The island is approachable only by boat. Current Price: $350,000 USD.
  9. Carrington CayCarrington Cay: If you’ve been to Great Abaco Island and fell in love with this Bahamian island, then this treat is right up your alley. This island is located just 300 feet offshore from Great Abaco Island, but it provides the seclusion that only a 1.4-acre private island can offer. Still, you would be located within minutes of shopping and other urban conveniences at Leisure Lee, an exclusive canal community filled with quality homes. Carrington Cay also is located just three miles from the more cosmopolitan Treasure Cay, a thriving luxury resort with a full-service marina, golf course, shopping and every amenity imaginable. The island has good deep water for dockage at western end (eight-foot depth at mean low water), and spectacular views of nearby Great Guana Cay and Treasure Cay. A rare bonus is that due to the prevailing winds, the island is essentially insect-free, and with cable, electricity and potable water available for hook-up from the mainland, it will be easy to establish all the comforts of home on your private island paradise as soon as you sign the papers. Current price: $455,000 USD.
  10. Katunayake IslandKatunayake Island: Located a mere two-minute speed boat ride from the west coast of Sri Lanka, this ten-acre Asian tropical island begs for an eco-tourism resort development. Why? For one reason, the buyer is required to divest in an Eco-Friendly operation. Secondly, the convenience of the nearby Bandaranayake International Airport and the short distance to Colombo, Sri Lanka, makes it easy for visitors to gain access to your property. Finally, the island is a beauty, with deciduous woods on the west side and green grasses and swaying trees on the eastern shores. The lagoon is peaceful, and you’ll enjoy birds that nest on the island, great sunsets and sunrises, swimming and fishing from the beaches or rocks, caving and shell collecting. Although the island lacks electricity and phone service (cell signal is available), you can develop connectivity easily from the main road. Current price: $500,000 USD.

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38 Comments

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  1. Ryan Nagy
    July 10, 2008

    That was great! And very inspiring, thanks. I wouldn’t have thought islands like that could be so affordable.

  2. Adam
    July 10, 2008

    The lighthouse was sweet…I wonder how much it will go for. I bet it is really damp there.

  3. newyorkdude
    July 10, 2008

    Here’s my plan: 1) buy the Old Orchard island near New York City; 2) film an episode of ‘Sex and the City’ there; 3) sell the place for a huge profit. Anyone want to go in with me on this plan?

  4. Julie
    July 12, 2008

    newyorkdude- i’m in with you. though i love that picture of the west bank lighthouse– a tiny lighthouse on a comma shaped island.

  5. Baja Real Estate
    July 12, 2008

    Having an island in the middle of a river sounds risky, since rivers tend to flood from time to time. However, with good engineering this can be overcome. Still, it never crossed my mind the prices could be this affordable.

  6. paresh
    July 13, 2008

    nice travel blog.

  7. Matt Ellsworth
    July 14, 2008

    great list of these.

  8. GreenJoyment
    July 17, 2008

    That was SO COOL! I forwarded it on to my wife to see if she’s interested in any of them.

    :)

  9. Mary
    July 21, 2008

    The Dolphin Bay island seems incredible, especially for that price. I thought its value was a lot higher.

  10. Pokin
    July 27, 2008

    Nice! That first island was my favourite :)

  11. Gary
    July 29, 2008

    some people have too much time on their hands, and what fuckung dreamers….. Ryan carnt afford bread, let alone think that 100 grand is “affordable”! check out http://www.ineedalife.com and itll point all of you muppets in the right direction!

  12. Ronan
    July 30, 2008

    I really like that Gary used the word muppets. I’ve been throwing it around myself a lot lately too.

  13. Alex
    August 03, 2008

    I like the word muppet too, fun word.

  14. Private island for sale
    August 15, 2008

    A Private island in Florida may cost a little more! You can’t allways get what you want!

  15. A Private Island for sale in Florida
    August 17, 2008

    It cost twice as much to build on an island, but you make 4X your mony back!

  16. Tim Dockter
    August 20, 2008

    I have always had a lifelong dream of either living in, or buying outright, a light house. I am independantly wealthy so i could afford most any price and could also afford maintenance fee’s, repairs, remodels, etc.
    Cany any one help me acheive my lifelong dream?
    Please let me know.
    Thank you,
    T Dockter

  17. Jonny Do
    September 21, 2008

    RE: comment # 3,

    They would have to change the name to Sex and the Island, but I’m down.. I’ll take the sex, they can keep the city ;)

  18. bob
    November 04, 2008

    #5 is beautiful but the one with the light house kinda suked

  19. ITC
    November 18, 2008

    we are looking for land on seychelles

  20. Richard
    December 07, 2008

    I have owned an island for 40+ years. Over 9 acres in the Shenandoah River. Problem, I live in MS.

