California private island up for sale as $39,000 listing sparks interest

A secluded island in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta has surfaced on the market with a price tag that’s turning heads: just $39,000 for 5.6 acres of land surrounded entirely by water.

The property sits in White Slough near Stockton and is part of a chain of small Delta islands, many of which remain undeveloped despite the sprawling agricultural landscape that surrounds the region. 

Some neighboring islands have been transformed into campgrounds, marinas, recreation destinations and private clubs.

According to the Zillow listing, the island offers buyers a rare chance to own a completely private piece of Delta real estate accessible only by boat.

The listing pitches the property as a potential weekend getaway, fishing and boating retreat, personal sanctuary or long-term investment.

“Welcome to your own private island in the heart of the California Delta!” the listing states. “Set in the tranquil waters of White Slough, this rare 5.6-acre island offers a unique opportunity to own land completely surrounded by water where the pace slows down and the possibilities open up.”

The property is located about 0.8 miles by boat from Devil’s Aisle Club island and Grindstone Joe’s Campground and recreation area.

The listing, represented by Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International Realty, describes the land as mostly level and zoned AG-40 for agricultural use.

While private islands in California rarely come up for sale, especially at a price that isn’t measured in the millions, online reaction has been skeptical.

“Except no one wants to live in Stockton,” one user commented.

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Another was even more scathing, writing: “Okay, but you’d have to live in CA. And, in Stockton. Nevermind the facts that CA would never approve of any sort of building there, because it’s wetlands, and no insurance would cover it, because it’s in a flood plain. In a few years, erosion will have erased a significant portion, as well.”

The island’s asking price marks a significant jump from its previous sales history.

Public records show the property sold for $12,500 in September 2005 before changing hands again for $17,500 in October 2007.

 It was listed for sale on June 2, 2026, at $39,000, a 122.9% increase from its last recorded sale price.

Property tax records show the parcel carried a 2025 tax bill of $353, based on an assessed value of $22,982.

Tower Park Marina, which offers amenities including a restaurant, bar and fuel dock, sits roughly 2.4 miles upriver.

The assessment has gradually climbed over the years, rising from $19,126 in 2015 to its current valuation.

Handling this one-of-a-kind listing is Realtor Monte Morris.

Morris, who told The California Post he is  “the only Island Listing expert in the central valley,” is available for contact at 916.204.4118.