25 Private Islands — Yes, Islands — You Can Rent

It might be time to make this the summer you book your own private island escape to one of these 25 islands you can rent.

25 Private Islands — Yes, Islands — You Can Rent

Why book a bustling all-inclusive resort on a tourist-packed beach when you can spring for your own private island? We know what you're thinking — who can afford that? Turns out, you don't have to be Richard Branson in order to afford your own private island experience.

We've rounded up private islands all over the world that are actually available to rent — from Airbnb or VRBO, no less. While some do skew towards those with deeper pockets (like private islands off the coast of Belize), others are infinitely more affordable. These island escapes also run the spectrum from tricked-out palatial paradises to more humble, glamping-style cabins. You can even go entirely off the grid on an island off the coast of Norway.

Whether you're a beach bum or someone who prefers a cup of tea and a roaring fire, there is a private island, and an accommodation to match, for you. It might be time to make this the summer you book your own private island escape to one of these 25 islands you can rent.

East Sister Rock Island

Location: Marathon, Florida

Number of guests: 6

Number of bedrooms: 3

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

A quick quarter-mile hop off the Atlantic Coast of Marathon sits this 1.4-acre island that is graced with a veritable tropical palace. The stunning Bahamian-style house features more than 5,000 square feet of living space (including a 2,700-square-foot veranda), a boat dock, helicopter pad and more.

The airy island itself offers 360-degree views and some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys. Inside the house, you'll find three bedrooms and two baths, an open kitchen, entertainment center and more. Plus, the island is only 45 minutes from Key West, which is great if you're looking to do some sightseeing in the area.

Fort Morgan Cay

Location: Fort Morgan Cay, Honduras

Number of guests: 16

Number of bedrooms: 7

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

An all-inclusive, private island experience waits in the popping, turquoise waters off the coast of Honduras. Not far from Roatan, Fort Morgan Cay is the ultimate private playground. The modern, beach-chic getaway is a blend of indoor and outdoor, with plenty of shaded decks, open spaces and gorgeous views from every corner. Not to be missed is the sugary swath of private sand as well.

Amenities include three meals a day, snorkel gear, yoga mats, volleyball, beach chairs, fishing gear and day trips to local sites. Guests can additionally book massages, live music, fireworks and other entertainment.

Spruce Island

Location: Stonington, Maine

Number of guests: 18-20

Number of bedrooms: 7

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

Off the coast of Stonington sits an 80-acre island carpeted in, well, spruce trees. At the center of the island, wreathed in trees, is the cozy — yet impressive — Stone House. A perfect getaway for groups of friends or a family reunion, The Stone House is made up of two buildings: The Main House and The Guest House.

The Maine House is stately, from its cathedral ceilings and roaring fireplace to modern, expansive kitchen. The Guest House is where the majority of guests will sleep. The six bedrooms in The Guest House each has its own bathroom. The island is also outfitted with kayaks and small boats, and guests can pay extra to rent the inflatable motor boat to explore the surrounding waters.

Cape Charles Cottage

Location: Holly Bluff Island, Virginia

Number of guests: 12

Number of bedrooms: 4

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

Holly Bluff Island is a quick boat ride off the coast of Cape Charles, Virginia. A 15-minute trip, however, takes you to your own private island complete with a spacious rental cottage perfect for disconnecting. The 1,600-square-foot beachy cottage is accessible via a long, wooden boardwalk and is shrouded in trees and low beach brush.

Not far from the cottage is the beach itself, which is one of the major selling points of the island. Inside the cottage is a lovely kitchen and plenty of space to lounge, but guests may prefer the wraparound deck and outdoor grill, which offers the perfect perch to watch both sunrises and sunsets.

Little Harvest Caye

Location: Placencia, Belize

Number of guests: 14

Number of bedrooms: 5

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

What sounds more dreamy than a private island in the Caribbean? If you're jetting off to Placencia, Belize, you can have just that — for a cool $2,840 a night, that is. The 1.5-acre private island Little Harvest Caye is home to a gorgeous thatch-roofed villa that seems to blend high-end luxury with laid-back, barefoot living.

