These are the first pictures of a newly-formed volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean.

The new island began forming off the coast of Tonga last month, with experts believing a volcano exploded underwater before expanding into the island.

Three men have now climbed to the highest point on the new island and taken these extraordinary pictures.

Three men from nearby Tonga ventured onto the new island at the weekend (
Image:
CNES 2015, Distribution Airbus DS)

As reported by the Telegraph, the men, who visited the island on Saturday, said the surface was still hot and a lake in on had a strong smell of sulphur.

One of the men, GP Orbassano, told Tonga's Matangi Online: "It was a perfect day, with fantastic views – bright blue sky and the sea was the same colour as the sky.

The island is about one mile long and is expected to disappear back into the ocean within months (
Image:
CNES 2015, Distribution Airbus DS)

"There are thousands of seabirds – all kinds, laying eggs on the island."

The island is about one-mile long and is about forty miles from Tonga's capital.

Despite its impressive look, it is thought the island will disappear back into the sea within months.