Étoile Cay was named after a ship used in Bougainville's famous voyage round the world, from 1766 to 1769.

It was explored and named by the Chevalier du Roslan in 1771.

The only vegetation is grass and low shrubs, fringed by a steep sandy beach.

[1] The island has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it is one of only three known locations in Seychelles which are nesting sites of Roseate terns (about 150 pairs).

All three species breed in dense colonies during the south-east monsoon season.