Norman Island

Norman Island is an uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands, located off the southwest coast of Tortola. It is noted for nearshore caves, rock pinnacles and sheltered anchorages that attract day-visiting yachts and dive boats.

The island’s main attractions are short boat-accessible snorkel and dive sites - most famously a set of sea caves and rock formations on the lee side that are reached by tender or dinghy. The shallow reefs and walls close to the island are popular with recreational divers and snorkellers.

Historically the island is part of the BVI archipelago and features in local maritime lore; it is commonly referenced as a putative inspiration for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. There are no permanent settlements on the island and visitor activity is almost entirely marine-based.

Norman Island lies in the southern part of the British Virgin Islands, southwest of Tortola and near other small islands used as day anchorages by charter yachts.

• Literary association and visitor use: Norman Island is frequently cited in local lore as an inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and is a regular day-visit stop for yachts cruising the British Virgin Islands.

What to See #

• The Caves: A network of coastal caves on the island's lee side that are among the most popular snorkel and dive sites in the area; they are accessed by dinghy or small boat from anchored yachts.
• The Indians / rock pinnacles: Nearshore, steep volcanic rock pinnacles and low islets that produce coral growth and attract snorkelers; these features are commonly referred to by visiting sailors and divers.