Norman Island | The Original Treasure Island

Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands is full of natural beauty and rich history. When visiting this paradise on a luxurious yacht charter, immerse yourself in turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and intriguing history. The island is uninhabited and privately owned.

A Glimpse into Norman Island’s History

Legends and lore surround Norman Island, with tales of pirates and hidden treasure adding to its mystique. Believed to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Treasure Island,” this island has long captured the imagination of adventurers.

It is rumored that the island was a haven for pirates in centuries past. They used its caves and coves to stash their plundered treasures. The allure of Norman Island’s past continues to captivate visitors to this day. The island may have been named after a pirate who bought it sometime during the early 18th century.

Weather

The weather is always warm on the island, with an average high temperature of 86 °F and an average low temperature of 78 °F. The windiest month is July, and the rainiest month is October.

Norman Island | Things to See and Do

Although Norman Island is small and uninhabited, there are still plenty of things to see and do.

Fine Dining and Drinks

After a day of adventure, indulge in a gourmet dining experience at one of the island’s upscale restaurants. Norman Island is primarily famous for its natural beauty and historical significance rather than its culinary scene. However, there are a couple of places on the island where you can enjoy food and drinks:

Pirates Bight Restaurant & Bar. Pirates Bight Restaurant & Bar offers casual dining on the island’s southwestern shore. It also provides a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea.

Enjoy a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, burgers, salads, and tropical cocktails. The restaurant often hosts live music events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

The Club at Norman Island: This establishment offers a more upscale dining experience compared to Pirates Bight. The Club at Norman Island serves gourmet cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Indulge in dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding waters.

Have drinks on the water at the legendary floating bar The Willy T. Have dinner at the William Thornton, a floating restaurant named for the architect of the US Capitol building.

Snorkel and Scuba Dive

Snorkel or dive into the Norman Island Caves. The Caves consist of three caves at the water level in the rocky cliffs right around the corner from The Bight. Here, you can snorkel among tropical fish and swim in the narrow caverns.

The caves are famous for their buried treasure stories. They are even better known for their spectacular snorkeling adventures. Hundreds of orange-cup coral, as well as red sponges, cover the cave walls.

Hike Norman Island

Hike around the island. Although Norman Island is small, it has almost 12 miles of fantastic walking trails.

Search for Treasure

Play pirate for a day and search for buried treasure. You never know what you may find!

There have been several accounts of treasure being found or hidden on Norman Island, dating back to the 18th century. One of the most famous stories involves a Spanish galleon named Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The ship was carrying a large cargo of silver coins and other valuables.

The crew mutinied and took some of the treasure to Norman Island, where they buried it in various locations. Some of it was later recovered by the authorities, but some may have remained undiscovered.

Another legend claims that a fisherman found a chest of gold doubloons in a cave after a storm had dislodged it from the rocks. He and his family allegedly became wealthy and moved to St. Thomas. However, this story has never been verified.

There may still be some treasures on Norman Island. But they are very well hidden and protected by the island’s owners and the law.

Marinas

Many mooring buoys near the island are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Your captain may call ahead to ensure there is a buoy available.