Islands / Landmark · Classic Vice City (1986)

Starfish Island

Overview

Starfish Island is Vice City’s most exclusive address — a man-made island of luxury mansions, manicured lawns, and the kind of wealth that doesn’t need to prove itself. This is where the Diaz estate sits. This is where Tommy Vercetti builds his empire.

Starfish Island is the prize. When Tommy kills Ricardo Diaz and takes his mansion, Starfish Island becomes the Vercetti Estate — the heart of Tommy’s criminal empire. Every time you save your game there, walk through those marble halls, or stand on the balcony overlooking the bay, you’re standing in a dead man’s dream.

In the Game

The Vercetti Estate (formerly the Diaz Mansion) is the most important location in Vice City. It features a safehouse with weapon pickups, a helipad, a garage, and the iconic main hall where the final showdown with Sonny Forelli takes place.

The mansion is a direct homage to Tony Montana’s mansion in Scarface — from the grand staircase to the ‘The World Is Yours’ atmosphere.

Then vs Now

Starfish Island in 1986 was the peak of Vice City excess — a private island of mega-mansions built on drug money. In GTA 6’s modern Leonida, the equivalent still exists, but the mansions are bigger, security is tighter, and the money is more diversified.

Real-World Inspiration

Based on Star Island, Miami Beach — a man-made oval island with 35 lots, each worth $20-100+ million.

Residents have included Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Star Island is accessible via a single bridge, making it both exclusive and isolating — perfect for a siege.

Trivia

  • The Vercetti Estate is a direct homage to Tony Montana’s mansion in Scarface.
  • Star Island Miami has only 35 residential lots, each worth tens of millions.
  • The mansion staircase is where the final confrontation with Sonny Forelli takes place.

Region: Vice City Bay | Real-World: Star Island, Miami | Era: Classic Vice City (1986)

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