The reef rises as deeply undercut walls and steep slopes from very deep water with extensive stony and soft corals.

A navigation beacon built by Malaysia is at its southwest point and the highest visible rock is at the southeast end.

Safe anchorage is difficult to find, depending on the wind and currents, but there are sandy areas at the northwest and southwest ends.

The nearest reliable shelter for boats is the lagoon at Swallow Reef, 128 km (80 miles) to the northeast.

Malaysia previously claimed Louisa Reef and operated a small obelisk-like concrete navigational light beacon there.