Ambergris Cay

Ambergris Cays are a group of small islands within the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are situated to the south of the main chain of the Caicos islands. The largest islands are Big Ambergris Cay and Small Ambergris Cay. It was named for valuable deposits of ambergris, a waxy substance that migrating humpback whales secrete, found on the 8 miles (13 km) of shoreline. The island is approximately four miles long, one mile (1.6 km) wide, and 1,100 acres (4.5 km) in total. It was uninhabited until 1997, but has a small population today. It has been privately owned since 1811.