Yes, you can rent a private island in the Bahamas: here's how it works (and which ones are worth it)

You’ve seen the aerial shots. Clear turquoise water melting into the horizon. A curve of untouched white sand lined with palms. No beachgoers. No chaos. Just you, the sea, and the quiet luxury of having it all to yourself.

In the distance, a contemporary villa stands against the sky. A yacht is moored nearby. Somewhere, a private chef is preparing snapper ceviche with local citrus and a glass of something chilled.

It sounds like a fantasy. But it's not.

Renting a private island in the Bahamas is no longer limited to tech moguls and movie stars. It's a real, bookable experience for those who prioritize privacy, personalization, and beauty without interruption. No resort crowds. No noisy pool decks. No sharing unless you choose to.

If you're the kind of traveler who prefers secluded beaches over buffet lines and curated experiences over crowded itineraries, this is the way to do the Bahamas. With intention. With elegance. And with space to breathe.

And no, you don't need a Forbes profile to make it happen. Just the right information, and a little lead time.

How private island rentals in the Bahamas actually work

Think of it like a luxury resort, but exclusively yours

Most private island rental experiences in the Bahamas operate like all-inclusive, ultra-luxe boutique resorts, but there’s only one guest party at a time: yours.

You’re not just booking a room. You’re booking the entire island.

That usually includes:

• All villas or suites on the island

• A full staff (chef, housekeepers, concierge, maintenance team)

• A boat and/or dock access (some islands even have helipads)

• All meals, drinks, and curated experiences

• Water sports gear and equipment

• Transfers to and from Nassau, Staniel Cay, or nearby hubs

This isn’t like booking a hotel. It’s more like taking over a mini kingdom, and the crew already knows your name, dietary preferences, and maybe even your dog’s favorite treat before you step off the boat.

Day rentals vs. full takeovers, what’s the difference?

Private island day trips in the Bahamas

If you’re staying in Nassau, aboard a yacht, or near Exuma or Staniel Cay, you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the private island experience. Many properties offer private island day trips, ideal for travelers who want a luxury escape without the multi-night commitment.

These packages often cost between $5,000 to $10,000+ per day, depending on the island and level of exclusivity. Here's what’s typically included in a private island day trip in the Bahamas:

• Access to a private beach for the day (no other guests)

• On-island gourmet lunch prepared by a private chef

• Use of water toys, think kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and snorkeling gear

• A dedicated staff on the island for the full duration

• Optional activities like scuba diving, island hiking, or spa treatments

This is a fantastic option for yacht guests who want to step onto land for a curated afternoon, or for luxury travelers based in Nassau or Great Exuma who want to rent an island for a day in the Bahamas without committing to an overnight stay.

Click here to view our complete lineup of private yachts, each selected for comfort, elegance, and exceptional onboard service.

Full island rentals: the “Beyoncé-level” experience

A full private island rental in the Bahamas is what dreams are made of.

Starting around $10,000 per night, full-island takeovers can climb to $70,000+ per night for the most exclusive names like Musha Cay or Over Yonder Cay. But unlike many five-star hotels, these rates typically include everything:

• All-inclusive meals, drinks, and curated experiences

• Full-service staff including a private chef, concierge, and activities manager

• Exclusive use of all villas and common spaces

• Transfers to and from Nassau, Staniel Cay, or wherever your jet or yacht lands

• Activities like snorkeling, scuba, fishing, sailing, movie nights under the stars, and even fireworks should you feel the occasion calls for it. 

There’s no front desk. No check-in line. No “Sorry, we’re full.” You don’t stay on these islands, you take them over.

And while the price tags are steep, they’re not necessarily unreachable. Group bookings, like families, destination weddings, or ultra-luxury friend trips, can split the cost. And when you break down what’s included, the value often surpasses that of high-end resorts.

What kind of traveler is this for?

Private island rentals in the Bahamas aren’t just about status. They’re for travelers who want:

• Privacy: You won’t hear a single stranger’s ringtone

• Control: Custom menus, your own schedule, personalized experiences

• Freedom: Wake up when you want, eat what you want, roam the island barefoot at 2 am if that’s your preference. 

