The Unique Beauty and Lore of the Peter and Norman Islands

Norman Island is an island at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands archipelago. No one knows for sure how Norman Island got its name, but there is documented history of pirate treasure being found on the island back in the eighteenth century. It is said that this island was named after Captain Norman, a pirate who was eventually apprehended and hanged by the Spanish Guarda Costas, the historical coast guard of Puerto Rico. Many rumors refer to the islands piratical past and some say Robert Louis Stevenson used the island as inspiration for his novel, “Treasure Island”.

Today the island is uninhabited and privately owned with no permanent residents other than goats. It is about 600 acres in area and about 2.5 miles long. A large harbour known as the Bight offers one of the most protected anchorages in the area, and hosts a beach restaurant called “Pirates” and the world-famous William Thornton “Willy T” a floating bar and restaurant.

Norman Island is a well-known destination for visitors because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight. The caves are ideal for snorkeling, and are often home to schools of small fish and have colourful cup corals and sponges on their walls.

Peter Island at 1,800 acres is the largest private island located in the BVI and the fifth largest of those islands. It lies about 5 miles south of Tortola. The island was named after Pieter Adriensen who was the brother of Abraham Adriensen, Patron of Tortola under the Dutch West India Company in the early 17th century.

The island’s biggest beach is Deadman’s Bay, a mile-long crescent beach shaded by palm trees. Deadman’s Bay is said to be named for pirates that were marooned on neighboring Dead Chest island and subsequently drowned swimming to Peter Island, their bodies washed up on shore. When snorkeling at Deadman’s Bay, you might be lucky enough to see Green turtles and Spotted Eagle Rays.