The question “where was Epstein Island” has intrigued millions across the United States and beyond. What was once a tropical paradise in the Caribbean has become one of the most notorious crime scenes in modern history. Known officially as Little Saint James, this private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands was owned by financier Jeffrey Epstein — a man accused of operating one of the most disturbing sex trafficking networks ever uncovered.
While much has been said about the crimes and the powerful names surrounding the Epstein scandal, many still want to understand the geography, ownership, and significance of this island that became a symbol of secrecy and corruption. Today, we’ll take a deeper look into where Epstein Island was, what happened there, and what has become of it since Epstein’s death.
The Exact Location of Epstein Island
Little Saint James is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea, about 2 miles southeast of St. Thomas, within the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. This means that while the island sits in the Caribbean, it falls under U.S. federal law and jurisdiction.
- Coordinates: Approximately 18°18′N 64°49′W
- Size: About 70 to 75 acres
- Purchased: 1998 by Jeffrey Epstein
- Status: Privately owned until 2023
Epstein acquired the island from venture capitalist Archibald Cox Jr. for approximately $7.95 million. It quickly became his primary residence, where he constructed multiple luxury buildings — including villas, staff quarters, a helipad, and a private dock. The island’s main mansion overlooked the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but its beauty masked what would later be revealed as a dark world of exploitation.
Why the Island Was So Controversial
From the outside, Epstein’s private island appeared to be an ultra-exclusive getaway. However, reports from victims, employees, and court documents revealed that Little Saint James was allegedly used as a base for sex trafficking, coercion, and abuse of minors.
The island was so isolated that it became almost impossible for outsiders to reach without Epstein’s permission. Victims later described being flown in by private jet or brought by boat from nearby St. Thomas. Surveillance cameras reportedly monitored every movement, and employees said Epstein controlled who could come and go at any time.
The island’s reputation grew even darker as details emerged that it hosted powerful and influential visitors — including politicians, celebrities, and scientists. While not everyone accused of visiting the island was implicated in criminal acts, the connection alone became a public scandal.
What Epstein Built on the Island
Epstein transformed Little Saint James into a high-security luxury compound. Reports and satellite images show that by 2003, he had turned the island into a self-contained estate featuring:
- A large main mansion on the southern coast
- Guest villas for VIP visitors
- A private helipad and boat dock
- Underground tunnels and bunkers (alleged by former staff)
- A striking blue-and-gold temple structure on a hilltop
The “temple” — which appeared in numerous drone photos — remains one of the island’s most mysterious features. Some claimed it was a music room or meditation space, while others believed it served a more sinister purpose. Regardless, it became a global symbol of the hidden nature of Epstein’s activities.
The Second Island: Great Saint James
In 2016, Epstein expanded his holdings by purchasing another property nearby — Great Saint James, a larger, undeveloped island just a short boat ride from Little Saint James. He paid around $17 million for it and planned to build a massive compound and marina.
Local residents and officials objected, accusing Epstein of violating environmental laws and ignoring building restrictions. However, construction continued until his arrest in July 2019. After his death, both islands became part of his seized estate, frozen under court orders while lawsuits from victims proceeded.
The Role of the U.S. Virgin Islands Government
Because Little Saint James was located in a U.S. territory, federal laws applied — making it possible for the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate Epstein’s activities. The U.S. Virgin Islands government also took an active role, filing civil lawsuits against Epstein’s estate and the financial institutions that enabled his actions.
In 2023, the Virgin Islands reached a $105 million settlement with JPMorgan Chase, after the government accused the bank of facilitating Epstein’s trafficking network by failing to report suspicious transactions. The funds from that case were partly directed toward programs supporting trafficking victims and law enforcement training.
The Attorney General of the Virgin Islands described Epstein’s island as a “hub of criminal activity” that exploited the territory’s isolation and lack of consistent oversight.
Who Owns Epstein Island Now
Following Epstein’s death in 2019 and years of legal proceedings, both Little Saint James and Great Saint James were sold in 2023 to Stephen Deckoff, a billionaire investor and founder of Black Diamond Capital Management. Deckoff, who resides in the Virgin Islands, purchased the islands for about $60 million combined.
According to official records, Deckoff plans to transform the islands into a luxury resort — with strict adherence to local labor and environmental regulations. He has publicly stated that he hopes to “rebuild their reputation and restore their natural beauty.”
As of late 2025, no construction has yet begun, though cleanup and planning permits have been filed with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Local residents remain divided — some welcome the investment, while others feel the islands should remain untouched as memorials to the victims.
Recent News and Continuing Investigations
Despite Epstein’s death, his story continues to evolve. As of November 2025, several ongoing developments keep the island in headlines:
- Victim Compensation Program: More than 150 victims have received financial settlements totaling over $120 million through court-administered funds.
- Civil Cases Against Associates: Lawsuits remain active against Epstein’s former associates and employees accused of helping organize his operations.
- Public Records and Files: Recent releases of previously sealed Epstein documents have reignited public debate, listing individuals with alleged ties to the island.
- FBI Digital Evidence Review: Authorities continue examining flight logs, phone records, and surveillance data from Little Saint James to uncover the full scope of visitors.
Each of these updates reinforces how the island remains a central piece of the Epstein case — even years after his death.
The Island’s Symbolic Meaning
To many Americans, Little Saint James is more than a dot on the map — it’s a symbol of unchecked privilege and hidden corruption. Its U.S. territorial status made it a place that should have been under oversight, yet it became the opposite: a location where oversight failed spectacularly.
For survivors and activists, “Epstein Island” represents the importance of accountability and transparency. Its exposure has spurred reforms in how the U.S. monitors human trafficking, especially within offshore territories.
Tourism and Public Access
Today, Epstein Island is closed to the public, and there are no tours or official visits allowed. The property remains private, with limited access only to maintenance crews and security staff.
Nearby residents on St. Thomas say that while boats occasionally pass near the island, most avoid it out of respect — and fear. Even after Epstein’s death, the name “Little Saint James” evokes discomfort and curiosity.
Documentaries and Media Coverage
Multiple documentaries and films have explored Epstein Island’s dark history, including:
- “Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich” (Netflix)
- “Secrets of Epstein’s Island” (Discovery+)
- “Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell” (Peacock)
These productions used drone footage, interviews, and testimonies from victims and employees to shed light on what really happened on Little Saint James. They also emphasized how the island’s U.S. jurisdiction played a major role in bringing some justice to survivors.
The Future of Little Saint James
Although the islands have changed hands, their legacy will never truly disappear. The planned redevelopment aims to give the land a new identity, but its past remains an indelible part of history. Environmentalists are now working alongside local authorities to restore coral reefs and native vegetation around the island — an effort to turn a place once associated with harm into one of healing.
For the U.S. Virgin Islands, the episode serves as both a tragedy and a warning — highlighting the risks of wealth and influence overpowering local governance.
Conclusion: Understanding Where Epstein Island Was and Why It Matters
So, where was Epstein Island? It was in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a Caribbean territory under American law — but more importantly, it was a place where power and secrecy collided in devastating ways.
Today, Little Saint James stands as both a geographical landmark and a symbol of justice delayed. Knowing where it was helps us understand how such crimes could happen within U.S. reach, and why continued vigilance is essential to prevent history from repeating itself.
If you found this article informative or have thoughts about the ongoing investigations, feel free to share your comments below — your voice helps keep the truth alive.