It is located in the Gulf of Paria, approximately 2 kilometres off the main island of Trinidad from Point Gourde.

Rock was named after its physical characteristics,[2] due its small size and sparse vegetation.

During Trinidad and Tobago's time as a Spanish colony up until 1818, the island was not believed to be inhabited.

Its first documented usage was its leasing to wealthy private citizens by the Government in the early 19th century for use as a holiday home.

[5] By 1888, the island was being used as a quarantine depot for first-class passengers of ships that may have highly contagious diseases.