Star Island
Star Island Miami Guide: Boat Tour Views, Map, Access, Anchoring Rules & Tips
Map & GPS Directions
Overview
Star Island is Miami Beachās most famous man-made islandāhome to sprawling waterfront estates and A-list residentsāset between the Venetian Islands and South Beach. Roads are guard-controlled with no public beaches or parks, so the classic way to experience it is from the water: a bay cruise or private charter circling the shoreline for mansion spotting and skyline photos.
Local insight: For golden-hour photos, time a loop around Star Island before sunset, then continue to Monument Island for a calm swim (anchoring permitted in sandy areas outside channels).
Access note: The entrance is guard-manned off MacArthur Causeway. While some sources describe the streets as public, access is often limited; treat the island as residential/privateāno trespassing or dock tie-ups.
2025 Anchoring Update (Nearby Waters)
- Overnight anchoring limits: Floridaās 2025 law expanded local authority on overnight anchoring in big counties. Miami-Dade designated additional Anchoring Limitation Areas, including the waters between Palm Island and Star Island. Plan to overnight elsewhere. Daytime sightseeing at idle speed is fineārespect no-wake zones and private docks.
- Where to stop legally: Use common day-anchor spots like Monument Island (sandy patches) and avoid channels, seagrass, and marked exclusion areas.
Always verify current local notices before you go; Marine Patrol enforces in this corridor.
Cosas que hacer
- Millionaireās Row Cruise: Circle Star Island then continue past Palm, Hibiscus & the Venetian Islands.
- Photo Ops: Shoot skyline backdrops of Downtown/Brickell from the south/west side of the island.
- Combine Stops: Monument Island swim stop, Playa del Sur lunch, or sunset at South Pointe Park.
Rules & Safety
- Private docks & seawalls: No tying up or beaching. Keep music moderate near residences.
- Speeds: Idle/no-wake near shoreline and anchored vessels; give paddlecraft room.
- Anchoring: Do not anchor on seagrass. Avoid overnighting in designated limitation areas between the islands.
Quick FAQ
- Can I visit Star Island on foot? Itās a guarded residential island with no public parks or beaches. Best viewed from the water or MacArthur Causeway.
- Where exactly is it? In Biscayne Bay off the MacArthur Causeway, roughly at GPS
25.7775, ā80.1508
. - Is anchoring allowed? Daytime anchoring on sand outside channels is common away from the residential seawalls. Overnight anchoring is restricted in the waters between Palm & Star Islandsāuse other anchorages.
- What tour should I take? Any bay āMillionaireās Rowā cruise typically loops Star, Palm & Hibiscus Islands with skyline views.
Helpful references: Florida anchoring rules (2025 updates) and Miami-Dade Marine Patrol advisories.
About This Guide
Author & Reviewer: Fernando Yemail ā Miami lifestyle expert and founder of Fuera.Miami y Feeling Yachty, with first-hand experience curating South Florida waterfront guides and luxury yacht charters. See his profiles at Fuera.Miami y Feeling Yachty.
Editorial policy: We combine local expertise with official sources; pages are refreshed when regulations and conditions change.