• Safety: One guest party only = minimal exposure, full security, and peace of mind

Whether you’re honeymooning, celebrating a milestone birthday, or planning the family trip of a lifetime, Bahamas luxury island rentals are some of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in the Caribbean.

And thanks to the rise of curated platforms and luxury travel agents, finding and booking a private island rental in the Bahamas is easier than ever.

Private islands in the Bahamas you can actually book (and what’s included)

Now to the good part: Which private islands can you actually rent in the Bahamas, and what are you really getting for the price?

Whether you’re planning a weeklong family takeover, a private island day trip in the Bahamas, or just browsing for your future dream escape, these are the top spots worth knowing.

Musha Cay, Exuma: Where magic meets money

Owned by David Copperfield, Musha Cay Bahamas is easily one of the most exclusive Bahamas luxury island rentals on Earth. It's 150 acres of hyper-curated perfection in the southern Exumas, and every inch of it feels like a fantasy that happens to be real.

• Accommodates up to 24 guests across five private guesthouses, each with ocean views

• Includes a private marina, beachfront movie theater, and numerous white-sand coves

• Full-time staff includes a chef, butler, dive instructor, watersports team, and more

• You also get access to an entire fleet of boats for island-hopping and excursions

• Rates range from $50,000 to $68,000 per night, depending on season and custom add-ons

Best for: Travelers who want complete privacy, a curated luxury experience, and the “I rented an island Copperfield owns” story to go with it.

 Book through: Musha Cay Official Site

Fowl Cay, Exuma, Luxury that flexes with your budget

Fowl Cay is a rare find: a private island you can rent by villa or in full. It’s a great entry point for travelers looking to experience a private island rental in the Bahamas without the ultra-luxe price tag of Musha or Over Yonder.

• Choose from six villas, each sleeping 2–4 guests

• Every villa comes with its own powerboat, perfect for exploring nearby cays like Staniel Cay and Pig Beach

• Includes all meals, alcohol, water sports gear, and access to secluded beaches

• Full island buyout starts at $17,700 per week (yes, per week), making it one of the most accessible full-island options

Best for: Families or small groups who want freedom, fun, and that “rent island for a day, Bahamas” feel without blowing six figures.

Book through: Fowl Cay Resort

Over Yonder Cay, ExumaEco, powered extravagance

If Elon Musk had a beach house in the Bahamas, this would be it. Over Yonder Cay combines sustainability with high-end everything. Think solar panels, private beaches, a golf course, and an actual crewed yacht included with your stay.

• Set on 72 acres, the island includes 4 private villas, each with its own beach

• Comes with a private cinema, nine-hole golf course, marina, spa team, and full activities crew

• Yes, it’s powered by wind and solar energy

• Rates typically start between $44,000 and $55,000 per night, all-inclusive

 Best for: Eco-conscious travelers with excellent taste, or groups that want next-level experiences without sacrificing comfort.

Book through: Over Yonder Cay

Luxumas, Exumas, Sustainable seclusion with five-star flair

If you're looking to disconnect in style, Luxumas delivers the feel of a mega yacht without ever leaving land. Set on a 2.75-mile-long private island in the Exumas, this eco-luxe retreat combines five-star living with full off-grid sustainability; solar panels, wind power, and zero compromise on comfort.

• Hosts up to 12 guests across three ensuite bedrooms with ocean-facing terraces

• Includes a separate honeymoon suite with three panoramic decks perched at the island’s highest point

• Optional glamping tent for teens and a luxury catamaran with five extra rooms for daytime cruising

• Two beaches to choose from, one with gentle surf, the other a vast natural saltwater pool

• High-end water toys: Seabobs, e-foils, jet surfboards, and Schiller bikes

• Immersive dining with chefs preparing curated meals in a glass-walled dining room

•  Service Type: Full Service

• Lifestyles: Honeymoons, Eco, Culinary, Family, All Inclusive, Water Sports, Retreats, Yachting

Best for: Travelers who want a modern, sustainable escape that blends luxury with privacy, nature, and adventure.

Book through: Private Islands Inc. 

