While the dream of owning an island has captured the imagination of people the world over, if you visit the Caribbean you see that it isn’t just a fantasy. Yes, there are Caribbean islands for sale across the region, tropical places where you can find your own castaway-chic reality. Of course, that ranges from ultra-luxury private island options to small, more affordable properties.
But the fact is, if you’re looking for your own island, you can definitely find one, depending on your budget. Indeed, while many have price tags in the millions (unsurprisingly), a number fall below that — with listing prices less than $1 million, or, to put it another way, less than the price of an apartment in a major urban area in the United States.
Here are five such places to think about.
Saddleback Cay, Bahamas
Home to the most beautiful water in the Caribbean, the Exuma archipelago is teeming with small cays and islands, many of which remain uninhabited. That makes for a broad real estate portfolio, with stars like Saddleback Cay, set off the northern tip of Norman’s Cay in the northern Exumas. That’s a handy location, because Norman’s Cay is home to a 5,000-foot runway, meaning great access for private planes. Listing price: $11.8 million.
Petit Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Like Nevis? Then you’ll love Petit Nevis, the tiny island about seven miles west of Mustique in the heart of the Grenadines. It’s just a short boat trip from Bequia, and a great opportunity whether you’re looking to build a hotel or a private home. There are beaches, great views of the neighboring cays and all the solitude you could ever ask for. Listing Price: $25 million.
Young Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Looking to buy your own hotel? Look no further than the 12.6-acre Young Island in the Grenadines, just a short boat ride across the channel from mainland St. Vincent and home to an existing, rustic-chic small hotel. This is an idyllic, Old Caribbean-style place with cheeky bungalows and outdoor showers. Listing price? $10 million.
Salinas, Puerto Rico
This is a rare thing — a private island off the coast of Puerto Rico. For about the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, you can get your own 25-acre oasis just six minutes off the coast of the southern end of Salinas. It also includes a solar-powered three-bedroom, two-bathroom (one outdoor) bungalow. Yes, that means a self-sustaining island made just for you, and at a number that makes it among the most affordable islands for sale. Listing price: $1.195 million.
Fisherman’s Caye, Belize
If the Western Caribbean is more your style, take a look at Fisherman’s Caye, a 42-acre island set about eight miles off the coast of the Placencia peninsula in Belize. This island is a naturalist’s delight, located on the edge of a protected area within Belize’s UNESCO-designated marine reserve. Listing price: $3.5 million