Star Island is the most-photographed yacht route in Miami — a man-made island in Biscayne Bay studded with celebrity-owned mansions, all visible from the water. A private yacht tour past Star Island, Hibiscus Island, and Palm Island runs $800-$2,500 USD for 4 hours depending on yacht size, and it’s 20 minutes from any Miami marina.
This guide breaks down what you’ll actually see, which marinas to depart from, USD pricing tiers, and how to time the cruise for the best photos.
Whose houses are on Star Island?
Star Island has been a celebrity address since the 1920s. As of 2026, current and past residents you can see from the water include:
- P. Diddy (Sean Combs) — large white-and-blue compound on the west side.
- Gloria & Emilio Estefan — Mediterranean-style estate, original owners since the 1990s.
- Shaquille O’Neal (former resident) — massive waterfront property, sold but landmark.
- Don Johnson (former) — classic Miami Vice-era estate.
- Phil Collins (former) — sold for a record $33M.
- Rosie O’Donnell (former) — modern white mansion on the east side.
Hibiscus Island (adjacent, smaller) has fewer celebrity homes but several spectacular modern builds. Palm Island, the third in the chain, leans residential-luxury without the celebrity factor.
Reality check
Captains don’t go closer than ~50m from any home — Miami marine police enforce. You’ll see the houses clearly but can’t dock or get out. This is a cruise-by tour, not a walk-through.
Departure marinas
Three marinas in Miami all reach Star Island in 15-25 minutes:
- Miami River Marina (downtown / Brickell) — 20-min cruise via the river out to Biscayne Bay. Bonus: you pass the Brickell skyline.
- Sea Isle Marina (Edgewater) — most direct route, 15 min straight across. Best if you want max time at Star Island.
- Bayside Marina (downtown waterfront) — 18-min route. Most convenient for cruise-ship visitors or downtown Miami hotel guests.
USD pricing tiers
Star Island tours work on any size yacht. Pick by group size and comfort:
- 26-38 ft sport boats — $800-$1,200 USD / 4hr. Up to 6 guests. Snug but works for couples and small groups.
- 40-55 ft motor yachts — $1,200-$2,500 USD / 4hr. Up to 13 guests (USCG cap). Sweet spot — comfortable, room to walk around.
- 55-75 ft premium — $2,500-$4,000 USD / 4hr. Same 13-guest cap but multiple decks, indoor salon. Best for hot/rainy days.
Add-on worth it
A 2-hour Star Island loop is fine but feels rushed. We recommend 4 hours so you can also hit Stiltsville (30 min south) or Haulover sandbar (45 min north) on the same charter.
Best time of day for photos
Light makes or breaks Instagram shots of celebrity homes. We’ve run hundreds of these tours — here’s the rank:
- Golden hour (1 hour before sunset): warm light hits the west-facing homes (Diddy, Estefan). Best photos overall.
- Late morning (10am-noon): even, bright light. Good for video. Less moody than golden hour.
- Sunset (last 30 min): dramatic but homes get backlit and dark. Better for skyline shots than home detail.
- Midday (1-3pm): harsh light, contrast issues. Avoid if photos matter.
Add Stiltsville or Haulover
Star Island alone is ~90 minutes of actual cruising. If you contracted 4 hours, you have time for a second stop:
- Stiltsville (30 min south of Star Island): 7 historic wood houses on stilts in Biscayne Bay, built 1930s-60s as private fishing camps. Pure South Florida photo gold.
- Haulover Sandbar (45 min north): the famous Miami party sandbar. Anchor, swim, vibe. Saturday/Sunday it gets crowded — go on weekdays if you prefer chill.
- Stay in Star Island longer: do a slow loop, drop anchor 100m off the island, swim, then re-cruise. Good if photo content is the goal.
How to book
WhatsApp +52 56 3954 1062 (bilingual English/Spanish team) with date, group size, departure preference, and which stops you want. We confirm yacht options and a USD quote within an hour. 50% deposit locks the date, balance at the marina on charter day. Want to combine? Read our Stiltsville yacht tour guide or the broader Miami yacht charter guide.