9 Affordable Islands For Sale

The price of paradise doesn’t get much sweeter than this. On scenic Prince Edward Island’s Pinette River, this historic alcove is covered in towering pine and aspen trees and has remained almost untouched since the Acadians first settled in the area in 1750. Spend your days canoeing, kayaking, digging for oysters and clams, and spotting fox families and their pups. Though there are sights nearby worth a visit (see: Point Prim Lighthouse and downtown Charlottetown), we wouldn’t blame you for never leaving the island.

On an idyllic peninsula in Dunmanus Bay, a slice of the Emerald Isle is up for grabs. The enclave overlooks rolling green pastures, dotted with quaint farmhouses and grazing sheep. The best part? Its location is the perfect jumping off point for discovering the rest of West Cork, from the seaside harbors to the historic castles and grand estates (Bantry House is a favorite).

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There’s not a neighbor in sight on this two-acre private isle in Lake Charlotte. From your log cabin cottage’s wraparound deck and second-story loft, you’ll be able to take in the full beauty of one of Nova Scotia’s largest lakes. There’s even a private wharf for docking your boat when you’re not exploring the mainland, which offers distractions of its own. Hike the surrounding trails, post up on the beach, go camping at E&F Webber Lakeside Park, or drive just an hour to reach the capital of Halifax.

Believe it—this tiny slice of the Caribbean is really on the market. The 2.5-acre island, complete with a two-bedroom fixer-upper, overlooks towering coconut trees and the turquoise-blue waters surrounding Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The area is especially known for its world-class fishing (we’re talking tarpon, yellowtail snapper, and kingfish). Bonus: the mainland sits just 200 meters away.

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With a name like “Wild” Cane Key, we can’t think of a more fitting party pad. In Bocas del Toro, within spitting distance of Red Frog Resort, you’ll have 3.4 acres of space for shenanigans. But if you get tired of boozing and boating, there are plenty of other ways to keep busy. After arrival by helicopter (unless the waters are calm enough to bring a boat in), spending your hours lounging in the shade of coconut palms, swimming in the clear water, or snorkeling the coral reefs to spot marine wildlife. Bocas del Toro (and Red Frog Beach in particular) is famous for its fun-loving, wellness-seeking vibes, so it’s not unusual to see the surfers hitting the waves—and you’ll get a front row seat for the show.

Looking for a classic Great Lakes getaway? Head up to northern Michigan for a weekend on Howard Island, just 12 miles from the Canadian border. Take in the sunset from the main cottage’s large bay windows before cozying up by the fireplace or spending hours stargazing. During the day, explore the woodsy terrain, check out the rock pools, or take out your boat from your L-shaped dock.

The prices may be getting steeper, but with all its perks, McKelvey is definitely worth the splurge. In a secluded corner of Stuart Lake, this 11-acre waterfront retreat has a private beach and dock, but the real selling point is the two-bedroom house kitted out with a full-service kitchen, wood-burning stove, and hot tub on a sun deck with lake views. There’s also a separate 600-square foot studio (invite your friends!) and outbuildings housing a sauna, woodshed, greenhouse, laundry, food storage, and workshop. Access to the island is limited to boats in the summer, snowmobiles in the winter, and, when the iced-up river is unsafe to cross, hovercraft. Conveniently, one is included when you buy.

Okay, okay, we know it’s a bit over budget, but can you truly put a price on paradise? Sandwiched between a tranquil lagoon and the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia’s Motu Tohepuku has a private beach and is completely free of development, so you can build whatever home your heart desires. The real selling point is how much space you get—nearly 19 acres of swaying palm trees, bluer-than-blue waters, and sugar-white beach where you can watch dolphins and whales frolic offshore. Pass the piña colada, please.

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This isn’t exactly a private inlet—it’s an off-the-grid beachfront lot. But with five acres of private land (and thousands more owned by the state of Alaska that are not for sale), we guarantee you won’t see your neighbors—unless you want to. Kalgin is for people that prefer wilderness over the tropics: covered in cedar and spruce trees, its woodland is home to a scenic hiking trails, tons of wildlife, and not a single car, road, store, or bear in sight. The best part? Your purchase comes with a two-story log-and-stone lodge with running water and electricity than can be lived in year-round. And being 18 miles offshore from Kenai, you’re just a short flight away from civilization (just in case you tire of the moose, bald eagles, and beavers).