[1][2] Prickly Pear Cays were classified as 'wildlands' by the "Eastern Caribbean Natural Area Management Programme" (ECNAMP).

The cays are characterized by Early Miocene reefal limestone positioned upon Eocene-Oligocene volcanic rocks.

They are accessible from Road Bay, Anguilla (6 miles (9.7 km) to its north) and Saint Martin either by catamaran or sail boat.

[2] Another rocky protrusion, known as Flirt Rocks, is situated north of Prickly Pear Cays.

The layered stratigraphic formation is inferred to be due to "successive deposits by the tides or overflows from a troubled sea.

Prickly pear, pope's head cactus and sea grape are the dominant plants.

Other common plants are mauby bark, milky thorn, lignum vitae, sage cop, loblolly, nicker tree (only on Prickly Pear East), cockspur and balsam bush.

[7] Marine fauna in the reef area include schooling goatfish, crabs, lobsters, barracuda, angelfish, groupers, squirrelfish, butterflyfish, tarpon, mangrove snapper and grunts.

Thatch roofed structures provide the ambience for the vistas of the turquoise blue seas which attract visitors to the cays.

[2] Snorkelling and diving are possible in the East Cay amidst the coral reefs,[12] with several sunken ships in the area.