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. Renting some of these islands is surprisingly within reach, especially if you can gather a group of friends or family members to share costs, and if you consider that prices include food and drinks (you won’t find restaurants or grocery stores within walking distance). Many of the private islands for rent are fully inclusive, including a set of staff who will cook, clean, and provide transportation to and from the island, as well as food, drinks, and gear for a variety of fun activities.
9 Private Islands in Belize You Can Rent All To Yourself
AND via cntraveler.com
In search of an ultra-private trip? There’s nothing more secluded and personal than renting a Caribbean island all to yourself. Escaping to the white sand and aqua-blue water of a tropical island is a dream for many, but resort beaches are often chock-full of other tourists and locals, especially during peak season, and can lack the privacy you’re searching for on a peaceful vacation. In Belize, you can live that dream for less cash than you might think.
The area is well known among scuba divers for its bustling underwater life: There are over 70 types of coral and common sightings include stingrays, turtles, whale sharks, and dolphins. Aside from underwater activities, guests can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and more. But you don’t have to be a diver (or even a snorkeler) to soak up the sun, drink in hand, on one of these private islands.
Family-friendly
Large groups will adore one of these bigger islands that can host a whole slew of family and friends. These islands can house everyone comfortably, and offer a wide variety of activities to keep guests of all age ranges entertained.
A 30-minute boat ride from the Family Coppola Hideaways Turtle Inn resort in southern Belize lies Coral Caye (pronounced “key”), a private island owned by Francis Ford Coppola and his family, who have created a lifestyle brand that extends beyond cinema to include wine, restaurants, and resorts. The island hosts up to 12 people and comes with two rustic-chic cottages and a “great” house—an eclectically furnished indoor-outdoor, sand-on-the-floor living and dining room with a bar.
The rent starts at $1,895 per night and includes transportation to the island and a friendly staff who keep the island clean and prepare meals of freshly caught fish washed down with—what else?—Coppola wines. For a little more, you can book massages, a private chef for more elaborate meals, or a guided fishing tour.
For those in need of accommodating an even larger group, The Enclave can host up to 28 of your closest friends and family—great for large groups of any kind, from wedding parties to family reunions. Aside from the luxe views of the glittering Caribbean Sea, guests can expect an on-site staff of a private chef, boat captain, maid, groundskeeper, and concierge, as well as kayaks and paddleboards for guest use.
With seven bedrooms and bathrooms, there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy their island getaway without feeling too cramped. Plus, the pool, beach, deck, and play areas mean guests can explore everything the island has to offer without getting bored, and all convene after a long day of relaxing in the outdoor dining area to enjoy a delicious meal.
Luxe
If you’re looking for all-inclusive, five-star treatment but don’t want to rub shoulders with strangers by the pool or at the beach, Royal Belize may be your best bet. While not exactly cheap (2023 rates start at $7,200 per night), the island hosts up to 16 people and comes with private concierge service, a private chef, and all manner of water sports equipment: paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, water skis, and even a catamaran. There are other services, like massages and a private yacht, that you can book for additional cost.
Royal Belize has three modern villas with bright, beachy decor, plus a grand “palapa” used as the common dining and social space. It’s also a five-star PADI dive resort, so it’s a great retreat for divers.
For one or two couples or a small family, something a bit more intimate like Gladden Private Island may be more your speed. Everything is included in the original price during your stay at Gladden (starting at $4,107 per night), from the gourmet meals prepared by a private chef to snorkeling, scuba diving, and spa treatments. You’ll even be able to get your PADI certification here according to the property’s Airbnb page, and can enjoy swimming with Whale Sharks during springtime. The two-bed, two-and-a-half-bath villa also comes with a private pool and outdoor dining area. If you choose to book a seven-day stay, you’ll receive a complimentary helicopter ride over the barrier reef, which is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Eco-friendly
COURTESY VRBOAlternate between dips in the pool and frolicking in the ocean.
COURTESY VRBOEven though Little Harvest Caye is just a five-minute boat ride from town, it still feels like the ultimate escape.
Little Harvest Caye is just a five-minute boat ride from the town of Placencia on the southern coast of Belize, which means that if island seclusion starts to wear on you, you can go back to the mainland and catch some nightlife any time you want. And at roughly $2,900 per night, it’s relatively affordable if you go with a group (it hosts up to 14 people).
The island has five colorful suites, each with its own thatch-roofed 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. Conscious traveler bonus: With a 45,000-watt solar system, state-of-the-art LED lighting throughout, and ceiling fans using the most efficient DC technology, Little Harvest Caye is easily one of the greenest properties in the area.
Small families and groups of four or less will appreciate Cindiri Island, which, while costs more per person than some larger islands, is still fairly budget-friendly starting at $995 per night, as far as private islands go. The island features two separate cabanas, making it ideal for two couples who want semi-privacy.
As a self-proclaimed eco-friendly resort, the island operates on solar power when possible, and uses rainwater as its fresh water source. The island’s hosts also note that they “practice environmentally responsible reef and fishing access” while also employing local Belizians in staff positions.
Adventurous
If you’re not worried about being disconnected from Wi-Fi, are looking for something a bit more adventurous, and hope to spend as much time exploring as you do sitting on the beach, something less luxurious and more affordable will be your best bet.
The Little Peter Oasis is a small atoll with its own coral-rimmed blue lagoon just outside the main bungalow. And while the bungalow itself has charm (a thatched roof, two bedrooms, and a spacious living area), let’s face it, the tiered deck overlooking the lagoon is where you’ll spend most of your time—when you’re not in the water.
The island hosts four people comfortably—five if one’s willing to sleep on the living room futon. For $1,995 per night, you’ll get transportation to and from the island and drinks and meals prepared by a private chef.
If all-inclusive isn’t your priority, Bird Island will be a stay you’ll want to put on your bucket list immediately. Housing up to eight people starting at a reasonable price of $838 per night, Bird Island is all about the one-of-a-kind experience you’ll get from being off-grid in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. It’s the most private option on this list—aside from a private chef you can request to hire separately, it comes without any on-island staff. Before arriving at the island, you’ll be taken to pick out and purchase your food for your stay.
If you’re still looking to unplug but don’t want to forgo the island staff, guests can head to Hideaway Caye to get the full secluded experience without sacrificing three cooked meals a day. While food and activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding are included, you won’t find much access to Wi-Fi on this island aside from at the bar/restaurant when it’s open during the day. The private cabin starts at $383 a night and features one bedroom and a living room equipped with a futon. It’s the perfect cozy stay for up to four people to truly get that off-the-grid island experience.