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The Opportunity
Rarely does one have the chance to own something of real cultural value. Norman Island is such an opportunity.
As the inspiration for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, Norman Island, with its immense natural beauty and historical ties to the Golden Age of Piracy, has played a major role in defining our collective understanding of the Caribbean. However, the real treasure is the island itself. With approvals in place for a low-density master plan, Norman Island represents an extraordinary blank canvas to create your own adventure, spin your own tales, and establish a legacy for generations to come.
Destination Capital, a Denver based investment bank, is advising Audubon Holdings on the sale of Norman Island.
A Treasured Island
Tucked away among the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island is a land of myth and natural wonder. Its 610 uninhabited acres feature lush forests, towering vistas, protected bays, world-class recreation, and miles of picturesque beaches in secluded, pristine coves.
View Island
Location
Located at the most southwestern point of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island is a true hideaway.
Nestled within the heart of the Caribbean, Norman Island boasts roughly 610 acres of native, uninhabited terrain. The island is currently a well-known boating and yachting destination attracting diving, fishing, and treasure-hunting enthusiasts from around the world.
Norman Island is reached through daily, direct flights into St. Thomas (USVI) or Tortola (BVI), the closest large islands, with Virgin Gorda (BVI) just a bit farther away. Both feature nonstop airlift from key US feeder markets. It is one of the Little Sisters, including Pelican Island, Peter Island, Salt Island, Dead Chest Island, and Ginger Island.
About the Island
Norman Island offers one of the safest and most scenic harbors in the British Virgin Islands. The anchorage is known as The Bight and offers more than 100 moorings for guest use. The island also is convenient to many of the BVI’s most coveted snorkeling and SCUBA spots, including The Caves, Spyglass, Ringdove Rock, and The Indians. Finally, its numerous hiking trails, popular restaurant, lively floating bar, and breathtaking white sand beach have made it one of the Caribbean’s most popular private destinations.
ACRES
MOORINGS
BAYS
ACRES PROTECTED BAY(THE BIGHT)
MILES OF PRISTINE COASTLINE
MILES OF RIDGELINE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS
Entitlements to develop 125 residential units and 3 hotels
Approved Master Plan
Norman Island has approvals in place for a low-density master plan, featuring a wide variety of residential, hospitality, and recreational opportunities. This includes 125 homesites ranging from 1 to 1.5 acres and three hotels, making Norman Island ideal for a branded-residence community. Other approved elements include a private owner’s marina, beachfront and harbor-front homesites, preserved natural areas with integrated trail system, and an expedited customs experience reserved solely for owners and their guests. Read the full master-plan description here.
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History
Long before Robert Lewis Stevenson penned his story, Norman Island was steeped in pirate lore. Its documented history dates to 1750 when the crew of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe mutinied and buried 55 chests of silver coins on the island. Portions of the treasure were later discovered by residents of Tortola as well as Gilbert Fleming, lieutenant general of the Leeward Islands. The historical record ends here; however, according to local legend, a fisherman taking refuge in the caves along Norman Island’s western coast discovered a small chest filled with gold doubloons. This story has never been verified. Yet, rumors of buried treasure persist today.
Experiences +
Hidden Treasure
01
Pirate's Bight
A one-of-a-kind beachfront restaurant and bar, Pirate's Bight is perched on a spectacular white-sand beach in the Caribbean’s most scenic natural harbor. It offers excellent, classic fare, flavorful cocktails, fine wine, and a fun, laidback atmosphere. There's even a spa to help you really unwind.
02
The Caves
Legend says gold doubloons may lie buried in these caves located just outside The Bight, but the real treasure may be the world-class snorkeling you’ll find here. Many say its calm, clear waters and abundant fish make it the best snorkel spot in the BVI.
03
The Indians
Another popular snorkeling spot, The Indians, named for the giant, 60-foot-rock formations, provides excellent deepwater snorkeling when conditions allow. On one side, divers will find incredible coral formations along a wall that plunges to the seafloor 40 feet below. The other side offers acres of shallow-water snorkeling with abundant tropical fish.
04
Santa Monica Rock
Just off the southeast tip of Norman Island, Santa Monica Rock (named for the schooner that pierced its hull on the submerged rock) is a terrific experience for advanced divers. Those who brave the currents and waves may be rewarded by seeing nurse and reef sharks, green turtles, mackerel, and more.
05
Money Bay Trail
Money Bay Trail begins and ends at The Bight. It is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back moderately challenging route that primarily runs along the island’s spine, offering sweeping views in all directions.
06
Spyglass Wall
Located on the north end of the island beneath a hill where pirates once kept watch for merchant ships, Spyglass Wall offers a beginner-friendly, wall-diving experience with depths from 20 to 60 feet. The wall is home to a litany of sea life including tarpon, eagle rays, turtles, grouper, and stingrays.
07
Spyglass Hill Trail
Beginning at The Bight, the Spyglass Hill Trail initially follows the same route as the Money Bay Trail until it splits to the northeast. Slightly shorter at 2.5 miles, it is an out-and-back route that leads to a dramatic overlook from which pirates once kept watch for potential plunder.
