Mont-Saint-Michel dominates the 193 square miles (500 km²) of the bay 557 ft (170 m) above sea level. The distances get confusing at low tide, and Tombelaine Island, 1.86 miles (3 km) away, often seems closer to visitors. The various arms of water remaining on the sand pitch form other obstacles to cross while taking into consideration a high tide returning quickly (3.7 mph/ 6 km/h).