Fisher Island Map

Description:

Description: This map shows where the island is located in Miami.

Description: This map shows where the island is located in Florida.

Fisher Island is an exclusive barrier island located just off the coast of Miami, Florida. It encompasses approximately 216 acres (0.87 km²) and is one of the wealthiest and most private communities in the United States. The island is accessible only by private boat, helicopter, or ferry, with no bridges connecting it to the mainland. This limited accessibility has contributed significantly to its reputation as an ultra-exclusive enclave.

Originally created in 1905 when Government Cut was dredged to provide access to the Port of Miami, Fisher Island was once owned by Dana A. Dorsey, who was Miami's first African American millionaire. In 1919, Carl G. Fisher, a prominent real estate developer, purchased the land from Dorsey, giving the island its current name. Perhaps the island's most famous owner was William K. Vanderbilt II, who acquired it in 1925 in a land swap with Fisher. Vanderbilt constructed a Mediterranean-style mansion that remains today as the centerpiece of the Fisher Island Club. The Vanderbilt Mansion and its surrounding grounds are now part of the island's luxury resort and serve as a testament to its storied past.

The island began its transformation into a residential community in the 1980s when development rights were purchased and construction of luxury condominiums commenced. Today, Fisher Island boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the United States, with average income per resident exceeding $2.5 million annually, according to a 2018 Bloomberg analysis. The island community consists primarily of multi-million dollar condominiums, limited luxury hotel accommodations, and approximately 800 residences.

Among its amenities, Fisher Island features a private Fisher Island Day School, the Fisher Island Club with its historic mansion, a championship golf course designed by P.B. Dye, a racquet club with 18 tennis courts, two deep-water marinas, and several fine dining establishments. The Vanderbilt Beach Club offers pristine beaches with imported Bahamian sand. The Spa Internazionale provides residents and guests with luxury wellness services.

Despite its small size, Fisher Island operates essentially as a self-contained community with its own post office, fire station, and security force. The island has no permanent commercial establishments open to the general public, further enhancing its exclusivity. According to the 2020 census, the island had a population of 561 permanent residents, though many properties are second or third homes for their owners who reside elsewhere for portions of the year.