  21. Justin Wright
    December 08, 2008

    These are awesome, one day I’ll make enough money to buy one.

  22. SriVidya
    January 05, 2009

    i would love to own the dolphin bay…
    n very soon i will :)

  23. xxcamlostxx
    January 21, 2009

    I agree with Ronan and also liked that Gary used the word muppets. Something something islands

  24. coach sydney
    March 03, 2009

    awesome. i never thought such a things was so possible.

  25. jamtheham inyourman
    May 15, 2009

    Just got off the phone with my real estate agent, we’re gonna go ahead and purchase that light house and the Chris Pinnacle in Jordan. What a life I lead. Then he called me a muppet. I was quite offended, because I was going to have sex slaves on my island, where’s the muppet in that?

  26. Private Island for sale
    May 16, 2009

    Not all islands are buildable, but this one is! Port Orange island for sale, 1 million 386-290-3983

  27. TrinhGia architect blog
    May 20, 2009

    Dinh Bang is an image unique architecture nation. Talking about the position ngôi house, land north of the structure of the ratings as follows:

    Thứ nhất là đình Đông Khang

    Thứ nhì đình Báng, vẻ vang đình Diềm.

    Khang Dinh East today is not. With the beauty of architectural scale, engraved art, decorative arts and the more valuable is the table Dinh, tourists see a fully architecture home village is built into the first half of century XVIII, while the other person no longer keep the look intact again.

    How Hanoi 20km north, Dinh Bang village Dinh (Dinh Bang) Tu Son district, Bac Ninh (past the Village of France). Regionally spiritual homeland is the Ly khandhas (ie Ly Thai To), who founded the dynasty and the morning of Thang Long capital (in 1010).

    Long, the potential of each of Vietnam, when talking about village not forget who referred to one home village, because that is the quintessence of wisdom, effort, the prosperity of the village, pride of the village, where witnessing and place the size of the village … where the guy left, including sending girls, expressed interest situation.

    “Qua đình ngả nón trông đình

    Đình bao nhiêu ngói thương mình bấy nhiêu”

    Dinh Bang, including clusters of cultural relics, most are relics of the Ly, creating a unique memorial, sounder history, with the size countries, including enough: house, temple, pagoda, Lang, Tam …. characteristics of cultural villages Vietnam.

    A corner home roofs Dinh Bang village

    Dinh Dinh Bang village is an ancient one home most famous of Kinh Bac, built in 1700 and the year 1736 was completed, by the beginning of the Thac Nguyen Luong, Dinh Bang people and wives erotic Nguyen Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa in his purchase of iron wood villages offering construction, one may survive the (now home of the Nguyen Thac amount for trial before the Dinh Bang and still keep conservation) .

    The home is where convergence cultural beliefs, the first house of worship many gods 3: High King’s Son (Spirit Land), Ba Thuy Vuong’s (Water Spirit), and Bach Le Dai Vuong (Spirit cultivation), is spirit of the residents are agriculture worship, wish the rain and wind for hoà lush crops. Every year on 12 lunar months of the open questions in an emergency for crops bội earnings. At home village people also worship chlorine (6 public have run into XV century. Later when Ly Bat De Temple is the only France in 1948, people received messages of eight because tidal the house of worship in Dinh Bang.

    Dinh Dinh Bang is an image unique architecture nation, keep the image sovereignty of the type of flooring ethnic applied to architecture home village. Looking back the history from the first water, the image house floor is kept in the Dong Son bronze drum - a creation he fathers in the field of architecture houses. Can not bring one home do so after some ten centuries made against the floor on Dong Son bronze drum, but both realize that this form has room in trade, the inheritance and development of traditional architecture established since the first water.

    Dinh Dinh Bang is a work of architecture, the first of three, including, the construction of two brick pillars to high - style cage, both sides have the reel invaluable roof, around the back yard wide, the two sides is two rows and tả vu vu. Like any other person, the most important Dinh Dinh Bang of architecture is the art of court Bai Road (’s house).

