If you go from Miami to Miami Beach you will see them, they are tiny islands with adjoining mansions of luxury and power bordering their coastline. The residences are to “take away the hiccups”. The islands located just two miles from one of the main bridges that lead to Miami Beach, give the impression of being very far from one’s reach since they seem dreamy, with their great yachts parked in their docks. These artificial islets of sand dredged from the bay have witnessed much of Miami’s history, parties we never knew existed. Among the celebrities who have had or have a home on these islands are Madonna, Al Capone and Gloria Estefan. The father of Barbara Walters, the serious American journalist had a nightclub here…. Let’s take a tour of these islets and give free rein to your imagination because surely it will fall short….

1. Fisher Island

Fisher Island according to the 2010 census has the highest per capita income in the United States, if as you hear it, this is considering the entire country. There are only 226 houses and 132 people. The island was created in 1905 as a result of dredging. Carl Fisher, a real estate millionaire, bought it from Dana Dorsey, the first African-American woman in South Florida to become a millionaire. In 1925 William Kissam Vanderbilt II, exchanged a luxury yacht for the title of the island. After Vanderbilt’s death in 1944, the property went from potentate to potentate until 1960 when it was sold in a real estate transaction. Yacio undeveloped until 1980 date in which they built with an architecture that imitated the mansions that were there during the 20s.

In reality the island is only 3 miles from the mainland, but those who live there gave up making a bridge and thus be able to control who enters and leaves the island, which is de facto, an exclusive private club. Fisher Island can only be entered by invitation and for this you have to wait for a ferry in which you and your car ride, but not before submitting to a long and detailed interrogation of the guard. On the island there is a hotel, mansions, several apartment buildings, a private marina and an observatory. Among those who have homes there are Oprah Winfrey, Mel Brooks and Boris Becer.

2. Star Island

This island arose in 1922 as a result of a sand dredging done by the Army Corps of Engineers. It also belonged to Carl Fisher who hoped it would serve as a welcome center for visitors to the city of Miami Beach. Contrary to what is thought, this island like the others are public neighborhoods and you do not need an address or permit to enter, you just have to go through the guard’s checkpoint that should not object to you. Of course, if you plan to bathe in the bay you will not be able to because there is no public access to the water and only one public street surrounds the immense mansions. Among the celebrities who have a home on this island are Madonna, Paulina Rubio, Alex Rodriguez, Sylvester Stallone, Shaquille O’Neal and of course Gloria Estefan.

3. Palm Island

Palm Island and Hibiscus Island are twin islands, each with its own personality but very similar. Like the other two islands, Palm Island is located in Biscayne Bay and arose as a result of dredging. Located just south of Hibiscus Island, this island has exclusive and very expensive properties. It is only reached by sea or by a bridge. This islet has witnessed the life and adventures of many celebrities.

4. Hibiscus Island

Like the other Hibiscus Islands it was created in 1922 following a sand dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers. During the 1930s, during the Great Depression, this island and Palm Island became home to celebrities such as Al Capone. In the 40s and 50s in these two islands the famous nightclub was established, “Latin Quarter Night Club” that belonged to Lou Walters, father of the journalist Barbara Walters. Artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr and Tony Bennett performed at this night club.