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Sawa-i-Lau Caves Day Trip

1. Sawa-i-lau snorkelling

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Sawa-i-Lau Caves

Experience a day trip to the the "Heart of Yasawa", the famous Sawa-i-Lau caves! Sightseeing boat ride, Snorkeling and Swimming in the Cave and a Fijian lunch included.

  • Round trip Seabus transfers from Lautoka (mainland Fiji), or the following Yasawa islands: Waya, Waya Lailai, Naviti (see resorts list below)
  • Shuttle pick up and drop from/to mainland hotels (complimentary in certain popular areas)
  • Scenic sightseeing boat journey to the Heart of Yasawa
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Entrance fees to the cave
  • Sawa-i-lau Cave visit (Snorkel & Swimming)
  • Meet with locals
  • Dedicated local guide
  • Fijian Lunch

Description

Travel to the sacred heart of the Yasawas with Viti Awesome Tours to visit the mystical Sawa-i-Lau water caves. The Seabus ferry transfer departs Lautoka at 8AM, sailing via Waya, Waya Lailai and Naviti, bringing you on a scenic journey through the Yasawa archipelago with some unforgettably beautiful sightseeing along the way. The Seabus route terminates at Nacula island, locvation of the famous Blue Lagoon , where you will be transferred to a local speed boat and taken to the Heart of Yasawa, arriving at the beach at Sawa-i-Lau island between 11AM and 11.30AM. There, your dedicated guide will prepare you for the tour.

Snorkelling gear will be provided as it is a swimming tour - the caves are inundated with turquoise water - so make sure to bring your bathing attire! Island folklore has long told of the resting place of an ancient Fijian God within the caves. In the past during times of tribal warfare, local villagers would hide in a secret part of the cave, reached only underwater. Secret inscriptions pointed the way and can still be seen to this day. After exploring the Caves enjoy a Fijian lunch (Fish in coconut cream with fijian potatoes, Hawaiian pizza/ vegetable pizza with soft drinks, beer, coffee or tea) before the boat transfer back.

Available departure areas:

Available departure locations:.

  • Whydham resort
  • Raddisson blu resort
  • Sheraton fiji resort
  • Westin resort
  • Sofitel resort
  • Hilton resort
  • Golf Terrace
  • Palms apartments
  • Aquarius resort
  • Smugglers inn
  • Ramada Apartments
  • Blue water backpackers
  • Grand West villas
  • Wailoaloa resort & Villas
  • Mercure hotel
  • Skylodge hotel
  • Tanoa international hotel
  • Trans international
  • Ace airport hotel
  • Tokatoka resort
  • Raffles gateway
  • Cathay hotel
  • Water front hotel
  • Naqalia Eco Haven
  • Barefoot Kuata              
  • Botaira resort
  • Sunrise Lagoon
  • Octopus Resort
  • Barefoot Manta
  • Manta Ray Island resort
  • Korovou Eco Tour resort
  • White Sandy Beach resort
  • Cancellations made within a week of departure will be charged a 50% fee.
  • Cancellations made within 48hrs of departure will be charged a 100% fee (no refund).
  • Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to departure are a fully refundable, less any payment processing fees and/or charges applied to make the refund (see general terms & conditions ).
  • No Shows are non-refundable.

Location: Duration: 8 Hours Categories: Tours and Day Trips

Check availability

1. select date, 2. select number of people.

Please note: A minimum of 3 adults is needed for this trip.

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How to Get to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji

How to Get to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji

Everything you need to know about the sawa-i-lau caves.

Tread the still waters patterned with sunlight breaking through the fissures of a cavern’s ceiling. If you’re feeling brave enough, at low tide, you can dive under the water into a second cave and the heart of the Yasawa Islands of Fiji . The Sawa-i-Lau Caves is an iconic natural attraction, rich in local legend as well as natural beauty. The limestone caves were made famous in the Hollywood blockbuster Blue Lagoon and are now a popular attraction, best visited from a nearby island resort but also available on seaplane excursions to small-ship cruises. Discover more on how to visit the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in this guide.

Where are the Sawa-i-Lau Caves?

