Maiden Cay is one of the main islets off the shore of Port Royal Cays, Jamaica.[1] It is located in the northeast region of the reef, just south of its sister cay, Lime Cay.[2]

Maiden Cay
Maiden Cay is located in Jamaica
Maiden Cay
Maiden Cay is located in Caribbean
Maiden Cay
Geography
LocationCaribbean
Coordinates17°54′32″N 76°48′36″W / 17.90889°N 76.81000°W / 17.90889; -76.81000
ArchipelagoPort Royal Cays
Total islands8
Major islandsLime Cay Maiden Cay
Area0.02 km2 (0.0077 sq mi)
Administration
ParishKingston
NeighborhoodPort Royal
Demographics
Population0 (January, 2024)

Geography edit

Situated roughly 30 – 45 minutes by boat from Port Royal (Kingston, Jamaica), the islet sits within the South East Cay, which flows out into the Caribbean Sea.

Maiden Cay measures below 300 meters in length and below 100 meters in width, measuring between 1 and 2 ha in area. The majority of Maiden Cay is shoreline, and it is uninhabited.

Culture and history edit

Maiden Cay's mini-beach has served as a hotspot for recreation and socialization amongst Kingston locals and tourists for decades.[3][4] During Jamaica's "holiday season" (Summer and Christmas) it is common for Jamaican socialites to bring boats out to Maiden Cay, docking in a circular formation encircling the islet, and treat the main beach as a social hub.[5][6][7]

Celebrities and people of influence can often be spotted at Maiden Cay. In January 2024, electronic dance music superstar Diplo along with Major Lazer performed a private show in the islet.[8] In another instance, world-record athlete Usain Bolt was pictured enjoying festivities on the islet.[9]

References edit

  1. ^ Steers, J. A. (1940). "The Cays and the Palisadoes, Port Royal, Jamaica". Geographical Review. 30 (2): 279–296. doi:10.2307/210146. ISSN 0016-7428.
  2. ^ "Maiden Cay Beach, Jamaica - Know BEFORE You Go". sandee.com. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  3. ^ "Gov't closes Lime, Maiden cays following COVID breaches". jamaica-gleaner.com. 2020-12-28. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  4. ^ "Maiden Cay Beach, Jamaica - Know BEFORE You Go". sandee.com. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  5. ^ "Maiden Cay, Jamaica on Trippin". Trippin | Connecting Cultures Worldwide. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  6. ^ "Maiden Cay, Lime Cay closed". Jamaica Observer. 2020-12-28. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  7. ^ "Maiden, Lime Cay ordered closed for COVID breaches". jamaica-star.com. 2020-12-28. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  8. ^ MAJOR LAZER JAMAICA 2024 MAIDEN CAY & RIBBIZ AFTERPARTY 🇯🇲, retrieved 2024-01-10
  9. ^ "Usain Bolt -- Catch Me If You Can ... Crushes 3 Parties in One Day". TMZ. Retrieved 2024-01-10.