Renting A Private Island Paradise: Exploring Belize's Exclusive Getaways

Renting a private island in Belize can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you can gather a group of friends or family members to split the cost. The price of renting a private island in Belize varies depending on the size and location of the island, the number of guests it can accommodate, and the level of luxury offered. For example, Bird Island, which accommodates up to eight people, costs $838 per night, while Little Harvest Caye, which can host up to 14 people, is approximately $2,900 per night. On the higher end, Royal Belize, which offers all-inclusive five-star treatment, starts at $7,200 per night for up to 16 people.

Private island rentals in Belize for weddings

Belize is a popular destination for private island rentals, with its white sand beaches, palm trees, turquoise waters, and seclusion. The Belizean coast is lined with hundreds of islands and cayes that form the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Here are some options for private island rentals in Belize that are perfect for hosting a wedding:

Coco Plum Island Resort

Coco Plum Island Resort offers the opportunity to rent the entire island for your wedding. The resort can accommodate approximately 36 guests and is an adult-only resort, but children are welcome during a whole island rental. The private island rental package includes daily meals, unlimited local bar beverages, accommodations, local airfare, adventure tours, and more. The standard cabanas and premium suite-style cabanas can host a group of about 30 people. The luxurious three-bedroom/three-bathroom private villa is perfect for the wedding couple. The resort also offers a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling.

Little Harvest Caye

Little Harvest Caye is a 1.5-acre private island located off the coast of Belize in the Atlantic Ocean near Placencia. It offers five private suites that can accommodate a large family group or a wedding party. A caretaker resides on the island in separate quarters, and a boat with a driver is provided anytime you wish to go to shore. Little Harvest Caye is known as one of the most famous Belize private island all-inclusive resorts and is a popular choice for destination weddings.

The Enclave

The Enclave is a two-acre private island located just off the shore of Placencia village. It can accommodate up to 28 people, making it ideal for larger wedding parties. The island features seven private waterfront bedroom units and offers a private chef, concierge, and daily maid service. The Enclave is one of the most accessible private island rentals in Belize, providing a convenient option for your wedding guests.

Royal Belize

Royal Belize is a luxurious private island that can accommodate up to 10 people. It includes complimentary boat transfer, a full staff, and all meals, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The island spans 7.5 acres and features separate villas and a long boardwalk to a private gazebo in the mangroves. Royal Belize is known as one of the most scenic and beautiful private islands in Belize, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding ceremony.

Gladden Private Island

Gladden Private Island is an exclusive 1-acre private island located 20 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize. The luxurious 3,000-square-foot villa can accommodate up to 4 people and is designed with couples in mind, making it perfect for an intimate wedding. The staff resides unseen on an island behind Gladden, ensuring complete privacy for your special day. Gladden Island lies just behind the barrier reef and offers easy access to the famous Gladden Spit, where whale sharks congregate.

The most exclusive private islands in Belize

Belize is a dream destination for those seeking a tropical island escape. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush palm trees, it's no wonder that many choose to rent a private island in this Caribbean paradise. Here are some of the most exclusive private islands Belize has to offer:

Gladden Private Island

Gladden Private Island is the epitome of exclusivity, billed as "The Most Private Island Resort in the World." This 1-acre island features a luxurious 3,000-square-foot villa designed for couples, accommodating up to 4 guests. The staff resides unseen on a separate island, ensuring the utmost privacy for visitors. Gladden Island is located 20 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize, just behind the barrier reef, and offers the opportunity to swim with whale sharks at the nearby Gladden Spit.

Bird Island

Bird Island is a tiny private island in Belize, offering seclusion and an unforgettable experience. Accommodating up to 8 guests, Bird Island provides a unique opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature. With no staff on the island, guests can truly embrace the peace and tranquility of their surroundings. The island features a coral atoll just 6 miles from the mainland, making it perfect for snorkelling and exploring the vibrant marine life.

Little Harvest Caye

Little Harvest Caye is a 1.5-acre private island located off the coast of Belize in the Atlantic Ocean, near Placencia. It offers five private suites that can accommodate up to 14 guests, making it ideal for larger groups or events such as weddings. The island boasts a 24-hour staff, including a boat captain and chef, ensuring a luxurious and memorable stay. Little Harvest Caye is also known for its eco-friendliness, powered by a 45,000-watt solar system and LED lighting.

