“Treasure Island” – Norman Isle

It is believed that the tiny Norman Isle was the inspiration behind the Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island first published in 1883. The tiny isle sits just south of Tortola across the Drake Channel and east of St. John and is reachable only by renting a private boat.

Norman Isle is now deserted except for sea birds and some small animals, but it used to serve as a pirate den where ships would anchor. The island is now home to a series of caves that are considered to be some of the best snorkeling spots in the British Virgin Islands. Highlights include colorful fish and coral, and you may even spot small octopus, squid and eels. Legend has it that the southernmost cave of the island is where Stevenson’s character Mr. Fleming stowed his prized treasure. Brave hikers can also explore the island by hiking through the scrubland to reach Spy Glass Hill, the island’s central ridge.

There are many boat rental companies on Tortola that will rent catamarans and a skipper for an additional charge. To keep costs down, travel to the island in groups of four or five.