Latest listing added: February, 2023.
Harbouring an abundance of sparkling Caribbean islands close to the second largest barrier reef in the world, the small, coastal nation of Belize is a sought after paradise.
16 private islands for freehold purchase are currently available in this jewel of Central America, most of which lie a short boat ride from the popular beach village of Placencia. Farther north, a few more listings can be found near Dangriga, Belize City and Ambergris Caye.
Each of the available islands takes the form of a caye (sometimes spelt ‘cay’ or ‘key’) – a small, low elevation sandy island sitting atop a coral reef. The majority of cayes require sand filling prior to development, but much of this work has been completed with many of the opportunities available today. Belize is home also to three of only four atolls – unique, ring-shaped islands – in the western hemisphere.
Surrounded by jewel encrusted corals in the crystal clear Caribbean waters, Belize is a haven for divers, snorkellers and water-sports, not to mention the superb opportunities for catching a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood.
Belize enjoys a tropical climate, comprised of definitive wetter and drier seasons, with the latter tending to last from January to around April or May. Meanwhile, temperatures tend to remain consistent within a band of 24°C (75.2°F) in January to 27°C (80.6°F) in July.
12 Private Islands for Sale in Belize
Water Caye ($12,000,000)
- Location: Belize District
- Size: ~567 acres, ~230 hectares
- Description: 20km from shore, 16km southeast of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Developed
- Listed on: Belize Real Estate
- Map: See on Google Earth
Taking pride of place next to a deep channel suitable for visiting cruise ships, the large island of Water Caye presents a rare commercial opportunity not far from Belize City.
The existing, Water Caye Isle Resort consists of a c.10 acre beach sufficient to host around 1,000 cruise ship guests at any one time. The palapa – the largest in Belizean waters – boasts a long, centre bar while plentiful outdoor seating offers limitless opportunities for open air dining. Accommodation for up to eighteen guests in available in two cottages and three cabanas, while a docking facility is available for berthing tender boats.
Unsurprisingly, Water Caye has attracted extensive development plans. Existing proposals include an airstrip, golf course, hotels and resorts, a marina, tennis club, commercial village and luxury homes.
Present utilities on Water Caye include a generator for electricity, plumbing, water desalination equipment, and fresh water well.
The large, barrier beef lies about 1.5 miles to the east of the island. Hosting a rich abundance of marine life, snorkelling, diving and fishing remain some of Water Caye’s top attractions. Alternatively, the 1000-ft beach is ideal for relaxing in the sun or for swimming in the exceptionally clear water.
Fisherman’s Caye ($4,995,000)
- Location: Placencia
- Size: ~42 acres, ~17 hectares
- Description: 12km from shore, 90km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: 7th Heaven Properties
- Map: See on Google Earth
Offering 42 acres of filled land, lagoons, protected harbour areas and its own coral reef, Fisherman’s Caye presents a rare opportunity to invest in a unique resort development.
Ideal for snorkelling, diving and fishing, Fisherman’s Caye lies just 8 miles east of the popular Placencia Peninsula, and a short distance west of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve – the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.
Ideal for the development of a boutique private island resort coupled with private retreats, Fisherman’s Caye would require additional fill material to support future construction. Detailed plans are available for a proposed, eco-friendly resort boasting up to 35 units.
Zama Caye ($4,250,000)
- Location: Placencia
- Size: ~4 acres, ~1.6 hectares
- Description: 8.5km from shore, 114km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Developed
- Listed on: Yearwood Properties
- Map: See on Google Earth
Comprising just 4 acres of tropical vegetation together with pristine, sandy beaches off the southern tip of Placencia, Zama Caye combines luxury with intimacy in this extraordinary resort opportunity.
The exceptionally clear, Caribbean waters boast spectacular coral and marine life, ideal for diving and snorkelling. Mouth-watering lobster and seafood await lucky guests keen on fishing for their own catch of the day.
Existing facilities on Zama Caye include the ‘Paradiso Grill’ (complete with a 48” wood-fired pizza oven and large BBQ grill), a one-bedroom, island-chic casita, outdoor guest bathroom and staff accommodation. Utilities are provided by a diesel powered generator, rainwater storage and septic system.
