Private islands have always captured our imagination with their promise of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ultimate exclusivity. While many people assume these paradises are only accessible to the ultra-wealthy or require expensive overnight stays, a surprising number of private islands welcome day visitors.
From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the dramatic coastlines of the Mediterranean, these exclusive destinations offer a taste of island luxury without the commitment of an extended vacation. Here is a list of 20 private islands around the world that welcome day visitors, each offering its distinct charm and unforgettable experiences.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s 125-acre private island paradise in the Bahamas transformed from a simple beach destination into an adrenaline-packed wonderland following a $250 million makeover in 2019. The island features everything from the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean to overwater cabanas that cost around $1,000 to rent for the day.
With seven stretches of beach, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, and attractions like zip lines and hot air balloon rides, CocoCay delivers both thrills and relaxation in one convenient package.
Rose Island, Nassau
Sandy Toes on Rose Island has become famous for its sanctuary of protected wildlife, including royal peacocks, curly-tailed lizards, and nine beloved beach-going pigs with names like Babe, Wilbur, and Pumba. The pigs are vet-checked, well-cared for, and even wear sunscreen to protect their skin from the tropical sun.
Day excursions include a delicious buffet lunch and tropical open bar, making it the perfect way to combine animal encounters with beach relaxation just minutes from Nassau.
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Princess Cays, Eleuthera
Located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, Princess Cays serves as Princess Cruises’ private island resort featuring pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Guests can relax in private cabanas, explore local crafts at the Bahamian craft market, or enjoy a beach barbecue in this tranquil setting.
The island strikes a perfect balance between organized activities and peaceful beach time, with plenty of space to find your slice of paradise.
Celebration Key, Grand Bahama
Carnival Corporation is investing $600 million to develop this 65-acre private destination on Grand Bahama, set to open in 2025. The new island experience promises to rival other major cruise line private destinations with beaches, bars, restaurants, and unique excursions.
With cruise operators seeing significant returns on their private island investments and passenger capacity for private islands increasing 41% year-over-year, Celebration Key represents the future of exclusive island experiences.
Moyenne Island, Seychelles
Part of St. Anne Marine National Park, Moyenne Island offers visitors the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and hike around an island that is home to many giant tortoises. Day tours from Victoria typically include boat transportation through the marine park, where guests can learn about the vibrant marine life from detailed commentary provided by the captain and crew.
The combination of underwater adventures and land-based wildlife encounters makes this tiny island a perfect day trip destination.
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Grande Soeur, Seychelles
This pristine, tiny island near Praslin is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Seychelles islands, yet it remains accessible only as a day trip since it’s a private island where overnight stays are not permitted. Despite its small size, Grande Soeur is incredibly diverse, offering visitors a chance to experience unspoiled nature in its purest form.
The island represents what many consider the ultimate private island experience – completely untouched beauty that feels like your own personal paradise for the day.
Antipaxos, Greece
This tiny island in the Ionian Sea offers visitors a real private island experience as a secret retreat with lower tourist density and unspoiled natural beauty. With its remote beaches, hidden coves, and authentic Greek atmosphere, Antipaxos offers the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and a more immersive cultural experience.
The island’s emphasis on eco-friendly tourism and peaceful ambiance makes it ideal for travelers wanting to experience Greece away from the crowds.
Kastos, Greece
Home to a single luxury villa called Gaia, this secluded island comes complete with the use of a compact 4×4 car, allowing guests to explore secret coves and sandy beaches at their own pace. Local specialists can arrange deliveries directly to your door, including freshly prepared local cuisine from a Kastos taverna, with a complimentary meal delivered on your first day.
The island offers unparalleled peace and quiet, with stunning sea views and an infinity pool overlooking the Ionian waters.
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Daracotan Island, Philippines
This private island destination in the Philippines offers visitors the unique experience of camping on pristine beaches in basic bamboo huts right on empty shores. Tours often include cooking demonstrations with local Filipino families, providing authentic cultural experiences alongside the natural beauty of crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.
The island represents the perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion, allowing visitors to connect with local life while enjoying an untouched tropical paradise.
Song Saa Island, Cambodia
Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort is spread across two untouched islands in the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, accessible via a 50-minute flight from Siem Reap Airport to Sihanoukville Port. Created entirely with sustainable materials, each villa features luxurious marble walls and exotic Moroccan lanterns that perfectly complement the natural environment.
Visitors can explore the surrounding untouched tropical jungle and observe the fascinating underwater world, making it a perfect example of ‘barefoot luxury.’
Krabey Island, Cambodia
Six Senses Krabey Island offers a quick 10-minute journey from the mainland via the resort’s cruiser, or guests can take a scenic 2-hour drive from Phnom Penh through Cambodia’s most picturesque countryside. The island features 40 pool villas surrounded by tropical Cambodian landscapes, each with its Guest Experience Maker and amazing coastal views.
This relatively new luxury destination provides an ideal escape for couples or families seeking privacy and natural beauty just minutes from civilization.