The compound includes five private suites, with views in all directions of the Maya Mountains and the gently lapping Caribbean Sea. The house comes with a boat and driver who is available to take guests on a quick journey back over to Placencia Village to enjoy the dining, nightlife and shopping. But the villa is also equipped with its own private chef, maid and concierge.

Strand Island

Location: Orr, Minnesota

Number of guests: 20

Number of bedrooms: 9

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

A lush, tree-covered 45 acres sits in the center of the massive Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota. The fully remodeled and thoroughly modern century-old cabin has the entire island all to itself. Vaulted ceilings, a brand-new kitchen, stone fireplace, sunroom, sauna and cozy log cabin are all that is included when you book this family reunion paradise.

The 11,000-acre Pelican Lake is known for its bass fishing and boating, and guests can cast off right from the dock or blast off to explore the vast waters. If you don't have a boat, the owners can rent you their 21-foot pontoon boat for about $700 per week. On nearby Big Island is a 210-acre island home to a state park, which is great for hiking and exploring.

Private Island All to Yourself

Location: Poulsbo, Washington

Number of guests: 6

Number of bedrooms: 3

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

It's like camping — but infinitely more comfortable. Picture cookouts, campfires and kayaks, while staying in a fully furnished home with lofty ceilings, a wraparound deck, fully-equipped kitchen and cozy bedrooms.

If you book four nights or more, you will also get access to a separate island cabin.

Cherry Island

Location: Utterson, Ontario, Canada

Number of guests: 16

Number of bedrooms: 6

Find it on:Airbnb

The Experience

A stunning lake house sits on its own island, surrounded by gorgeous trees and the glassy waters of the Muskoka Lakes. The elegant, modern home features cathedral ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace as well as a massive dining table that can seat more than 16.

Flooded in light thanks to the wall of windows, this private lake house is the perfect spot for groups of friends or families to get away into nature, without sacrificing creature comforts. The island has its own private beach, flat-screen televisions, a pool table, picnic tables and a luxury Bentley pontoon boat.

Urraca Private Island Eco-Lodge

Location: Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

Number of guests: 16

Number of bedrooms: 6

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

Six eye-popping fuchsia bungalows rise out of the crystal-clear Caribbean water to make up Urraca Private Island Eco-Lodge. The six units have thatched, palapa roofs and small, private decks from which guests can leap off into the warm, turquoise sea.

The adults-only hotel sits on a private island, shrouded in mangroves. The two-level bungalow is perfect for groups of up to six people, should everyone in the group want to stay together. Views are guaranteed from every angle.

Private Islands of Old House Cay

Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Number of guests: 6

Number of bedrooms: 3

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

If you thought South Carolina’s Hilton Head was swanky, wait until you get a glimpse at Old House Cay. This entire string of private islands are only accessible by boat. Developed in 2010, this listing gets you access to not one but three private islands in one stay.

The islands are surrounded by tranquil water views and thick marsh grass, giving off that ultimate Lowcountry aesthetic. In addition to the home, guests can enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating and more. Hilton Head, and all of its attractions, is only a 10-minute boat ride away.

Lake Iroquois Private Island

Location: Hinesburg, Vermont

Number of guests: 4

Number of bedrooms: 2

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

The perfect island if you've got your pup in tow — its nickname, after all, is Dogatraz Island. This quintessential northeastern island experience includes an acre of land just 20 minutes from Burlington.

The bright, airy cabin has beautiful water views and is absolutely flooded in natural light. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, campfires and an outdoor shower. Inside are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a screened porch, small kitchen and snuggly wood stove.

