NORMAN ISLAND

• VGNIS
• Latitude: 18.3176
• Longitude: -64.6151
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in British Virgin Islands

Location: British Virgin Islands

Norman Island Marine Port Overview

Norman Island is a small island located at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The island is renowned for its marine attractions, which include stunning anchorages, snorkeling sites, and historical pirate lore. Here's a detailed description and specification of Norman Island as a marine port:

General Information:

• Location: Southern tip of the British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Sea
• Coordinates: Approximately 18.3167° N latitude, 64.6167° W longitude
• Accessibility: Primarily by boat; no airport or paved roads

Port Facilities:

• Anchorage:
  • The Bight: Main anchorage area on the north side of the island. It is well-sheltered from prevailing winds.
  • Private Moorings: Available for a fee, providing secure mooring options.
• Docking:
  • Limited to smaller vessels; no large commercial docks or deep-water berths.
  • Dinghy docks available for accessing onshore facilities.
• Depth:
  • The Bight: Average depth of 4 to 12 meters (13 to 39 feet)
  • Mooring Field: Varies, typically accommodating vessels with up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) draft.

Services:

• Fuel and Water: Not available directly on Norman Island. Nearest fueling station is in Tortola.
• Maintenance: Basic maintenance services available; extensive repairs would require heading to larger islands like Tortola.
• Electricity: Not available for visiting yachts.
• Waste Disposal: Limited facilities; visitors are encouraged to carry waste to larger ports.

Navigation:

• Approach: Careful navigation required due to surrounding reefs and shoals.
• Charts: Admiralty Chart 2007 or Imray-Iolaire Chart A231 is recommended.
• Communication: VHF Radio is commonly used for communication; key channels include 16 for hailing and 68 for local marina services.

Onshore Facilities:

• Restaurants and Bars:
  • Pirates Bight Restaurant & Bar: Offers food, drinks, and a beachside experience.
  • The Club: A larger restaurant offering more upscale dining.
• Accommodation: Limited to those arriving by boat; no hotels or resorts.
• Activities:
  • Snorkeling: Caves and reefs around the island are popular spots.
  • Hiking: Limited trails offering scenic views of the island and surrounding waters.
  • Historical Sites: The island is believed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Treasure Island."

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Weather: The region is subject to hurricanes from June to November; monitoring weather updates is crucial.
• Marine Life: Rich biodiversity; areas may be protected, so adherence to conservation guidelines is important.
• Security: Generally safe, but standard maritime precautions should be followed.

Nearby Ports:

• Tortola (Road Town): The main port with extensive facilities including customs and immigration, provisioning, and full-service marinas.
• St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands): Another significant port close to Norman Island with various logistics and marina services.

Customs and Immigration:

• Clearance Ports: Norman Island does not have customs and immigration services. Nearby clearance can be done at Tortola or other designated ports in the BVI.

In summary, Norman Island is a picturesque and relatively untouched marine port ideal for recreational sailors and small cruise adventures. Its natural beauty and historical intrigue offer a unique destination for those exploring the British Virgin Islands by sea.