Everything You Need To Know About The Berry Islands
Located in the stunning Bahamas district, the Berry Islands consists of 30 islands and 100 cays. Some of the islands are uninhabited, and some have minimal population. It has two regional airports, but it is still fairly undiscovered and untouched and has no grand hotels and seas of tourists. However, it is home to many beautiful villas and townhouses.
This cluster of islands for sure is a dreamy place, and if you wish to learn more about it, keep on reading.
Abundance of Islands
The Berries are home to many islands and cays, starting north with the Great Stirrup Cay, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Its neighbor is the Little Stirrup Cay, leased by Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines.
The largest cay is the Great Harbour Cay. It is also the capital with a small population of 700 people. One fun fact about this place is that it has more millionaires per square inch than any other place in the world.
The second-largest island is the Chub Cay, more commonly known as The Billfish Capital of the Bahamas, with a population of around 100 people. The Chub Cay Resort and Marina is the island’s main attraction, offering many different activities for recreation and relaxation.
Another two relatively known private islands are Cistern Cay and Little Whale Cay.
Abundance of Beaches
If we were to choose one thing to represent the Berry Islands, it would definitely be the relaxing beaches. The area has indescribably gorgeous, secluded beaches with white sand and the bluest water. Great Harbour Cay has continuous seven miles of beaches, including Sugar Beach, which features several creeks, cliffs, and caves, and Shell Beach (Shark Creek), featuring hundreds of seashells regularly washing up on the shore.
The most popular and frequently visited beach is the Ship Yard Beach. It is also known for its historical relevance as the first settlement site established in the islands.
However, it is important to note that few beaches in different areas have shallow flats, making them inaccessible for sailboat and yacht cruising.
A Fish Hub
The islands are a paradise for fishers, where you can catch several fish and indulge in different fishing games and sports. The best spot for this is none other than Chub Cay, the Fishbowl, providing you with the opportunity for world-class fishing.
You can go deep-sea fishing and catch legendary fishes such as Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Tuna, Amberjack, Oceanic Bonito, and many more,or go reef fishing with the whole family and enjoy Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, etc. If you want to relax on fishing flats, go for fly fishing with Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, etc., the island also offers some of the best bonefishing in the entire Bahamas.
Diving and Snorkeling
The islands offer you the best of diving and snorkeling. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur or a pro; you will find a suitable site for you. Hoffman’s cay is a popular go-to spot for diving enthusiasts because the blue hole with cliffs up to 20 feet high gives you an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Rich Cuisine
Bahamian food is a rich and eclectic fusion of southern American and Caribbean cuisines. The various spices are what sets it apart from other cuisines in the world. You will find a spread of seafood, tropical fruits, rice with nourishing and sparkling island drinks. The heavenly dishes you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re on your next Berrian trip are Cracked Conch, Conch Salad, Baked Crab, Stew Fish, Guava Duff, and many more.
Become an Islander!
Now, you can also own a private cay in the Berry Islands with the assistance of Island Property Group. We are a team of experienced and professional realtors that puts in their best to deliver you top-notch results, making real estate transactions smooth and easy. We are well-versed with market conditions and government regulations and help you buy and sell the finest properties at great rates. Visit our website to learn more about other island listings, and contact us today to get the best deals!
Phone: 407 361 5604
Email: mark@islandpropertygroup.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Berry Islands and what makes them unique?
The Berry Islands form a chain of approximately 30 cays covering just 12 square miles, located about 150 miles east of Miami in the western Bahamas. Most of the cays are uninhabited. Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay are the primary settlements, with total population around 1,000 per the 2022 census. The Berry Islands are known as ‘the fish bowl of the Bahamas’ — bordered by the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep underwater trench that attracts billfish, marlin, and tuna. Chub Cay is the self-described ‘billfish capital of the Bahamas.’ A significant number of the cays including Frazier’s Hog Cay, Bonds Cay, Crab Cay, Frozen Cay, and Adler Cay are privately owned.
Who owns property in the Berry Islands?
The Berry Islands attract an unusually high concentration of wealthy second-home buyers — local legend holds that there are more millionaires per square mile here than in most places on Earth. Historical residents have included Jack Nicklaus (who had a hilltop home on Great Harbour Cay) along with Hollywood figures from an earlier era. Little Stirrup Cay is leased by Royal Caribbean as CocoCay; Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. Cistern Cay, Little Whale Cay, and multiple other private cays are held by individual owners. The overall market is small, private, and relationship-driven.
Can I buy property in the Berry Islands?
Yes, though inventory is tight and skews toward larger tracts. Parcels on Great Harbour Cay are available through BREA-licensed brokers, with beachfront homes, condos, and vacant land listed periodically. Private cays occasionally come to market with multi-acre parcels starting in the millions. Under the International Persons Landholding Act, non-Bahamians buying residential property under five acres need only post-closing registration; larger parcels or commercial-use purchases require a prior permit from the Investments Board. Because much Berry Islands inventory involves larger acreage, factor the permit timeline (3 to 6 months) into your closing plan.
What's Great Harbour Cay like for a vacation home?
Great Harbour Cay is the largest Berry Island at approximately 7.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, with seven continuous miles of beach and one of the best-protected harbors in the Bahamas. The island has its own airstrip (Great Harbour Cay Airport), a yacht club, marinas, and basic services. Property options include beachfront homes, hillside properties with views, and canal-front homes with private dockage. Hurricane insurance availability varies — verify pre-offer. Electricity, water, and infrastructure are more developed than many Out Islands but still require absentee-owner planning including property management and regular maintenance.