    Bai road by Size rectangle, 20m long, 14m wide divided into seven hours, two bottles on a high platform bundle greenstone level two levels. Appears to do so by showing house through the roof toả width occupied 2 / 3 total height and 6 row, 60 column, large and small have lim diameter from 0.55 to 0.65 are placed on a rock the green square region.

    When entering the house, you are welcoming and are attracted to the book all the quintessence of the engraved art of XVIII century. The first travel book for all visitors is the large door Vong at the same time belong outside. Vong files covering a large, extended from the Upper to Lower wages and remote end of a horizontal open space. Vong door hit long been combined in sophisticated touches on all 7 classes, 9 subjects in command, from you …. above the door Vong is the wooden ceiling mask between the roof with a decorative bird Phuong xoe large wings to gold bonanza around it.

    State decoration on architectural components other very diverse, sophisticated sculpt, chau mice, harmony. Frame structure is quite stable home, associated with different types mộng way husbands bed “deplorable, lower from”. Each picture engraved in the works is a famous unique. Occupies as the threshold, more and more are rolling smoke: files “Bat-free code quần” show life, see the release of mineral and definition of peace through this land, and images of the individual horse. Salary for the art world, đực child, children, each child a ticket. The touch of the great dragon xao: Long still congress, Ngu long tranh chau, long Ngự natural Luc … each picture, each picture describing how the proposal.

    2 months in 1946 Uncle Ho visited and Dinh Bang is one of the locations expected to prepare Congress for the first meeting. Ngôi home more famous than so.

    Through more than 200 years since the start up, now home to Dinh Bang went to life is emotional and pride of the North in particular land, and the country in general.

  28. Kevin
    May 24, 2009

    Sunset Key Island Tarpon Springs Florida is 100% buildable and is permitted for a home and a dock for under $600,000 with 360 degree awesome views and power, water, etc is available, you can build a home here for $200,000.

  29. skycaptain
    May 26, 2009

    Hello, I just checked out this page, they all seem like wonderful places to habitat. Good luck to those who dare.

  30. Aldabra
    June 20, 2009

    Unfortunately Cerf Island isn’t for sale ..

  31. sadi
    June 28, 2009

    What an awesome thought. Living in a lighthouse. A little bit of heaven on earth, away from a world that has gone mad!! Im going to look into this seriously!!

  32. Olatunji Awofeso
    July 10, 2009

    Dear Sir.
    I am looking for buyers who are interested in buying a Private Island in Bahamas.
    All interesting buyer should contact me as soon as possible for more details and information about the Private Island that is for sale.
    The Private Island that is for sale is 50 Acres.
    Thanks.
    Mr Olatunji Awofeso.
    Manchester, England.
    Member of the Wade World Trade, An International Agent/Business Finder

  33. Private Island for sale Fl
    October 15, 2009

    NOW HALF PRICE, 3 Acre Island
    Located on the Florida Intracoastal waterway, this beautiful private Island can be yours. The Island is buildable, and the following surveys have been done on it: Phase 2 Environmental Studies, Topographical survey and Tree surveys. This Island is only accessible by boat, yacht, carboat or possibly helicopter. The Island is populated with cedar, palm and oak trees and as elevations of about 5ft. buildable portion of the island totals at 1.81 acres. Owner Financing available with only $25,000 down, 30 year AMO at 7% interest and a 5 year balloon. No prepayment penalties. Suggested Uses: Island Resort / Restaurant, with up to 6 cabins and master building. Suggests 200 ft large dock to service multiple yachts. Utilizing solar power, it is suggested to also use a blackwater water pump-able storage system. A Grey water system can be used for irrigation. Asking price: $499,000.00

  34. http://www.mulege.org/lighthouseforsale.htm
    November 27, 2009

    lighthouse and resort for sale in mulege mexico
    take a look

  35. Private,Islands,www.islandsforsalebyowner.com
    December 20, 2009

    $250,000 for 100 acres & 2 Private Islands for sale jacksonville intra coastal waterway, florida usa 386 290 3983

  36. tranj
    January 22, 2010

    hi id be intrested in buying a island around india if anyone can and wants to join me in finding the perfect island contact me by email first tranjno1@aol.com

  37. 2 Private islands for sale with 100 acres Jacksonville Intracoastal
    February 15, 2010

    Hay Cheap “o” 2 private islands for sale jacksonville, florida only $250,000

  38. bob
    February 22, 2010

    wow i want one

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