Norman Island Island
Caribbean island famed for caves and snorkeling
In the British Virgin Islands cruising grounds, Norman Island attracts sailors and day-trippers for cave snorkelling, sheltered anchorages and short hikes among islets on popular yacht routes.
Norman Island at a Glance#
About 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.
How to Get to Norman Island#
Norman Island is reached by boat from nearby islands in the British Virgin Islands, commonly from Tortola (Road Town) or Virgin Gorda. Regular daycharter boats, private charters and crewed yachts include Norman Island as a standard stop on sailing itineraries; expect a 30-60 minute trip depending on departure point and sea conditions.
Tips for Visiting Norman Island#
- Bring snorkeling gear for Treasure Point - coral is healthy but currents can be strong; local operators know safe entry points.
- Visit during the morning for calmer seas and better visibility for wreck dives.
- Respect private moorings and local fishermen's areas - some beaches are used for subsistence fishing.
Best Time to Visit Norman Island#
Best in the Caribbean high season (December-April) for calm seas and good visibility, though shoulder months are pleasant and less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Norman Island#
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1122 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 43 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 78 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 122 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 76 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 115 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 141 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 136 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 141 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
