The island is V-shaped with its northern coast indented by Kozma Cove.

Surface area is 3.12 square kilometres (1.20 sq mi).

[1] The island was discovered on 15 October 1819 by Captain William Smith in the English merchant brig Williams during his second visit to the islands.

The anchorage Blythe Bay at the southeast side of Desolation Island was frequented by the early nineteenth century English and American sealers.

The island's midpoint is located at 62°27′27.9″S 60°20′48.3″W / 62.457750°S 60.346750°W / -62.457750; -60.346750, with the island lying 6.9 km (4.3 mi) northwest of Kotis Point, 8.7 km (5.4 mi) west of Williams Point and 9.7 km (6.0 mi) north-northeast of Siddins Point.