The 0.73-square-kilometre (180-acre) island lies in the Storhaug borough, about 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) northeast of the centre of the city of Stavanger in an archipelago.

Vassøy had 702 inhabitants (in 2016)[1] who all live along the western shore of the island; the eastern side is more rugged and wooded.

[2] The only access to the island is by private boats or the regular ferry route administered by Kolumbus that goes from Vassøy to the city centre.

A bridge or tunnel connecting Vassøy to either Bjørnøy or Roaldsøy has been heavily debated, but a conclusion has not been set.

Kolumbus has said that if this were to finish construction, then they will cease to continue their services available to the Vassøy population like they have already to other islands who have gotten bridges.