The center of the reef is a shallow depression called Nuka Lagoon. Thus, the island resembles Aranuka in being between a reef island and a true atoll. The land mass occupies fully a third or more of the shallow reef structure and is positioned mostly towards the northeast edge of the reef. In maximum dimension the islet is 13.9 km long, and varies in width between 0.5 and 2.9 km. Extensive spit development has created the nearly enclosed Tabiang Lagoon at the north end.
Mangroves are present here.
A small lagoon or barachois at the northern tip is surrounded by man-made fishponds, as is a similar feature at the south end of the islet. A 3 km long barachois with extensive mangroves occupies the interior south of Nuka Lagoon. A causeway is present across the inlet mouth and a landing strip is present on the interior flats. Return to top Climate Return to top Travel to Tabiteuea By Air Kiribati from Tarawa, or by Kiribati Shipping Corporation from Tarawa. Yachts may call travelling southwards having entered Kiribati at Tarawa.