A few miles offshore from Florida’s Port St. Joe is a private, seven-mile island—and it’s on the market.
Black’s Island went up for sale in early 2024 with a price tag of $50 million. The island comes equipped with 26 bungalows that have served as a private getaway for tourists.
Picture a sleepy island covered in bright green palm trees. As you approach by helicopter, boat, or seaplane, you start to see wooden bungalows poking from the canopy. Between them are blue pools, sprawling decks, and shaded cabanas.
You’ve officially reached paradise.
Best of all, a stay at Black’s Island won’t break your budget at $850/night. The three-night minimum is more than reasonable (especially considering each bungalow sleeps six) while the long list of amenities is worth writing home about.
But that might change soon. As mentioned up top, Black’s Island is on the market. The owner is willing to sell it wholesale or pawn off some of the bungalows, starting at around $1.5 million each.
If you’re heading to the Florida panhandle anytime soon, here’s why it might be worth a visit.
The bougie bungalow
Every bungalow on Black’s Island has a waterfront view and beach access. All are connected by an elevated footpath that winds across the island.
If I had to summarize the vibe, I’d say it’s a tropical paradise where James Bond would fall in love while on the run from Goldfinger or some other villain.
And as outlined above, the bungalows won’t cost you and arm and a leg. They’re a bit dated to be billed as pure luxury, which makes since. Black’s Island was originally developed for tourism back in 2009.
Though the bungalows are in great shape and are worth the price, the décor is a little meh for being on a private island. But it’s not all about high-design-bungalows here.
Before Black’s Island became a getaway for Florida’s tourists, it was home to one of the world’s wealthiest pirate kings: Samuel ‘Black Sam’ Bellamy. Those who stay on the island are literally trespassing on official pirate territory.
The barbaric pirate
You’ve probably heard of pirates like Blackbeard and Zheng Yi Sao—but what about Black Sam Bellamy? Prior to researching this article, I hadn’t heard his name before… despite the fact that he was the wealthiest pirate in the Caribbean’s infamous Age of Piracy.
During his two-year reign, Bellamy raked in some $120 million in loot and gold. And he hoarded at least some of his hard-fought treasures on his home base of Black’s Island.
Despite the barbarism common in the Age of Piracy (which ran from about 1600 to 1800), Black Sam was known for being merciful to his captors and generous with his crew. In fact, his followers gave him the nickname the ‘Robin Hood of the Sea’.
Unfortunately, he died at sea before he had the chance to turn his new base of Black’s Island into a fortified pirate hangout.
Is there still time to visit Black’s Island?
Unfortunately for fans of dirty rotten pirates, there’s no remnant of Black Sam’s legacy on the island. However, the island’s current owner, Scott Seymour, has plans to continue honoring this influential figure.
He’s currently building a luxury hotel in Florida, which he’ll name The Bellamy. Anyone who purchases a bungalow (or the island) will also be treated to a few amenities from The Bellamy.
But do you still have time to book a trip to Black’s Island? After all, if it’s on the market, won’t it be cornered off for real estate agents and hopeful buyers?
Luxury sales tend to take a while, which means you still have time to visit Black’s Island. It’s accessible from Panama City by boat, helicopter, or seaplane.
However, I’d recommend renting a boat if you’re heading there with any friends who have a license. It’s the best way to fully take advantage of all the island has to offer.