The Bahamas has more private islands than any destination in the Caribbean. Many are owned by celebrities, entrepreneurs, and families. A small number rent to vetted guests at rates that range from extravagant to astronomical. For travelers who want complete privacy, custom service, and the feeling of being the only people in the world, a Bahamian private island delivers an experience that no resort can match.
This guide covers the most notable private island rentals in The Bahamas, what each offers, and how private aviation makes access possible.
What a Private Island Rental Actually Means
Renting a private island in The Bahamas is different from booking a hotel or villa. You have exclusive use of the entire island, including all beaches, accommodation, amenities, and staff. Typical rentals include a full staff (chefs, butlers, housekeepers, dive masters, boat captains), all meals, beverages, activities, and water sports equipment. You provide your own guests; nobody else is on the island.
Rentals typically run $15,000 to $150,000 per night depending on the island, season, and guest count. Minimum stays of 3 to 7 nights are standard. Total trip investments routinely reach $250,000 to $1,000,000 for a week for larger groups.
Musha Cay and The Islands of Copperfield Bay
Owned by David Copperfield and arguably the most famous private island rental in The Bahamas. Musha Cay is a 150 acre island with five guest houses accommodating up to 24 people. It sits in the middle of the Exuma Cays surrounded by eleven other islands that guests can explore freely. Rates start around $57,000 per night.
The experience includes a private beach dedicated to each guest house, a full staff, all water sports, and the ability to charter boats to surrounding cays. David Copperfield himself has been known to visit when he is in residence.
Over Yonder Cay
A 72 acre private island in the Exuma Cays that has been developed as a sustainable luxury retreat. Over Yonder Cay operates on 100% renewable energy and accommodates up to 30 guests across four beach houses. The island includes a 9 hole golf course designed to PGA standards, a spa, multiple swimming pools, and a full dive center.
Rates run around $70,000 per night. The island is particularly popular with corporate groups for exclusive retreats.
Leaf Cay and The Exuma Cays
A more intimate private island option near Staniel Cay. Leaf Cay accommodates up to 12 guests in a single beachfront villa. The property offers complete privacy with white sand beaches and clear water directly in front. Weekly rates start around $100,000.
Nearby in the Exuma Cays, similar private cays available for rent include Little Pipe Cay, Cave Cay, and Darby Island. Each offers its own character and size.
Goat Cay
A smaller private island option in Exuma accommodating up to 12 guests across two villas. Rates are more accessible at around $25,000 per week, making Goat Cay one of the better value private island experiences in The Bahamas.
Royal Island
A 430 acre private island near Eleuthera with a more resort style experience. Royal Island has been developed with a marina, multiple beach houses, a golf course, and extensive amenities. It can be rented in its entirety or in smaller portions for exclusive use.
Norman Cay
Famous for its colorful past (the island was once used by the Medellin cartel) and its present day transformation into a luxury private island destination. MacDuff's on Norman Cay is a small inn that offers near private island experiences with about 20 rooms.
Private Island Access
Most private island rentals include private boat transfer from a nearby main island airport. Some have their own private airstrips that accept light jets. Always confirm the arrival logistics when booking.
How Private Aviation Enables Private Island Stays
Private islands are remote by definition. Accessing them efficiently requires private aviation in nearly all cases.
For Exuma Cays private islands, you typically fly into Exuma International (MYEF) and then transfer by boat or helicopter to your destination island. Flight time from Fort Lauderdale is approximately 70 minutes by light jet. Total travel time door to beach is usually 2 to 3 hours.
Some private islands have their own airstrips that accept light jets. Musha Cay's Rudder Cut Cay airstrip and Norman Cay's runway are examples. Flying directly to these strips eliminates the boat transfer and reduces total travel to about 90 minutes from South Florida.
Who Rents Private Islands
Private island rentals are popular for several distinct use cases:
Major celebrations including milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions. Having complete privacy for a family gathering of 20 to 30 people is transformative.
Corporate retreats for senior leadership teams or board off sites. The privacy, security, and custom environment make deep work possible without distraction.
Weddings where the couple wants complete control of the guest experience and venue.
Celebrity and high profile travelers seeking absolute privacy away from any public venue.
Adventure groups of 10 to 20 experienced travelers who want custom itineraries built around diving, fishing, or exploring.
Planning a Private Island Trip
Private island rentals sell out 6 to 12 months in advance for peak periods. December, January, February, and July are the most competitive months. Spring break weeks also book early.
Most islands have minimum stays of 3 nights in low season and 7 nights during peak periods. Holiday weeks (Christmas, New Year's, Easter) often require 7 to 14 day commitments.
Beyond the island rental, plan for the flight arrangements, insurance (some islands require supplemental rental insurance), and provisions decisions (most islands include food, but you may want to send specific wines, scotches, or specialty items in advance).
The Vanbert Private Island Experience
Vanbert has arranged private island stays in The Bahamas for years. Our concierge team knows the islands, the owners, the staffs, and the logistics. We handle the aviation, coordinate ground (and sea) transfers, liaise with the island management, and provide the kind of support that makes these extraordinary trips feel effortless.
If you are considering a private island rental in The Bahamas, reach out. We will help you identify the right island for your group and occasion, and handle every detail from first call to return flight.
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