Opportunities for further resort development abound, with proposals for 18 over-water units featuring individual plunge pools, restaurant and grill, water-sports centre, activity beach, pool and spa. With such close proximity to the mainland, Zama Caye makes minimal demands for storage capacity and staff accommodation.
Cary Caye ($3,900,000)
- Location: Placencia
- Size: ~12 acres, ~4.9 hectares
- Description: 18km from shore, 107km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: James Edition
- Map: See on Google Earth
Nestled between the popular, village beach of Placencia and the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, the presently undeveloped island of Cary Caye offers a clean slate to the prospective developer.
This picturesque pearl of the Caribbean is surrounded by corals and exceptionally clear water, making for excellent fishing, diving and snorkelling.
An existing permit for Cary Caye provides for the construction of a resort and private residence. Meanwhile, the south side of the island offers potential for installing docking and mooring facilities.
Accessibility to Cary Caye is guaranteed, with the mainland reachable in just 20-25 minutes by boat.
Turnkey Private Island Resort ($3,500,000)
- Location: Placencia
- Size: ~1 acre, ~0.4 hectares
- Description: 18km from shore, 98km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Developed
- Listed on: 7th Heaven Properties
- Map: See on Google Earth
Comprised of just a single acre in the clear blue waters between Placencia Village and the largest barrier reef in the west, Turnkey offers a rare opportunity to invest in an intimate, luxury resort in a spectacular setting.
Turnkey’s fully operational facilities include six waterfront cabanas, each of which boasts a king sized bed or twin bed, and bathroom. Private terraces feature steps descending into the sea, while the island’s restaurant and bar facilities may cater for both overnight guests and day-trippers. Electricity runs from a solar system together with a backup, diesel powered generator.
The waters surrounding Turnkey are perfect for snorkelling, diving and water-sports, not to mention the superb opportunities for fishing. Meanwhile, an array of mooring buoys sees frequent visits to the island from catamarans.
South Cocoplum Caye ($2,500,000)
- Location: Dangriga
- Size: ~6 acres, ~2.4 hectares
- Description: 17km from shore, 67km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: Remax VIP
- Map: See on Google Earth
Nestled at the centre of Belize’s island resort region, and just a five minute boat ride from the large, barrier reef, South Cocoplum Caye is a glittering gem awaiting your discovery.
Featuring 5.7 acres of white, sandy beach together with tropical palms overlooking crystal clear Caribbean waters, South Cocoplum Caye is perfect for a boutique hotel or intimate, private retreat.
Just a twenty minute boat ride from the mainland, South Cocoplum offers accessibility coupled with privacy. Meanwhile, the island’s sister, North Cocoplum, is home to a successful resort, offering luxurious amenities just a short swim away.
Other neighbouring resorts include Thatch Resort, Royal Belize, Salt Water Caye and Blue Marlin Lodge.
Morgans Caye ($2,500,000)
- Location: Belize District
- Size: ~28 acres, ~11.3 hectares
- Description: 12.5km from shore, approx. 12km east of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: Remax VIP
- Map: See on Google Earth
Lying Just 6 miles from Belize City, Morgans Caye is an unspoilt gem offering the perfect opportunity to invest in a luxury, private retreat or an exclusive resort.
The crystal clear waters are brimming with tropical fish, corals and sea life, endowing the island as an ideal spot for snorkelling, diving and fishing. A natural lagoon hidden in the middle of Morgans Caye offers a good sized inlet on one side, complemented by an outlet on the other. Meanwhile, a deep-water port lies to the north together with a shallow white sandy beach to the northwest.
Additionally, several natural bay areas could be exploited to create further white, sandy beaches with minimal effort.
Adding to it commercial potential, Morgans Caye is surrounded by several major Belizean tourist sites. To the south lies Bannister Island, a popular cruise ship destination, while to the north can be found State Bank Caye, the site of a major proposed development.
Goring Bogue Caye ($1,795,000)
- Location: Belize District
- Size: ~6 acres, ~2.4 hectares
- Description: 14km from shore, 14km southeast of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: Belize Real Estate
- Map: See on Google Earth
Just 9 miles from Belize City and only 2.5 miles from the large barrier reef, Goring Bogue Caye offers abundant potential as a private retreat or exclusive resort destination.
Surrounded by the crystal clear Caribbean, this gem of an island has been cleared, dredged and filled, with 6 acres offering accommodation for a range of possible development options.