Little Peter Oasis

Location: Hopkins, Belize

Number of guests: 4

Number of bedrooms: 2

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

Ready the piña coladas because it's about to get tropical. Picture this: a thatch-roof, overwater bungalow, decked in mahogany and granite, perched above a private blue lagoon off the coast of Placencia, Belize. This is Little Peter Oasis, a two-bedroom retreat with amazing views of the Maya Mountains and Caribbean Sea.

Enjoy beautiful snorkeling right off the coast as well as three daily meals included, beverages, a personal concierge and private chef. Included in the rate are the boat transfers to and from the mainland as well.

Brother Island, Philippines

Location: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Number of guests: 16

Number of bedrooms: 7

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

The island of Palawan in the Philippine archipelago and its main backpacker hub, El Nido, has received a lot of attention lately, as the stunning beaches have been splashed across travel magazines all over the world. But while everyone is partying in El Nido, you can be disappearing onto your own private island not far from the action.

The exclusive, private island retreat features some of the whitest sand in Palawan. Guests have three meals a day, daily housekeeping, non-motorized water sports equipment and more. The lovely beach house is also shrouded in jungle and bamboo forest, and snorkelers will find pristine coral just off the shores.

Lake Winnipesaukee Private Island

Location: Tuftonboro, New Hampshire

Number of guests: 8

Number of bedrooms: 4

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

Devens Island is a petite, half-acre island on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Perched on the island is a cozy three-bedroom, two-story house complete with a small beach, two-slip boat dock and a separate bunk house.

The home is considered to be one of the lake's original historic homes, though a recent renovation has updated it with modern amenities like new floors, granite countertops and a new cedar deck. Don't forget to miss the spectacular sunsets from the island's aptly named, "sunset beach," which presumably would be the beach on the west side of the island.

Bird Island

Location: Stann Creek District, Belize

Number of guests: 6

Number of bedrooms: 4

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

This festive and whimsical Caribbean oasis is splashed with bright colors, pocketed with outdoor spaces and blessed with 360-degree views. The private island sits in one of the most beautiful atolls in Belize. Just six miles from the main town, Bird Island feels like another world away.

While this particular stay requires you to stock the fridge yourself, the hosts do offer assistance in shopping and will make sure you're fully equipped before you set off for the island. Once on Bird Island, you'll find high-speed internet, kayaks and fishing equipment. Should you want to raise the level of luxury, you can ask about hiring staff to help with the logistics — for an additional fee, of course.

The Rockwell Lighthouse

Location: Sitka, Alaska

Number of guests: 5

Number of bedrooms: 2

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

An Alaska vacation is already quite unique, but you can go even further when you book The Rockwell Lighthouse on its own private island. The four-story, two-bedroom lighthouse underwent a complete renovation in 2018. Included in the rate is the water taxi for getting guests to and from the island.

Enjoy the 360-degree views from the fourth-floor perch. You'll also find a living room, dining room, kitchen and wraparound deck on the first floor. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, otters, eagles, you name it.

Hawk Island

Location: Lake Placid, New York

Number of guests: 12

Number of bedrooms: 6

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

A 10-acre dollop in the middle of Lake Placid, Hawk Island boasts a beautiful background scenery of the Adirondack High Peaks. The historic home features six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large kitchen, porch and fireplace.

Outside, guests will find hiking trails, a vintage boathouse, green space and a dock from which guests can jump right into the lake. If you come with your own boat, a boat slip and parking is available at the Lake Placid Marina. Just a short walk from the marina is the historic village of Lake Placid and all of its restaurants and attractions.

Private Island on Bad Medicine Lake

Location: Ponnsford, Minnesota

Number of guests: 10

Number of bedrooms: 6

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

Views on views on views. That's the claim to fame for this Minnesota private island. The 4,000-square-foot cabin's bragging rights include views from every window.

But the charm doesn't stop there. The rental includes several living rooms and two kitchens, so there is plenty of room for everyone. A pontoon boat is available to rent for $60 a day, and the property includes a Finnish sauna, fire pit, hammocks, grill, washing machine and two docks.

