Ambergris Cay
Big Ambergris Cay is a private residential island and home to Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort, located within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Not to be confused with Ambergris Caye in Belize, Big Ambergris Cay is situated to the southeast of the main chain of the Caicos islands. Adjacent to Big Ambergris Cay is Little Ambergris Cay, which is an uninhabited natural reserve. Little Ambergris Cay is a unique and significant habitat for a wide range of birds and marine life. Big Ambergris Cay island is approximately four miles (6.4 kilometres) long, one mile (1.6 kilometres) wide, and 1,100 acres (4.5 km2) in total.
Big and Little Ambergris Cay pictured from the International Space Station | |
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Location of Big Ambergris Cay (top) and Little Ambergris Cay (bottom) within the Turks and Caicos Islands | |
Big Ambergris Cay Big Ambergris Cay | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 21°18′05.27″N 71°37′53.65″W |
| Archipelago | Lucayan Archipelago |
| Administration | |
United Kingdom Turks and Caicos Islands | |
| British Overseas Territory | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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| • Summer (DST) |
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| ISO code | TC |
The island was named for ambergris, a waxy substance that migrating sperm whales regurgitate and is prized as a fixative for perfume and cosmetic products. Ambergris used to wash up along the 8 miles (13 km) of island's shoreline but is rarely found on the island today.
Big Ambergris Cay is known for its shallow, turquoise waters. It is surrounded by sandbanks and coral reefs. To the east of the island, the water deepens as part of the Turks Island Passage. Big Ambergris Cay has been a private island since 1811 and is today home to Ambergris Cay, a private island offering an all-inclusive resort experience.