Royal Belize

For those seeking all-inclusive luxury, Royal Belize is the epitome of five-star treatment. With rates starting at $7,200 per night, this private island offers a private concierge service, a private chef, and a range of water sports equipment. The island can accommodate up to 16 guests across three modern villas and a grand "palapa" used as a common dining and social space. Royal Belize is also a PADI five-star dive resort, making it ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Hideaway Caye

Hideaway Caye is the perfect choice for those seeking seclusion without sacrificing the comforts of home. This private island offers a fully-equipped cabin with one bedroom and a living room, accommodating up to 4 guests. Meals, activities, and amenities such as snorkelling and paddleboarding are included, providing a truly relaxing and exclusive experience. Hideaway Caye is the ideal place to unplug and enjoy the beauty of Belize.

Ray Caye

Ray Caye offers a unique opportunity to rent an entire island or opt for a half-island rental, making it more accessible for smaller groups. With rates starting at USD $20,000 per night, guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant and bar, a variety of water sports equipment, and the option to add on adventure tours. The island can accommodate up to 50 guests, making it perfect for weddings, family reunions, or gatherings with friends.

These private islands in Belize offer unparalleled exclusivity and luxury, providing the ultimate tropical getaway for those seeking privacy, natural beauty, and personalised service.

Private islands in Belize for large groups

Belize is a great destination for renting a private island, with its white sand beaches, palm trees, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. Here are some options for large groups looking to rent a private island in Belize:

Coral Caye

Owned by Francis Ford Coppola, this private island offers an ultra-private experience with two rustic-chic cottages and a "great" house, accommodating up to 12 people. The rate starts at $1,895 per night and includes transportation and staff.

The Enclave

The Enclave is a two-acre private island with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan Mountains. It can accommodate up to 28 guests, making it perfect for large groups such as wedding parties or family reunions. The island comes with an on-site staff, including a private chef, boat captain, maid, groundskeeper, and concierge. With seven bedrooms and bathrooms, there's plenty of space for everyone.

Coco Plum Island

Coco Plum Island is an adult-only resort that can accommodate approximately 36 guests for a whole island rental. They offer a private island rental package that includes daily meals, unlimited local drinks, accommodations, local airfare, adventure tours, and taxes. The package features two types of cabanas: standard and premium suite-style. The minimum stay requirement is seven nights.

Ray Caye

Ray Caye offers a whole island rental that can accommodate up to 40 guests. The rental includes ground transportation to and from Placencia Airport, boat rides to the island, accommodation in various units, meals, drinks, snorkelling gear, and use of kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cat. The rate is USD $20,000 per night from November through May, with a minimum stay of three nights.

Kanu Private Island

Kanu Private Island can accommodate up to 20 guests, with five 1,000-square-foot villas and a central area with a living room, kitchen, freshwater swimming pool, and bar. The island is located just 15 minutes off the Placencia Peninsula.

Royal Belize

Royal Belize is a luxury private island located near the coastal town of Dangriga. It can accommodate between 10 to 16 people in three villas and a bunkhouse. The all-inclusive rate includes tailored dining, snacks, non-alcoholic and local alcoholic drinks, airport transfer, and a range of activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkelling.

Affordable private islands in Belize

Belize is a great place to find affordable private islands. Whether you're looking to buy or rent, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Buying a Private Island in Belize

For those looking to purchase their own slice of paradise, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the price of private islands in Belize can vary depending on the location and size of the island, as well as the level of development. Islands that are smaller in size and have minimal to no developments tend to be more affordable.

That being said, here are some examples of private islands in Belize that have been listed for sale at relatively affordable prices:

• A 1.5-acre island off the coast of Dangriga Town in southern Belize, listed for $525,000.
• An island spanning just over 0.65 acres on Belize's Tobacco Caye Range, listed for $500,000. This island has five structures and three piers already in place, including nine bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
• A one-acre undeveloped island located seven miles off the coast of southern Belize, listed for $350,000.

