It is separated by Santaren Channel from the Great Bahama Bank, the western rim of which is 50 km (31 mi) to the east.

[2] The westernmost tip of Andros is the second closest point of land, approximately 145 km (90 mi) east of Cay Sal Bank.

[3] Cay Sal Bank has numerous islets along its rim, except along the south side facing Nicholas Channel, where it has only rocky coral heads.

[10] The abandoned lighthouse was briefly reactivated during the 1970s, when the Royal Bahamas Defence Force set up a post on nearby Cay Sal Island to watch for drug smugglers.

[10][12] Currently Cay Sal Bank is known for its many scuba diving spots,[10] but good weather is needed in order to approach the reefs without danger.

[13] Ancient maps and nautical charts show Los Roques or Elbow Cays with or without the Placer or Pracel to the east.