Royal Island, near Eleuthera, A turnkey escape for big groups

Just off the coast of North Eleuthera, Royal Island is all about ease. At 430 acres, it’s bigger than some entire cays, and it’s set up perfectly for celebrations—think weddings, birthdays, or big family escapes.

• Offers five beachfront villas, plus a central beach club for dining and events

• The harbor accommodates yachts, and there’s a spa, kayaks, paddleboards, and a full staff on-site

• Perfectly suited for private island day trips, full-week takeovers, or event rentals

• Expect rates between $12,000 and $20,000 per night, depending on guest count and services

 Best for: Groups who want barefoot luxury with full infrastructure—no hassles, no logistics headaches.

 Book through: CUVEE- Royal Island. 

What a day on your own island really looks like

The private island experience starts before you hit the sand

When you rent a private island in the Bahamas, the magic doesn’t begin with check-in; it starts the moment your ride arrives. And no, it’s not a shuttle van.

Forget hotel lobbies and front desks. This is how you show up:

• Private seaplane from Nassau or Miami

• Luxury yacht transfer from Staniel Cay, Exuma, or nearby hotspots 

• Or even a helicopter landing straight onto the island’s helipad

By the time you step off the boat or plane, a chilled drink is already waiting. So is a smiling team that knows your name, your favorite cocktail, and exactly how you take your coffee in the morning.

It’s not a “check-in.” It’s more like you’re being welcomed home to an island that’s just yours.

Meals made for you, not a menu

One of the best things about Bahamas luxury island rentals? You never have to look at a laminated menu again. There’s no “Soup of the Day.” Just whatever you want, cooked exactly how you like it, wherever you want to eat it.

Private chefs design every meal around your preferences, often before you even arrive. Expect dishes like:

• Fresh lobster rolls served beachside with chilled rosé

• Citrus-glazed grilled wahoo under a sky full of stars

• Floating sushi boats and Champagne picnics

• Wood-fired pizzas made in an actual on-island pizza oven

Some nights you’ll eat at a tiki torch-lit table on the sand. Others, you’ll graze from a floating charcuterie board while sipping cocktails in the infinity pool.

This is not resort food. It’s custom, crave-able, chef-prepped excellence, three times a day (plus snacks, of course).

No crowds, no schedules, no interruptions

When you book a private island rental in the Bahamas, there’s one key detail that’s easy to overlook: no one else is coming.

This means:

• No strangers hogging beach chairs

• No noise from the room next door

• No battles for brunch reservations

It’s just your group, your space, and a team focused solely on you.

Want a massage under a coconut palm? The spa therapist comes to you. Feel like snorkeling? A staff member will set it up and paddle out with you. Or maybe you just want to be left completely alone with a good book and no notifications–done.

Even the silence feels intentional like it’s been curated just for you.

What does renting a private island in the Bahamas actually cost?

Renting a private island isn’t just a price tag, it’s an experience tier. Here’s how the budget translates into reality.

$5,000 to $10,000; The day-long fantasy

If you’re just looking for a taste of exclusivity, this range gets you a private island for the day. Think of it as the barefoot luxury version of a day spa.

What it gets you:

• Your own stretch of sand (no other guests)

• Chef-prepared meals and full butler service

• A curated day with paddleboards, snorkeling gear, loungers, and chilled rosé

• Often includes boat or seaplane transfers from nearby islands

Best for: Proposals, yacht stopovers, and honeymoon day trips.

$12,000 to $20,000; Your own resort, no strangers included

This is where things get serious. You’re not sharing anything—not the villas, not the staff, not the sunset.

Think:

• Boutique-style estate with multiple houses

• Personalized service (chef, concierge, activity team)

• A full-service harbor for yachts

• Ideal for weddings, birthdays, or big family escapes

Royal Island and Little Whale Cay fall into this bracket. Both come with built-in infrastructure so there’s no "figuring things out." Just show up and let your staff take it from there.

$40,000 and up; The no-compromise category

If your idea of luxury includes a golf course, spa, cinema, and a crewed yacht, all running on wind and solar, this is your tier.

You’re booking the kind of experience where your itinerary is preloaded with underwater dives, sushi on demand, and drone-shot sunset dinners. Over Yonder Cay and Musha Cay are at the top of this category.

