The best snorkelling near Norman Island

Norman Island is where we take people who say the snorkelling is the point of the day. Three good stops sit close together, they suit different swimmers, and you can do all of them in one run without the day turning into travelling.

The Caves

The sea caves are cut into the rock on the shore of Norman Island and they are one of the best snorkel sites in the BVI. You swim in and out of the openings with the light coming through behind you. Turtles are a regular sight here, which is the thing most guests remember.

It is the stop we would not skip. If you only get in the water once, make it this one.

The Indians

A short run away, The Indians are a cluster of rock pinnacles standing out of the water, and the snorkelling around them is alive with fish. The terrain changes as you swim round, so there is more to look at than at a flat reef.

It is the more dynamic of the two sites and it rewards a confident swimmer. It is also the one where a float noodle earns its keep if you want to hang about in one spot and just look down.

Pirates Bight

Pirates Bight is the beach on Norman Island, with a restaurant and bar behind it. You can snorkel straight off the sand here, which makes it the gentle option: no ladder, no distance, and you can stand up whenever you want.

It is the right first stop for anyone who has not snorkelled before, and the right last one for anyone who wants lunch and a drink after.

Fitting them into a day

Our Snorkel and Beach Tour does all three. It opens at Cooper Island, runs south past Salt Island and Peter Island with the pirate stories that go with them, then the caves and The Indians, then Norman Island for beach time and lunch at Pirates Bight, and finishes at the Willy T. About seven hours from West End, Tortola, with a morning start confirmed when you book.

If you have less time, Norman Island and the caves is one of the three half day destinations. We collect cruise ship guests at Village Cay Marina in Road Town from 7am and have you back at least an hour before your ship sails.

The gear is already on the boat

Masks, snorkels, fins and float noodles are aboard for everyone, up to 12 guests. Life jackets too. There is no hire charge and nothing to collect on the way: it is all part of the price, along with your licensed captain, the fuel and all cruising permits.

Every one of our tours has a snorkel stop in it, so you never have to ask for one specially.

Two practical notes

Sun first. You are face down in bright water for long stretches and the back of your legs takes it. Sunscreen before you get in, and a rash vest or a t-shirt if you burn easily.

Second, conditions rule. The route on the day can change with the weather and the sea state, and your captain decides what is safe and fun. If the caves are rough, there is always somewhere calmer, and knowing which one is the job you are paying for.

Booking

Send us your date, your group size and a note that snorkelling matters most. We will tell you which tour fits, confirm the boat and quote one all-inclusive price for the whole boat.