Cobia Island
Island in the Ringgold Isles, Fiji
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Native name: Thombia | |
|---|---|
  Cobia | |
| Geography | |
| Location | South Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 16.4622363°S 179.675957°W |
| Archipelago | Ringgold Isles |
| Area | 0.69 km2 (0.27 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Division | Eastern Division |
| Province | Cakaudrove |
| Tikina | Wainikeli |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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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]
History
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]
