Who hasn’t dreamed of escaping to a private island — just you, the sun, and the sea? For most of us, that’s a fantasy, but for some celebrities, it’s real life. These stars didn’t just dream it; they bought it. Get ready to set your imagination sailing as we explore how luxury meets seclusion on 10 of the world’s most stunning celebrity-owned private islands.
Why We’re Obsessed with Celebrity-Owned Islands in 2025
Private islands represent the ultimate luxury — an escape from the crowds, the cameras, and the everyday. With global travel back in full swing, there’s been a surge of interest in secluded, boat-accessible destinations. Many celebrity islands are also eco-conscious, tapping into 2025’s biggest sustainability trends. And while you may not own one (yet!), you can charter a boat and experience the same turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and breathtaking views nearby.
The Top 10 Celebrity-Owned Private Islands (Updated for 2025)
- Richard Branson – Nekker Island, British Virgin Islands
- Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye, Belize
- Larry Ellison – Lanai, Hawaii
- David Copperfield – Musha Cay, Bahamas
- Mel Gibson – Mago Island, Fiji
- Johnny Depp – Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas
- Eddie Murphy – Rooster Cay, Bahamas
- Shakira – Bonds Cay, Bahamas
- Pamela Anderson – Unnamed Island, Dubai
- Ricky Martin – Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Richard Branson — Nekker Island, British Virgin Islands
Overview
The owner of Virgin and UK business tycoon purchased Nekker Island back in 1979 for a measly $180,000. Up until that point, Nekker Island was uninhabited. Since its purchase, it has housed guests like Princess Diana, Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela. If you’re not of the same stature as these celebrity guests, however, it’s going to cost you $15,000 per day to rent a space on this island. Branson says his most treasured memories are of time spent with family and friends enjoying Nekker Island’s beautiful beaches and coral reef.
Luxury Highlights
Accommodates up to 28 guests, with Balinese-inspired villas, coral reefs, and a private marina.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Charter around the BVIs, anchoring at nearby Virgin Gorda or Anegada for world-class snorkeling and beach bars.
Leonardo Dicaprio — Blackadore Caye, Belize
Overview
Leonardo Dicaprio bought this stunning island in the Caribbean Sea back in 2005 for a cool $1.75 million. Blackadore Cay is 42 hectares large, and sits right by the beautiful reef off the coast of Belize. Being the environmentalist that he is (last year he donated $15 million to environmental charities), Dicaprio plans to turn this island into an eco-resort, scheduled to open to the public in 2018. He plans to build a green hotel, an artificial reef and improve on the island’s natural habitat. Lucky us!
Luxury Highlights
42 hectares, artificial reefs, green architecture, and a focus on restoring the island’s natural habitat
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Sail the Belize Barrier Reef and anchor near Ambergris Caye for diving and snorkeling among vibrant marine life.
Larry Ellison — Lanai, Hawaii
Overview
With an estimated wealth of $46 billion, purchasing an island in Hawaii for $300 million mustn’t be much of a slap to the bank account. Ellison purchased a 97% stake of this 140 square meter island from billionaire David Murdock. Lanai is the sixth-largest Hawaiian island, but its population is only 3,200.
Luxury Highlights
Two Four Seasons resorts, championship golf, and farm-to-table dining on a 140-square-mile canvas.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Cruise the Hawaiian Islands, stopping at Maui and Lanai for breathtaking anchorages and coastal hikes.
David Copperfield — Musha Cay, Bahamas
Overview
The famous illusionist owns a whopping four private islands in the Bahamas, which he paid a cool $50 million for. Who else is considering a career change right now? Yep, us too. Musha Cay is the only one of Copperfield’s islands that serves as a resort. According to Forbes, it costs the public $37,000 per night (with a minimum of four nights) to stay here.
Luxury Highlights
Private villas, movie theater, on-call staff, and even custom fireworks shows.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Island-hop through the Exumas, visiting Staniel Cay and Thunderball Grotto for unforgettable snorkeling.
Mel Gibson — Mago Island, Fiji
Overview
Australian actor Mel Gibson bought Mago Island for an estimated $15 million, back in 2005. This stunning island is one of the largest private islands in the South Pacific, at 5,400 acres. Unlike other celebrities, Gibson has decided to keep the island all to himself, maintaining its preserved natural state. Apparently, Gibson only employs a few caretakers to look after the island while he is away.
