Cay vs. Islet — What's the Difference?

A cay ( or ), also spelled caye or key, is a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef. Cays occur in tropical environments throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans (including in the Caribbean and on the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef).

An islet is a very small island. Most definitions are not precise, but some suggest that an islet has little or no vegetation, and cannot support human habitation.

A small, low island composed largely of coral or sand.

A very small island

A small, low island largely made of sand or coral.

A small island.

See Key, a ledge.

(biology) An isolated piece of tissue that has a specific function.

A coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

A little island.

A small island