Cobia Island | |
Location: | South Pacific |
Country: | Fiji |
Coordinates: | -16.75°N 179.9853°W |
Map: | Fiji |
Archipelago: | Ringgolds |
Timezone1: | UTC GMT +12 |
Cobia Island (also known as Thombia Island or Budd Island[1]) is an island in Fiji,[2] and is a member of the Ringgold Isles archipelago, which forms an outlier group to the northern island of Vanua Levu. It has a land area of 69.29 hectares. The island is shaped like a crescent moon.
Cobia Island is located within the Budd Reef and has a submerged volcanic crater with the highest elevation on the west side of the island.[3] The geological formations and the beach forests of the island contribute to its natural significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity and Action Plan.[4]
The island is a popular snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving location with a reported visibility under water of 120 feet or 36 meters.[5]
The island was considered a "conspicuous landmark" for navigators on ships sailing around and through the Fiji Islands.[6] The island and its surrounding reef were described in Alexander Agassiz's publication, The Islands and Coral Reefs of Fiji (1899).[7]