At this level, you’re not just renting property, you’re commissioning an experience.

The fine print

Even in paradise, there are line items. Many high-end rentals charge extra for:

• Seaplane or helicopter transfers

• Premium wine and spirits

• Gratuities (usually 10–15%)

• Special event setups (think beach weddings or firework shows)

• Add-ons like DJs, private chefs, or yacht charters

Booking a private island in the Bahamas isn’t just about the price, it’s about understanding what kind of experience you’re designing, and making sure every detail supports the memory you’re trying to create.

Who actually rents a private island in the Bahamas?

The guest list is more diverse than you'd think

Renting a private island in the Bahamas appeals to a wide range of travelers who prioritize privacy, flexibility, and unforgettable moments over resort checklists.

You don’t need to be royalty or a celebrity to book one, though some royals and celebs do. You just need a reason to make it count.

Here’s who’s actually doing it:

1. High-end honeymooners

Couples looking for complete isolation and personalized luxury are turning to Bahamas luxury island rentals over traditional resorts. Imagine one villa, one chef, and a week with no kids splashing in the next pool over. No wristbands. No schedules.

This is honeymooning for those who want the sand and the silence.

2. Groups and milestone celebrations

These aren’t your average group getaways. Private island rentals have become a go-to for:

• 40th birthdays with private chefs and late-night DJs

• Destination weddings with no outsiders in the background

• Bachelorette parties where the only people on the beach are invited

• Corporate retreats where people actually want to show up

When you rent a private island in the Bahamas, you don’t need a venue. The island is the venue.

3. Ultra-private clients

Some travelers are here for the seclusion above all else. Think:

• HNWIs (high-net-worth individuals) who prefer discretion

• CEOs looking to unwind

• Royal-adjacent families seeking private luxury without the headlines

These travelers aren’t just looking for space, they want total control over their environment. No resort guests, no intrusive staff, and no compromises.

How to actually book (and what to know before you do)

Most private island rentals in the Bahamas don’t live on Expedia or Booking.com. If you’re serious about locking in a stay at places like Musha Cay Bahamas or Over Yonder Cay, skip the third-party deals and do this instead:

• Contact the island directly through its official website

• Use a luxury concierge service  or a vetted private travel advisor

• Work with a licensed broker who specializes in luxury retreats or island rentals

This kind of trip isn’t something you “add to cart.” Booking a private island is a process, and a good advisor will help you through every step of it.

What a trusted advisor will do for you

They’ll walk you through:

• Contracts, deposits, and insurance

• Chartering a seaplane, yacht, or helicopter

• Building a custom itinerary based on your preferences

• Locking in availability before it ever hits public listings

It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about getting the right experience without any surprises.

Timing matters more than you think

Want the best islands at the best time? Start early. Peak season in the Bahamas runs from December through March, and it books fast.

Here’s a general booking window:

• 8–12 months ahead for high season or holidays

• 6 months out for shoulder season

• Last-minute options may exist, but you’ll pay a premium and have fewer choices

Luxury island calendars fill up fast, especially for top-tier spots like Over Yonder Cay and Musha Cay. Early planning gives you better rates, more customization, and peace of mind.

Ask the right questions before you commit

You’re not just booking a stay, you’re renting a private ecosystem. So go beyond room size and ask the questions that actually matter:

• What’s included? (Is alcohol, airport transfer, or spa service part of the rate?)

• What’s the weather policy? (What happens if a storm rolls in mid-trip?)

• What activities are available? (Can we access a yacht, scuba gear, jet skis, or deep-sea fishing?)

• Are gratuities included or extra? (And if not, what’s the standard?)

Always request a sample itinerary. This gives you a clear picture of what a day might look like and often sparks inspiration for things you didn’t even think to ask for.

Is it worth it?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: How many people can say they’ve had an island to themselves?

When you rent a private island in the Bahamas, there’s no lobby. No wake-up calls. No towel cards or check-out times.

You wake up when you want. Eat what you want. Swim in water no one else touched that morning. The staff knows your name. Your preferences. Your wants and needs. 

It’s not just a vacation, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. A core memory. Something you’ll talk about for years, and maybe even return to when regular travel starts to feel a little too... predictable.