Teeming with coral life and tropical fish, the nearby barrier reef offers unbeatable opportunities for snorkelling, diving and fishing.
Funk Caye ($1,500,000)
- Location: Placencia
- Size: ~3 acres, ~1.2 hectares
- Description: 30km from shore, 105km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: Belize Real Estate
- Map: See on Google Earth
Funk Caye is ideal if you are looking for a charming, unspoilt paradise ready for immediate development.
The interior of Funk Caye has been cleared and sand filled, with a 35ft area at its centre suitable for use as a helipad. Various palms, fruit trees and picturesque gardens have been planted in anticipation of future construction.
The existing L-shaped dock is capable of mooring two 47-foot boats, while a sunset-facing palapa offers shelter to guests. The bay to the west may provide boat anchorage in nine feet of sand and grass, with an entry depth of seven feet.
Existing facilities on Funk Caye comprise three wooden buildings for staff accommodation, plus storage units. A reverse osmosis filtration unit boasts capacity for the production of up to 3,000 gallons of fresh water per day, with storage available for 2,600 gallons. Operational also is a rainwater collection system.
Surrounded by sparkling reefs just 16 miles from the beach village of Placencia, Funk Caye could not be better placed for fishing, diving and snorkelling.
Pedro Island ($1,500,000)
- Location: Ambergris Caye
- Size: ~3 acres, ~1.2 hectares
- Description: 14km from shore, 70km north of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: 7th Heaven Properties
- Map: See on Google Earth
Nestled between the mainland and the large island of Ambergris Caye, the 2.5 acres of Pedro Island offer one of the few available development opportunities in the north of Belizean waters.
Unspoilt and untouched, Pedro Island is perfect for a luxury private residence or boutique resort, with ample space available for powering the island off-grid. Sandy beaches sprinkled with palm trees are surrounded by calm, shallow, clear waters boasting an abundance of marine life.
Pedro Island is presently popular for fly fishing, with many fishermen setting up temporary fishing camps for up to one week. San Pedro, the largest town on Ambergris Caye, lies just 5 miles to the west.
Jewel Caye (Price Upon Request)
- Location: Stann Creek
- Size: ~2 acres, ~0.8 hectares
- Description: 11km from shore, 7km south of Belize City
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Developed
- Listed on: Vladi Private Islands
- Map: See on Google Earth
Huddled within the Cockney range just east of the Belizean mainland, there can scarcely be a more aptly named island than Jewel Caye.
Currently a private residence suitable for a large number of guests, the island boasts a stunning pier stretching over the Caribbean Sea before culminating in a large deck and open-air clubhouse. Featuring a main kitchen, dining room and bar, this exclusive venue offers also a glass floor at the centre providing a bird’s eye view of the region’s dazzling array of marine life.
Accommodation is provided by two, 2000sqft timber framed residences flanked by two duplexes, while three more homes are suitable for housing staff. Utilities are furnished by solar-powered water heaters and electrical systems (plus back up generator) together with a facility for rainwater collection, filtration and storage. Meanwhile, the island enjoys fully installed satellite television and WiFi.
Jewel Caye may be purchased either on its own or together with Jewel Landing – a spacious, mainland two-storey private residence surrounded by tropical gardens. Together, Jewel Caye and Jewel Landing offer a unique commercial opportunity as a luxury getaway.
Crawl Caye (Price Upon Request)
- Location: Belize District
- Size: ~48 acres, ~19.4 hectares
- Description: 41km east of Belize City, 52km east of Philip S W Goldson Airport
- Ownership: Freehold
- Development: Non-developed
- Listed on: Belize Reality
- Map: See on Google Earth
Surrounded by hundreds of coral patches at the northwestern tip of Turneffe Atoll – one of only four known atolls in the western hemisphere – Crawl Caye is an unspoilt jewel of the Caribbean just waiting to be discovered.
48 acres of lush tropical vegetation await the keen developer for either a luxury commercial venture, secluded private residence, or a combination of both. Opportunities for fishing, diving, snorkelling abound, with the eastern reef wall of the atoll lying just 2.5 miles away.
With Belize City a comfortable 26 miles to the west, privacy and seclusion are ensured for anyone wishing to lose themselves in this unique Caribbean paradise.
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