In 2012, Larry Ellison, the co-founder and chairman of Oracle Corporation, paid a lavish sum of 300 million U.S. dollars to own 97 percent of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
It’s hardly surprising for a man of extravagance and opulence such as Larry Ellison, who is currently the fifth-wealthiest person in the world, to spend such huge sums to own private islands. He’s just another in the long list of millionaires and billionaires of the world who own private islands, even some whose assets may not be as massive as that of Ellison.
Are private islands the privilege of mega rich people only? It might seem so, taking into account the stories of private island purchases of Ellison and other elites.
But, as it turns out, that’s not the case.
There are plenty of average Joes out there who own island lots or even entire islands in some of the most beautiful and exotic places in the world. Affordable island property can be hard to find, but companies like Viva Tropical are now helping even not-so-rich people locate and purchase private islands of their own.
Below are ten such places where you can buy bonafide island property at prices to fit any budget.
1. Bird Island, Florida
The Bird Island of Florida is a located on the Harris Chain of Lakes, just east of Lady Lake and a short trip to the Villages. It is 50 acres and offers stunning views of Lake Griffin. With its pristine surroundings, it’s a great place to relax and gaze at what nature has to offer. It also offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy water sports. Fishing tournaments are held every year on this Harris Chain of Lakes. The price of this island is $250,000 USD, a significant downsize from what Larry Ellison paid for Lanai.
2. Boca Chica Island, Panama
There are few places in the world where you can truly have it all. Boca Chica Island, Panama is one of them. With all of its 11 acres in an untouched natural state, this beautiful Central American Island offers great opportunities for fishing, beautifully diverse flora and fauna, and the finest views of the Pacific and the surrounding islands. It’s also primed for a big boom, given the recent infrastructure improvements in Panama’s Chiriqui province, which include an expansion of the nearby international airport. It’s priced at $1.5 million, making it quite affordable private island and is available via VivaTropical.com.
3. Roatan, Honduras
The rather affordable private island of Roatan is located off the coast of Honduras and is the largest of the country’s Bay Islands. It offers access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the hemisphere’s largest, as well as plenty of attractions that lure tourists from all over the world, many via cruise ship. With plenty of amenities and modern conveniences, the island has been growing in popularity in recent years. However, it still offers a number of varied options for those wanting to purchase property, so interested buyers should be able to find something within their price range.
4. Hastholmen, Sweden
Hastholmen is a beautiful private island located near the town of Dalom, in the in the Västernorrlands län region of Sweden. This private island consists of two cottages, a sauna, a boathouse, bathing spots and sundecks by the water. With plenty to see and do from morning to evening, the island offers Swedish wilderness at its finest, with forests, fishing ponds and pastures nearby. The island comes at the price of $309,000.
5. Piacabucu Islands, Brazil
The Piacabucu Islands are the group of six river islands in the northeastern part of Brazil, lying on Brazil’s fourth longest river, the Sao Francisco. Of great national importance and known as the river of integration, the Sao Francisco River unites much of Brazil. All the islands in the group provide splendid views of the river and are home to a large number of fruit trees. This group of islands encompasses 81.58 acres and is priced at $81.971 USD, which makes it quite affordable private island for many.
6. Lyons Island, Ontario
Lyons Island is a picturesque lake island in Ontario, Canada that would make a beautiful place to call home. Lying only about 2 hours’ drive from Toronto, the island’s size is 1.5 acre. It’s located in Prince Edward County, on East Lake, just a few minutes from Sandbanks National Park. It has been developed with its own 3-bedroom cottage. The island’s shoreline is child friendly and the island offers plenty of space and scenery for campfires and fishing. At $339,357 CAD, it’s a deal you won’t regret, since it could also serve as a potential source of income as a seasonal rental.
7. Mavuva Island, Fiji
Mavuva Island is 42 acres of rather affordable private island, situated 3 km off the sunny northern coast of Vanua Levu in Fiji. The island lies almost entirely within a protected coral lagoon and can be reached via a 10-minute boat ride from Vanua Levu. It offers some of the finest boating conditions and finest weather in all of Fiji. The lots on this South Pacific island are suitable for building holiday homes and can be purchased for as little as $125,000 USD.
8. Hemlow Island, Nova Scotia
Hemlow Island lies in the Nova Scotia region of Canada and features sand beaches, beautiful views of the water, and excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and diving. The island is 54 acres in entirety at 2 km long and 1.5 km wide. The island is around a 2 hours’ drive from Halifax Stanfield International Airport and 10 minutes away from the historic village of Sherbrooke. Liscombe Lodge Resort, which is famous for its planked salmon and beautiful harbor, are also very near to this island. Lots start at just $29,500 CAD.
9. Kastawei Island, Vanuatu
Kastawei Island is a picturesque tropical island located in Vanuatu, a small country in the South Pacific. It’s one of the cheapest destinations in the world for everything it has to offer. Less than an acre in size at 0.83 acres, the island has natural bay perfect for boating. It’s surrounded by white and primeval reef and is a perfect place for building dream island home in the Pacific. A great place for fishing, diving and swimming, the island is priced at $199,000 USD.
10. Alligator Caye, Belize
So, before you hang up your dream of owning island property, check out one of these reasonable and affordable private island options. You don’t need a billion dollars in the bank to make your dreams a reality.
Featured photo credit: Cala Comta Ibiza coast Balearic islands Spain via shutterstock.com
