Norman Island
Since 1843, various legends have deemed Norman Island the site of buried treasure. Measuring 2mi/3.2km in length and 0.5mi/0.8km in width, Norman Island is the largest uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands. Lying 6mi/10km southwest of Tortola, the anchorage at the Bight, known for good snorkelling, is usually crowded with sailboats, swimmers and dinghies.
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Apart from the beaches at the Bight and Benures Bay on the east side of Norman Island, the terrain is mostly undeveloped and impenetrable. There is a hiking trail between the Bight and Spyglass Hill, however it is not always cleared and there is a chance of meeting wild goats and cattle along the path.
Related Attractions
Santa Monica Rock
Lying 1mi/1.6km south of Norman Island, Santa Monica rock is one of the prime dive sites in the British Virgin Islands, featuring a pinnacle reaching 100ft/30m. Since the rock lies on the outer edge of the island chain it is a good place to spot larger open ocean fish such as nurse sharks or spotted eagle rays. The BVI National Parks Trust has set up moorings here.
Treasure Caves
The underwater Treasure Caves at Norman Island are believed to be the place Robert Louis Stevenson had in mind when writing Treasure Island. The four caves offer ideal snorkelling and diving, and one of the caves extends 80ft/24m under the island, replicating the conditions of a night dive.