Luxury Highlights
Cattle farm, pristine beaches, and sustainable projects with local partnerships.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Sail the Fijian islands, anchoring at the Yasawas or Mamanucas for palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear lagoons.
Johnny Depp — Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas
Overview
Word has it that Jonny Depp fell in love with this gorgeous little island in the Bahamas after filming on location for Pirates of the Caribbean. According to Forbes, Depp paid a tidy $3.6 million for Little Halls Pond Cay. He named two of its beaches ‘Gonzo’ and ‘Brando’ in honour of his mentors, Hunter S. Thompson and Marlon Brando. He names the others after his family members. Depp spoke to Vanity Fair about this little slice of paradise, saying, “I don’t think I’d ever seen any place so pure and beautiful. You can feel your pulse rate drop about 20 beats. It’s instant freedom.”
Luxury Highlights
Six beaches, coral reefs, and total seclusion.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Charter through the Exumas and Eleuthera, where turquoise waters and sandbars abound.
Eddie Murphy — Rooster Cay, Bahamas
Overview
No novice to the private island business, Rooster Cay was Murphy’s second purchase. He previously owned another island in the Bahamas called Pearl Cay, which was situated right next to Paradise Island. After selling Pearl Cay back in 2007, he acquired the lovely Rooster Cay, which reportedly cost $15 million. Rooster Cay sits right by Nassau.
Luxury Highlights
Six hectares of unspoiled beauty and proximity to the lively capital.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Base your boat in Nassau and explore Rose Island, Blue Lagoon, or the Exuma Cays.
Shakira — Bonds Cay, Bahamas
Overview
Shakira decided to purchase this stunning island in the north of the Bahamas with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz. The Duo bought this $16 million island back in 2011, with the intention of developing it into an eco-friendly, carbon neutral, luxury holiday destination designed as an escape for artists all over the world. Bonds Cay sits just over 120 miles off the coast of Florida and boast 700 beautiful acres.
Luxury Highlights
Five beaches, private coves, art galleries, and luxury resorts.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Cruise the northern Bahamas and anchor near Abaco or Grand Bahama for secluded beaches and marinas.
Pamela Anderson — Island off the coast of Dubai
Overview
Most men purchase flowers when they’re trying to win back their woman, but Tommy Lee felt that buying a private island for his ex-wife Pamela Anderson would do the trick. So, Anderson was gifted a beautiful island off the coast of Dubai. Originally, she intended on turning the island into a resort with an eco-friendly hotel, but since then, no progress has been made nor talk of the subject. Perhaps she’s planning on keeping the beaches all to herself — and we don’t blame her!
Luxury Highlights
Part of The World Islands project, with stunning Dubai skyline views.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Charter along Dubai’s coastline, taking in Palm Jumeirah and The World archipelago from the sea.
Ricky Martin — Island in Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Overview
In 2008, the Latin pop star purchased this island for his family for $8 million. Martin’s private island is situated off the coast of Brazil, near the stylish resort region of the Angra dos Reis islands. This scattering of islands is said to be some of the most scenic in the Southern Hemisphere.
Luxury Highlights
Lush landscapes, turquoise bays, and proximity to luxury Brazilian resorts.
Sail There With Borrow A Boat
Sail Brazil’s Green Coast, exploring Angra’s islands and the charming town of Paraty.
Sail Close to the Stars – Charter Routes Near Celebrity Islands
Discover dream itineraries near these A-list retreats:
- BVIs: Island-hop past Necker Island, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke.
- Bahamas: Sail the Exumas and peek at Musha Cay or Little Halls Pond Cay.
- Belize: Cruise Ambergris Caye and Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Blackadore Caye.
- Fiji: Explore the Yasawas or Mamanucas near Mago Island.
- Brazil: Navigate the emerald bays of Angra dos Reis.
Tips: Check local anchoring regulations, permits, and respect private zones. Many of these waters also offer top-notch diving, snorkeling, and beach-hopping. Choose from bareboat, skippered, or crewed yacht options through Borrow A Boat.
Dream Big, Sail Bold
Even if you can’t own a private island, you can certainly sail past them. Many of these celebrity getaways are surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning and accessible waters. With Borrow A Boat, you can turn A-list daydreams into unforgettable sailing holidays.