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Catalina Island, California
Located just 22 miles off the California coast, Catalina Island offers everything from luxury beach clubs like Descanso Beach Club to adventure activities including zip-lining, bison tours, and falconry experiences. The island features the iconic Catalina Casino with its Art Deco architecture, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, and the Trans-Catalina Trail for hiking enthusiasts.
Whether arriving by ferry, private boat charter, or private plane, visitors can easily create their own Catalina Island experience with options ranging from relaxing beach days to thrilling adventures.
Little Palm Island, Florida Keys
The only private island resort in the United States is hidden away in the Lower Keys, accessible by seaplane or private boat and featuring just 30 thatched-roof bungalows with updated interiors. Located off the fabled Florida Keys coastline on a lush private island dotted with crushed seashell paths amid verdant tropical foliage and exotic wildlife, this adults-only enclave offers a destination like no other.
The resort features a world-class spa with a two-story atrium, private poolside cabanas, and some of the best cuisine in the Keys.
Sunset Key, Florida Keys
This 27-acre luxury resort island is located just 10 minutes and 500 yards by complimentary launch from Key West, making it easily accessible while maintaining complete privacy. The island features 40 charming cottages, pristine white sandy beaches, a heated swimming pool with a poolside bar, and water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Sunset Key offers the perfect blend of luxury, tranquility, and adventure, with convenient access to the vibrant nightlife and attractions of Key West.
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Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
Famous for its bioluminescent beach phenomenon, this island offers visitors the mesmerizing sight of blue light created by plankton that splash around when the water is stirred, obvious during offshore cruises when waves break against boats. The crystal-clear waters around Vaadhoo offer high visibility for snorkeling and diving, with a rich marine life and vibrant corals, making it a hotspot for adventurous water sports.
Several cozy accommodations cater to every budget, and visitors can choose to stay at luxury resorts nearby and explore Vaadhoo on a day trip.
Makunudu Island, Maldives
Located 42 kilometers from Male, this exotic getaway offers a plethora of contemporary facilities and exhilarating activities, including snorkeling, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and dolphin watching. The island features a well-facilitated diving center with trained instructors who offer support and guidance to novice divers, making it accessible for visitors of all skill levels.
The combination of professional instruction and pristine waters makes Makunudu an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the Maldives’ famous underwater world.
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
These breathtaking islands near Six Senses Yao Noi offer some of Thailand’s most spectacular day trip experiences, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and pristine beaches. Private tours allow visitors to explore the islands at their own pace, often including snorkeling opportunities, beach time, and exploration of hidden coves accessible only by boat.
The islands gained international fame as filming locations for movies like “The Beach” and continue to captivate visitors with their stunning natural beauty and excellent snorkeling conditions.
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Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao
Set on a palm-fringed island in the Philippines’ Siargao region, this private island retreat emphasizes sustainable living and barefoot luxury with ten private villas offering world-class service. Visitors can explore magnificent hidden gems, including lush tropical jungle, deep oceanic caves, secluded beaches, and epic surf breaks, all while enjoying an all-inclusive philosophy that covers transcending spa treatments and water-sport activities.
The island represents the vision of its creator, who wanted to share unimaginable barefoot luxury with the rest of the world.
Korcula Island, Croatia
Often referred to by locals as ‘little Dubrovnik,’ this treasured Croatian island features medieval squares, terracotta rooftops, churches, and palaces, with local legend claiming it as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Visitors can explore the Old Town encircled by medieval stone walls with ramparts and towers, stroll cobblestone streets lined with Venetian buildings, and enjoy cocktails at the famous rooftop bar Massimo.
The island is renowned for its lush forests, sandy beaches, olive groves, and vineyards, creating a picture-perfect, storybook setting.
Hvar Island, Croatia
The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around this idyllically located island just off the Dalmatian Coast, which has been a favorite getaway since Roman times. Visitors can enjoy wine lovers’ tours visiting three different island wineries, sunset sailing trips, and exploring the glamorous harbor town with its cathedral and main square.
The island offers stylish accommodations overlooking the harbor, spa facilities including rooftop pools and aromatherapy treatments, and access to secluded beach cabanas.
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The Timeless Appeal of Island Escapes
What started as simple Caribbean beach destinations has evolved into sophisticated entertainment complexes, with cruise operators investing hundreds of millions of dollars to create amusement park-like private destinations. Yet some of the most treasured experiences remain unchanged – tiny Greek islands where visitors can still find complete solitude, and pristine Seychelles atolls that offer the same untouched beauty that captivated early explorers.
From the sustainable luxury resorts of Southeast Asia to the bioluminescent beaches of the Maldives, these private island day trips prove that true paradise isn’t about ownership – it’s about the moment when you step onto white sand and realize you have discovered something extraordinary. In our increasingly connected world, these islands offer the ultimate luxury: the chance to disconnect, explore, and create memories that will last far beyond the ferry ride home.
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