Renting a Private Island in Belize

If you're looking for a short-term escape to your own private island, renting is a great option. Here are some affordable options for renting a private island in Belize:

• Ranguana Caye: An affordable island rental with a couple of units. Ranguana Caye is currently listing at roughly $100 per night per cabana, although there are three cabanas on the island, so you may have neighbours. Boat transfers from the mainland are an additional $75 per person each way.
• Bird Island: A tiny private island that accommodates up to six guests in a 1200-square-foot lodge. Bird Island sits upon a pristine coral atoll six miles from the mainland. This self-catering adventure offers privacy and reef snorkelling at a surprisingly affordable price!
• Little Harvest Caye: A 1.5-acre private island with five private suites that can accommodate up to 14 guests. A caretaker stays on the island in separate quarters, and a boat with a driver is provided anytime you wish to go to shore. Little Harvest Caye is just a five-minute boat ride from the town of Placencia and is relatively affordable if you go with a group.
• Little Peter Oasis: A 3-acre private island that accommodates up to four guests in a 1,000-square-foot guest house. Little Peter Oasis features overwater bungalows in a sheltered lagoon, a rare find in Belize.
• Hideaway Caye: A 3-acre private island that accommodates only two guests, making it perfect for a romantic couple's getaway. The only other people on the island will be the caretakers, who prepare all your meals. There is also a small bar on the island where passing sailboats may stop for a drink. This island offers a great deal, with a price tag of less than $400 per night.

So, whether you're looking to buy or rent, there are plenty of affordable options for private islands in Belize. Now, you can make your dream of owning or vacationing on your own private island a reality!

Eco-friendly private islands in Belize

Belize is known for its natural wonders and abundance of outdoor activities. If you're looking for an eco-friendly private island to rent, here are some options to consider:

Coco Plum Island

Coco Plum Island is a 16-acre private island located about 9 miles off the coast of Southern Belize. It offers splendid views of the Caribbean Sea and is perfect for intimate gatherings, accommodating no more than 42 guests at a time. The island is available for destination weddings, large groups, and complete private island rentals. It boasts 18 private cabanas, just steps from the water, each offering views of the Caribbean Sea. The island is also an award-winning adults-only resort, recognised by Tripadvisor Travelers in 2024 as one of the best all-inclusives in the world.

Coral Caye

Coral Caye, part of the Family Coppola Hideaways Turtle Inn, can accommodate up to 12 people. It is a 30-minute boat ride from the resort in southern Belize. The island features two rustic-chic cottages and a large, eclectically furnished indoor-outdoor living and dining room with a bar. The rent starts at $1,895 per night and includes transportation to the island and a staff who keep the island clean and prepare meals. Coral Caye is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and his family, who have created a lifestyle brand that extends beyond cinema to include wine, restaurants, and resorts.

Little Harvest Caye

Little Harvest Caye is a private island just a five-minute boat ride from the town of Placencia on the southern coast of Belize. It can accommodate up to 14 people and features five colourful suites, each with its own thatched-roof bathroom, and a large common area with a kitchen, bar, and pool. It comes with a 24-hour staff, a boat with a captain, and kayaks and paddleboards. Little Harvest Caye is one of the greenest properties in the area, powered by a 45,000-watt solar system and state-of-the-art LED lighting.

Cindiri Island

Cindiri Island is an eco-friendly resort that is perfect for small families or groups of four or less. While it is more costly per person than some larger islands, it is still relatively budget-friendly, starting at $995 per night. The island features two separate cabanas, making it ideal for two couples seeking semi-privacy. Cindiri Island operates on solar power and uses rainwater as its freshwater source. The hosts also practice environmentally responsible reef and fishing access and employ local Belizeans on their staff.

Little Peter Oasis

Little Peter Oasis is a private atoll with its own coral-rimmed blue lagoon. The bungalow has a thatched roof, two bedrooms, and a spacious living area, but the highlight is the tiered deck overlooking the lagoon. The island can comfortably host four people, with an option for a fifth person to sleep on a living room futon. For $1,995 per night, transportation to and from the island, drinks, and meals prepared by a private chef are included.

Lark Caye

Lark Caye is a nature lover's paradise, located 6 miles off Placencia. It boasts a beautiful coral reef just off the shore and private mangrove lagoons at the back of the island. Lark Caye can accommodate up to 4 guests in a 2-bedroom off-grid eco-cottage.

Frequently asked questions