Fiji’s Sawa-i-lau Caves
You’ve finally decided that this year you are going to take the trip you have always dreamed of, an island vacation to Fiji. You have waited a long time to take this trip so make the most of it. With so many exciting sights to see, plan carefully so you have time to see them all. One of the most iconic sights is Fiji’s majestic Sawa-i-lau caves. Here you can swim in crystal clear seawater and for the more adventurous, dive through the portal in the first cave to find the second.
In the first cave, visitors snorkel and dive into a calm pool from atop incredible limestone formations into the cool clear azure water below. The Sawa-i-lau caves are one of the most mysterious tourist attractions on the island, steeped in legend.
Native islanders believe that the caves are home to deity Ulutini. Before gaining entry into the caves, visitors are asked to participate in a traditional ceremony in the village, asking the Guardians of the Cave to allow the visitors permission to enter the caves. After the ceremony eager tourists are allowed to enjoy the natural marvel of the Sawa-i-lau caves.
Getting to the Sawa-i-lau Caves
Smart vacationers book a seaplane day trip from Turtle Airways to get to the caves. Using the seaplane is a fun adventure in itself. Taking off and landing on the water is an experience that adds to the fun! Taking the seaplane insures that you have a full day of fun at the caves. As you fly above the islands, you can take spectacular shots or video. The view is absolutely amazing.
As the plane approaches the Sawa-i-lau caves, the white sand glistens and azure blue water laps at the shore; inviting vacationers to enjoy themselves. You feel a jolt of excitement as the anticipation of the day’s pleasure pulls you.
Exploring the Sawa-i-lau Caves
Since you are making the most of your trip, you decide to hire a guide and enjoy the caves to the fullest. You plan on playing in the pool of the first cave, where you discover water so clear you take underwater photos of each other.
Your guide leads you underwater to the passage that connects the two caves and in the second cave you wonder at the underwater limestone formations and the simple, yet complex structure of the caves. As you take in the splendor of the caves, you understand why these caves are considered the “Heart of Yasawa.”
The contrast from the first cave, full of light, to the second, dimly lit by a light filtering in from above, accents the sanctity of the second which is accessed only after a daring dive through a pitch black space that is only accessible when the tide allows. It is this aspect of the second cave, the underwater entrance and the darkness of the Sawa-i-lau caves, that keep many vacationers from entering this sacred space.
Once you have seen and experienced the caves, it is easy to see why the movie, “Blue Lagoon” was filmed here. In fact, the name remains and the area is now known as the blue lagoon. The perfect day trip ends with another ride in the seaplane from Turtle Airways.
For more information about cave diving the Sawa-i-lau caves and day trips on Fiji, visit us today at Turtle Airways.