A wooded mountain range runs through the length of the island, with the summit, Mount Riu (806 metres or 2,644 feet) near the center.

The most important peaks of the range are, from west to east: Most of Tagula island has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) but the main settlement of Tagula, located in the northernmost and driest part of the island, has a tropical monsoon climate (Am).

The first recorded sighting by Europeans of Vanatinai Island was by the Spanish expedition of Luís Vaez de Torres on 14 July 1606.

Many visiting yachts and local trading boats use this protected anchorage.

The island has an airport, code (IATA-Code „TGL“) for public transport, near Tagula village.