Private island embedded in famous California waterway hits the market for shockingly low ask

Published: 05:14, 5 June 2026 | Updated: 05:28, 5 June 2026 A secluded island in the heart of California’s Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta has a shockingly low price tag.  The 5.6-acre property, completely surrounded by water, is currently on the market for just $39,000.  Accessible only by boat, the tiny island sits amid the peaceful waters of White Slough near Stockton.  The listing - represented by Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International Realty - boasts its prime location, sharing that it's less than a mile by boat from Devil's Isle Club Island and Grindstone Joe's Campground and Recreation Area.  Just 2.4 miles upriver, Tower Park Marina offers amenities including a restaurant, bar, and fuel dock. The island appeals to buyers seeking a quiet weekend retreat, a fishing and boating haven, or a private escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  'Properties like this are exceptionally rare especially at a price point that makes ownership accessible,' according to the Zillow listing. A secluded island in the heart of California ’s Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta has a shockingly low price tag The 5.6-acre property, completely surrounded by water, is currently on the market for just $39,000 Monte Morris, realtor for Nick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty who is selling the island The mostly flat 5.6-acre property is zoned AG-40, meaning it is designated for agricultural use and may be suitable for farming. Private California islands rarely hit the market for less than six figures. This has sparked skepticism and criticism online.  'It’s in Stockton, never mind,' one user commented on Facebook. Another said: 'Something fishy about this. Also it appears it's on the delta? Water rises a few feet and that "island" is rapids. Without getting into this.' One user questioned the flooding safety, writing: 'You'd have to build above it on pillars to be safe from the constant flooding, and have buoyant docks to always have access to your vessels. Already sounds super expensive.' The property is part of a chain of small Delta islands, many of which are still undeveloped despite the surrounding farmland.  The mostly flat 5.6-acre property is zoned AG-40, meaning it is designated for agricultural use and may be suitable for farming The property is part of a chain of small Delta islands, many of which are still undeveloped despite the surrounding farmland. The island’s asking price is significantly higher than what it sold for in the past. Public records obtained by the New York Post show the property sold for $12,500 in September 2005, then again for $17,500 in October 2007. It was listed for $39,000 on Tuesday, a 122.9 percent spike from its last sale price.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.