Cayos Arcas

The Cayos Arcas is a chain of three tiny sand cays and an accompanying reef system in the Gulf of Mexico. It is located approximately 130 kilometers from the mainland, west of Campeche.

The chain is uninhabited and lacks structures except for a lighthouse located on one of the islands. Vegetation on the islands is sparse, consisting of sand shrubs and grasses. It currently serves as a navigational marker. An extensive chain of oil stations on the Arcas' reef system is located to the south of the islands. The Arcas rigs are currently among the largest oil producers in the gulf in terms of output.

The Arcas chain was often used for military operations in the Gulf during 19th century. A naval flotilla from the Republic of Texas briefly occupied the island during action in the Republic of Yucatán rebellion. During the American Civil War the famous Confederate raider CSS Alabama used the remote chain as a rendezvous point to be resupplied while conducting operations in the gulf.