In search of an ultra-private trip? There’s nothing more secluded and personal than renting a Caribbean island all to yourself. Escaping to the white sand and aqua-blue water of a tropical island is a dream for many, but resort beaches are often chock-full of other tourists and locals, especially during peak season, and can lack the privacy you’re searching for on a peaceful vacation. In Belize, you can live that dream for less cash than you might think.
The Belizean coast is lined with hundreds of islands and cayes that form the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Renting some of these islands is surprisingly within reach, especially if you can gather a group of friends or family members to share costs, and if you consider that prices include food and drinks (you won’t find restaurants or grocery stores within walking distance). Many of the private islands for rent are fully inclusive, including a set of staff who will cook, clean, and provide transportation to and from the island, as well as food, drinks, and gear for a variety of fun activities.
The area is well known among scuba divers for its bustling underwater life: There are over 70 types of coral and common sightings include stingrays, turtles, whale sharks, and dolphins. Aside from underwater activities, guests can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and more. But you don’t have to be a diver (or even a snorkeler) to soak up the sun, drink in hand, on one of these private islands.
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