Words by Claire Stafford

When I visit a new place, I want to feel as though I am the only person who has set foot on a particular beach, or seen something amazing that no one else has. For time to stand still, even if for a moment. Cayman offers some amazing opportunities to do this; you just have to look for the path that looks completely unassuming and investigate.

Spotts Beach - You could drive past this beach and never notice it. It’s on a busy main road, next to a small graveyard. There’s no sign and there are only a few car spaces but when you park up and start to walk down past low trees and onto the softest, whitest sand, you’re met with a blue, calm sea and a quiet, secluded beach. Snorkel in the shallow warm waters and you’ll be treated, hopefully, to a turtle or two munching away on the seagrass just an arm's distance away. When I was lucky enough to witness this, I swam to the surface to tell someone but there was no one there and that is the beauty of the place. I followed the turtles for as long as they were nearby, never wanting the experience of being so close to these majestic creatures to end.

Over The Edge restaurant - A huge expanse of sea to your left, scrub bushes to your right and you might think you’ve made a wrong turn but out of nowhere a building will pop up. The front doesn’t look that inviting but work your way round the back and the back becomes the front. Tables perch above lapping waves and there is no one around for miles - lunch is served! The laid back Caymanian style hides the effort put in to the delicious plates – fresh fish, rice and beans, steamed local vegetables. If the view of the sea and the food isn’t enough to keep you satisfied, look to the skies. Frigates soar on the thermals, a show of agility and speed. They wait to catch some poor unsuspecting bird who’s just grabbed a bite from the depths. Frigates don’t have waterproof wings so steal others’ catch. Everyone needs to eat!

Rum Point - It’s a known tourist attraction but have you tried seeing it from below the waves? A drift snorkel is like a Japanese restaurant where the food comes past you on a track. All you have to do is let the current take you from Rum Point round the dock into the bay and prepare yourself for the best underwater show in the world. Whenever I dive or snorkel, I feel so humbled to be allowed to see the world beneath the sea carrying on its everyday tasks with no real interest in humans at all. The colours, the sizes and shapes, the beauty – its awe inspiring and something I will never forget nor take for granted.  There was no one else out on the water but me and I felt excited and lucky. And that’s what all of my Cayman adventures made me feel.

Claire swapped London for the countryside four years ago, a big move that coincided with another life change, taking part in the Clipper Round the World yacht race in 2017. Follow more of her adventures on Instagram @cangelastafford