Exuma Private Islands for Sale in the Bahamas

Pitt Property Group features Exuma private islands ranging from $500,000 for an undeveloped cay to $15.9 million for a developed island with approved plans for a full resort and marina. Whether you are seeking a blank-canvas cay to build your own retreat or a turnkey opportunity, you'll find current Exuma islands below.

Why Buy a Private Island in the Exuma Cays

The Exumas combine three things that rarely occur together: world-class natural beauty, a deep and varied supply of islands, and genuine accessibility. The cays sit within reach of private airstrips and marinas at hubs like Staniel Cay and Normans Cay, and only a short hop from Nassau, yet they remain among the most secluded places in the Caribbean. For buyers, that means an unusually wide choice, from modest undeveloped cays to large-acreage holdings and fully serviced island estates, at price points spanning more than a single order of magnitude.

Exuma cays are prized for protected harbours, deep-water access, elevation, and white sand beaches. Because supply is finite and demand among ultra-high-net-worth buyers, investors, and developers continues to grow, Exuma islands are treated as rare, long-term legacy assets.

Current Exuma Private Islands

Our active Exuma inventory illustrates the full range of what the cays offer:

Entry-level undeveloped cays

At the accessible end, an undeveloped cay of roughly one acre is available from around $500,000, offering a blank canvas in the heart of the Exuma Cays with access via nearby private airstrip and marina. This is among the most affordable routes to private island ownership anywhere in The Bahamas.

Mid-range undeveloped acreage

For buyers seeking scale, undeveloped Exuma cays range from roughly $1.5 million for large acreage approaching 100 acres, to a few acres of pristine cay near Normans Cay around $2.5 million, to a 12-acre island with two beaches, a protected harbour, and significant elevation around $5.25 million.

Developed and resort-approved islands

At the top of the Exuma range, a fully serviced 14-acre island near Staniel Cay, complete with multiple beaches, a large dock, existing buildings, underwater power from a neighbouring cay, and approved plans for a full resort and marina including overwater bungalows, is available around $15.9 million.

Inventory changes as islands sell; see the live listings above for current availability and exact pricing.

What to Know About Buying an Exuma Island

Title

Most Exuma cays are sold freehold, conveying full ownership of the land. Confirm the title type for any specific island during due diligence.

Crown Land

On some cays, only a portion of the island is privately held and offered for sale while the remainder is Crown (government) land. It is essential to confirm exactly which acreage is included before making an offer; we identify this clearly on every island we represent.

Access

Many Exuma cays are reached via private airstrips and marinas at established hubs such as Staniel Cay and Normans Cay, with Nassau a short flight away. Proximity to these hubs is a major driver of both convenience and value.

Costs

Foreign buyers pay Value Added Tax of 10% on the conveyance, and commission is paid by the seller. The Bahamas levies no income, capital gains, or inheritance tax.

Development

Where you intend to build, existing approvals add significant value. Some Exuma islands already carry approvals for resort and marina development, which can save years of process.

For more information on the purchasing process, Read our complete guide - How to Buy a Private Island in The Bahamas.

An Exuma Island Purchase Can Qualify You for Bahamas Residency

A real estate investment of $1,000,000 USD or more qualifies a foreign buyer to apply for Bahamian permanent residency, with accelerated consideration at $1,500,000 or more. Most Exuma islands meet or exceed these thresholds, meaning your purchase can secure both a legacy asset and a pathway to residency in a country with no income, capital gains, or inheritance tax. These conditions are administered by the Bahamas Department of Immigration and should be verified directly.

Learn more about Bahamas permanent residency / EPR here. 

Why Work With Pitt Property Group

Buying an Exuma cay requires an advisor who understands island title, Crown Land boundaries, access, and development approvals, and who can represent you with absolute discretion.

Sheldon Pitt, Broker Owner of Pitt Property Group, has more than 30 years of experience in Bahamian real estate and is a recognized authority on Out Island and investment property, including private islands and cays. A Bimini native with deep roots across the island chains, he personally represents the Exuma islands in our portfolio and guides buyers confidentially from first evaluation through to acquisition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private island cost in the Exuma Cays?

Exuma private islands currently range from around $500,000 for an undeveloped cay of about one acre, to roughly $1.5 million to $5.25 million for larger undeveloped acreage, up to approximately $15.9 million for a developed, resort-approved island. Pricing depends on size, beaches, elevation, access, and development status.

Are there affordable private islands in the Bahamas?

Yes. The Exuma Cays include some of the most accessible private islands in The Bahamas, with undeveloped cays starting around $500,000, making Exuma the usual starting point for buyers seeking an attainable island.

Can a foreign national buy a private island in Exuma?

Yes. Foreign nationals can own Bahamian private islands on a freehold basis. Certain acquisitions involve registration or permit requirements for non-Bahamians, which should be confirmed with a Bahamian attorney for the specific property.

How do you access a private island in the Exuma Cays?

Many Exuma cays are reached via private airstrips and marinas at hubs such as Staniel Cay and Normans Cay, with Nassau a short flight away. Proximity to these hubs strongly affects both convenience and value.

Can Exuma islands be developed into resorts?

Yes, subject to government approval. Some Exuma islands already hold approvals for resort and marina development, including overwater bungalows, which can significantly shorten the development timeline.

Does buying an Exuma island qualify me for Bahamas residency?

A real estate investment of $1,000,000 USD or more qualifies a foreign buyer to apply for permanent residency, and most Exuma islands meet or exceed this threshold. Residency conditions are set by the Bahamas Department of Immigration and should be confirmed directly.