French Broad River Private Island

Location: Alexander, North Carolina

Number of guests: 3

Number of bedrooms: 1

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

Rent an island in North Carolina's French Broad River for a glamping getaway. The one-room cabin definitely swings rustic (think outdoor, rain-fed shower), but the views and serenity are utterly next-level.

Catch and cook your own food over an open fire or hit the private riverfront beach. Nearby are all sorts of day-trip options, from downtown Asheville to whitewater rafting, hiking and horseback riding.

Båtholmen

Location: Vestory, Ostfold, Norway

Number of guests: 8

Number of bedrooms: 2

Find it on:Airbnb

The Experience

Somewhere in Norway's Hvaler archipelago sits this 26-acre island strewn with rock formations and pristine beaches. But this natural beauty does come with a caveat — it's completely off the grid.

For many travelers, however, that's exactly what they're looking for. With the rate, guests get their own cabin with limited electricity and no running water, but you will never feel more like you're getting back to nature. Enjoy books, board cabins, a kitchen and a fire pit.

Jewfish Key

Location: Longboat Key, Florida

Number of guests: 12

Number of bedrooms: 4

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

Just off the coast of Sarasota, this open-concept palatial paradise features gorgeous views over the tropical-colored Gulf of Mexico water. The house sits on 2 acres of land on a 38-acre private island, complete with 300 feet of beachfront, palm trees, hammocks and a private dock.

The house is beautifully decorated, but the most attractive feature is most definitely the beautiful views on either end through 12-foot sliding doors that open out onto screened-in decks. Bonus: The house faces west so guests are in for front-row seats to spectacular sunsets every evening.

Zeron’s Private Island

Location: Hale, Michigan

Number of guests: 20

Number of bedrooms: 3

Find it on: VRBO

The Experience

Zeron's Private Island Summer Paradise sits on a 7.5-acre island on Sage Lake near Hale. The island escape is lined with a long, sandy shoreline, while the interior is blanketed with forest.

The home on the island is a two-story cabin, though it is decidedly more upscale than that. A massive stone fireplace warms the open-concept kitchen, while huge windows flood the space with natural light. Additional amenities include two boat docks, a two-tier patio, tiki bar and fire pit.

Ilha Grande

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Number of guests: 14

Number of bedrooms: 6

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

Pour yourself a caipirinha and disappear into this tropical island paradise off the coast of Rio. While the parties rage on the mainland, you'll be escaping into your own secluded world. Ilha Grande is a massive island, but this Airbnb is located on a smaller, private island connected by a bridge.

There are two houses on the property, one on either side of the bridge. The gorgeously designed and decorated house has three decks, hammocks, barbecues and kayaks. A staff is also available to help assist with anything — including refreshing your caipirinha cup. Nearby activities include hiking, swimming, birdwatching and daily excursions to Paraty, a nearby colonial town.

The Lighthouse Cottage

Location: Davaar Island, Scotland

Number of guests: 4

Number of bedrooms: 2

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

The tiny island of Davaar, off the coast of Scotland, is home to a Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, which has been turned into a cozy, tranquil two-bedroom Airbnb. Guests can fulfill their misty-covered Scottish island fantasies with a stay at this charming, maritime-themed space.

The private compound overlooks the sea and is accessible only at low tide by a 4x4 or on foot. The green, rolling hills of the island overlook the sea, with views to cloud-covered Scotland in the distance.

Hideaway Caye

Location: Placencia, Belize

Number of guests: 2 Guests

Number of bedrooms: 1

Find it on: Airbnb

The Experience

It's the epitome of a romantic getaway. Picture you and our partner on this lush, tropical, one-bedroom, one-bathroom island retreat off the coast of Belize. The private island is outfitted with a simple, beachy cabin, plus it's own restaurant, bar and staff — all for just the two of you.

The mangrove island is in the middle of one of the world's most beautiful reefs, so you'll have a front-row seat for A-list snorkeling. Three meals a day are included in the room rate as well.