[1] It lies on an underwater mountain range which continues to Beata Island (about 12 km (6.5 nmi) away, separated by the Alto Velo Channel) and the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic.

It is located about 220 km (120 nmi) southwest of Santo Domingo, and 74 km (40 nmi) south of Pedernales, making it the southernmost point of the Dominican Republic, a distinction sometimes claimed by Beata Island.

Alto Velo and Beata Islands belong to the Jaragua National Park,[3][4] the largest protected area in the Caribbean region.

[6] In 1863, the Confederate commerce raider CSS Alabama captured and burned at sea the Boston-based schooner Chatelaine off the coast of Alto Velo Island.

"[9] Dominican officials authorized foreign concessionaires to mine guano from the island until the early 20th century, when synthetic fertilizers became common.