Experience the Cayman Islands Through Local Eyes

Having lived across various continents, Walker Romanica has made Grand Cayman his home for over thirty years and established Cayman Spirits Co. in 2008, positioning him as the ideal guide for a journey filled with delicious food and leisurely moments in the Cayman Islands. His distillery crafts small-batch spirits from local ingredients and West Indies distillation methods, including the unique Seven Fathoms Rum, which is aged beneath the sea. Additionally, as a partner and director in real estate and hospitality ventures in Cayman, Romanica is also a member of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association board.

What does this genuine Caymanian appreciate most about a destination renowned for having the Caribbean’s highest standard of living? For starters, there’s an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered, especially through engaging conversations with its friendly residents. “Venture beyond the hotels, explore, and connect with the locals,” he advises. “Having been here for so long, I still uncover new treasures every day.”

Savor Authentic Dishes at Grand Cayman Eateries

Recognized as the culinary heart of the Caribbean, Grand Cayman boasts an array of dining options. “However, if you seek an authentic taste of Cayman, you must look beyond the popular lists and ads for well-known establishments,” Romanica suggests. Heritage Kitchen is a delightful oceanfront venue in West Bay, offering a daily-changing menu that features Caymanian delicacies and the most exquisite escovitch sauce (a spicy marinade) around.

Nestled on a picturesque hill in East End, Vivine’s Kitchen feels like a blend of a restaurant and a warm grandma's home. Don’t miss her fresh juices, snapper, curried goat, or the daily special, which you can order through the kitchen’s swinging door. If it’s closed, pop over to Big Tree BBQ across the street for some Caymanian lobster and stewed conch.

For a dining experience featuring local culinary treasures served with cloth napkins, reserve a table at Thatch and Barrel located at the Pedro St. James historical site in Savannah. This venue overlooks the stunning cliffs along the island’s southern coast. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers, offering delights like Cayman-style beef flatbread, 1503 roast fish (named after Columbus’s visit to Cayman), and pepper jelly brie. Arrive early to enjoy a guided tour of the historic grounds and stay to witness the sunset from one of Grand Cayman’s best viewpoints.

Celebrations of Food, Culture, and Turtles

“Cayman hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year that you can look into ahead of time to help plan your visit,” shares Romanica. Each April, the Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival draws famous chefs, performers, and food enthusiasts to Camana Bay for culinary competitions, demonstrations, and tastings. During the fall, Pirates Week sees all three islands honoring their adventurous heritage with costume contests, a float parade, a cardboard boat race, a steelpan competition, and a dramatic pirate landing.

In late winter, Red Sky at Night is a vibrant arts festival organized by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, featuring live performances from dancers, actors, musicians, and storytellers, along with various artistic displays. Batabano, part of the spring carnival celebrations, signals the beginning of turtle nesting season and refers to the tracks left in the sand by sea turtles as they come ashore to nest.

Unique outdoor adventures off the beaten path

At Barkers Beach, the water appears to shift colors a thousand times a day as the sun strikes it from various angles. The lush tropical greenery and mangroves create a perfect setting for a stroll through this national park. For those seeking adventure, join the kite surfers who flock here from November to April, looking for ideal winds for the ultimate ride. Alternatively, consider a day trip to Cayman Brac for rock climbing and rappelling on rugged limestone cliffs overlooking the stunning blue waters.

The least-populated of the trio, Little Cayman is a paradise for scuba divers. At Bloody Bay, you can discover over 15 dive sites, while the unique landscape at Jackson’s Bight boasts crevices, tunnels, and chutes waiting to be explored.

For a more exhilarating water experience, grab a stand-up paddleboard and head to Owen Island, located next to Little Cayman. Romanica describes it as “an idyllic deserted island perfect for indulging your castaway dreams for the day.” Other hidden beaches to explore include Cayman Kai and Smith Cove on Grand Cayman, as well as Point of Sand on Little Cayman.

Must-see Attractions in Grand Cayman

No visit to the Cayman Islands would be complete without exploring its iconic sights. Begin your adventure at Stingray City, a sandbar in Grand Cayman’s North Sound teeming with graceful, gliding stingrays. Follow this with a trip to the newly revamped Rum Point, where you can enjoy food, cocktails, and relax in a beachfront hammock. Don’t miss snorkeling or kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay with Cayman Kayaks to witness the magical glow of the water. Take a leisurely stroll around George Town, filled with boutiques, cafés, and vibrant wooden buildings along the waterfront, and finish your day by watching the sunset from Seven Mile Beach.

“I may be partial,” Romanica admits, “but the rum distillery tour is one of the top attractions in the country and absolutely essential.” The tour concludes in the tasting room, where you can sample Gun Bay Vodka, Governor’s Reserve Rum, a seasonal Distiller’s Special, and Seven Fathoms Rum. The signature spirit from Cayman Spirits Co. is named for the ocean depth where it matures, allowing gentle currents to enhance its interaction with the wooden barrels.