Norman Island

British Virgin Islands

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Since 1843, legend has told that treasure is buried on Norman Island, supposedly the prototype for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It fits the bill: Norman is the BVI’s largest uninhabited landmass – though that may soon change. Plans are afoot for a US$200-million environmentally conscious luxury resort and residential property here. For now, adventurers come to visit the island's one establishment, Pirates Bight, an open-air pavilion on the beach with loud music and a party-hearty crowd.

If you don't have your own boat, call Pirates Bight and ask about the ferry (round-trip US$20).

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Palm tree and rocks at The Baths beach.

    The Baths

    13.38 MILES

    This collection of sky-high boulders marks a national park and the BVI’s most popular attraction. The rocks – volcanic-lava leftovers from some 70 million…

  • British Virgin Islands, Tortola Island, Sage Mountain National Park, epiphytes and tropical vegetation

    Sage Mountain National Park

    7.19 MILES

    At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…

  • Bay beach, Magens Bay, Magens, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

    Magens Bay

    20.76 MILES

    The sugary mile that fringes Magens Bay, 3 miles north of Charlotte Amalie, makes almost every travel publication’s list of beautiful beaches. The seas…

  • Checking out the underwater wildlife in Leinster Bay on Cruz Bay.

    Leinster Bay

    7.88 MILES

    This bay adjoins the Annaberg mill ruins. Park in the plantation’s lot and follow the trail along the water for 25 minutes. Some of St John’s best…

  • Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins

    Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins

    8.48 MILES

    Part of the national park, this site near Leinster Bay is home to the most intact sugar-plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. A 30-minute self-directed…

  • Honeymoon Beach

    Honeymoon Beach

    22.72 MILES

    Water Island’s palm-lined main attraction offers fine swimming and snorkeling in calm, shallow water. A couple of beach bars sell drinks, sandwiches and…

  • Cane Garden Bay

    Cane Garden Bay

    8.14 MILES

    Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…

  • Savannah Bay

    Savannah Bay

    16.04 MILES

    A short distance north of the Valley, Savannah Bay features more than a mile of white sand. Except for the beaches of Anegada, no other shore provides…

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Nearby British Virgin Islands attractions

1. Peter Island

3.5 MILES

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2. Salt Pond Bay

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Salt Pond Bay provides decent snorkeling in calm water. Keep an eye out for turtles. Two dandy trails take off from the beach's southern end: the Ram Head…

3. Salt Island

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4. Queen Elizabeth Park

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5. Old Government House

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Standing at the extreme south end of Main St like an imperial symbol, this whitewashed manor (once the home of England’s governor of the BVI) is a classic…

6. Sage Mountain National Park

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At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…

8. HMS Prison

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Located at the heart of Main St, these stark, white rubble walls date to the 18th century and mark the oldest building in Road Town. The prison sits empty…