The Sawa-i-Lau Caves are weathered into the cliffs of Sawa-i-Lau Island, located in the northern Yasawa Islands. The Yasawa Islands are a string of about 20 volcanic islands stretching some 100km (60 miles) north of Viti Levu , Fiji’s mainland. In contrast to the Yasawas volcanic terrain, Sawa-i-Lau Island is a limestone island which is what makes the caves here such a unique sight in this island group.

Learn more about the Yasawa Islands and how to organise a trip there in  The Complete Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Seaplane Tours to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves from the Mainland (Viti Levu)

Being some 100km north of Viti Levu’s main port for trips to the Yasawa Islands, the only plausible way to see the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in a day from the mainland is on a seaplane excursion.

One such option is with Turtle Airways , offering Nadi/Denarau resort pick-up before embarking on a seaplane journey to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. The six-hour day trip includes swimming and snorkelling in the caves, as well as a visit to a Fijian village, cultural entertainment, lunch and a visit to a shell market. Find out more about the tour on Viator  or  Tripadvisor .

South Pacific Air also offers a seaplane tour with a visit to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves included. Take a scenic flight from Nadi to Nanuya Island Resort where you’ll take a boat out to the caves. After the experience, you’ll be treated to a two-course lunch at the resort before the trip back to the mainland. Discover more about the experience on Viator or Tripadvisor . 

Yasawa Islands Resorts with Trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves

A cluster of resorts can be found within a short boat ride from the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. That’s what makes the journey to the caves such as staple of the Yasawa Islands. Check out the list below for all of the resorts that offer trips to the caves.

  • Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
  • Oarman’s Bay Lodge
  • Boathouse Nanuya
  • Nanuya Island Resort
  • Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
  • Long Beach Escape
  • Coralview Island Resort
  • Waitui Basecamp
  • Safe Landing Eco-Lodge
  • Navutu Stars Resort

Trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves from these Yasawa Islands’ resorts tend to have a charge to visit and include boat transportation.

Small-Ship Cruises Including the Sawa-i-Lau Caves

One final way to visit the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji is on a small-ship cruise of the Yasawa Islands. There are two companies offering multi-day cruises of this island group with the Sawa-i-Lau Caves included on the itinerary.

Captain Cook Cruises provides several all-inclusive cruises across the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. The Sawa-i-Lau Caves is included in the itinerary of their 4-Night Northern Yasawa Islands Cruise and 7-Night Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands Cruise . Find out more about the cruises on Viator and Tripadvisor . 

Another small-ship cruise option is with Blue Lagoon Cruises . Their adults-only cruises take you to the northern reaches of the Yasawa Islands where the Sawa-i-Lau Caves is a highlight. Look out for the 4-Night Wanderer Cruise and 7-Night Escape to Paradise Cruise . Learn more about these trips on Viator and Tripadvisor . 

Compare these two companies further in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji .

More About the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and the Yasawa Islands

  • How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands
  • 10 Must-Dos in the Yasawa Islands
  • 10 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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sawa i lau caves day trip

  • Denarau Island
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sawa i lau caves day trip

Majestic Sawa-I-Lau Caves Day Trip by Seaplane

  • Stress-free day with hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Unforgettable experience - travel by seaplane to Sawa-I-Lau caves
  • A delicious Fijian lunch is included
  • Learn about Fijian culture - welcome ceremony and entertainment included

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Private flight to the Yasawa Islands
  • Fijian welcome ceremony by village members
  • Fijian Village tour
  • Snorkeling and Cave tour
  • Beautiful Tasty Fijian Lunch
  • Entertainment by village members
  • Local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Local taxes
  • Entry or Admission - Sawa-I-Lau Caves

Departure & Return

Turtle Airways Seaplane Base

Departure is between 8am and 11am from Nadi (seaplane base). The exact time of your departure will be confirmed once you make your booking request. You can also reconfirm your reservation on arrival into Fiji at least 48 hours prior to departure.All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking
  • A maximum of 4 people per booking
  • Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 15.25 lbs (7 kg)
  • Excess luggage charges ($2.40 USD (FJ$5) per 2.2 lbs (kg) for anything over 15.25 lbs (7kg)
  • It is recommended that you bring your swimwear
  • This experience requires good weather. If it's canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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