A bucket list item for many people visiting Fiji is a swim in the Sawa I Lau Caves. Best known for the location of the 1980 movie Blue Lagoon, the caves are a must-do excursion for everyone who visits Yasawa.
We had a big group visiting the caves this morning, so we loaded up 18 of us into three boats and took the 25-minute boat ride to the caves. The seas are a bit rough, so the trip was a bit slow going. Again, a boat ride along the shores of Yasawa reveal a large island with countless stretches of deserted white sand beach. This is one of the prettiest of Fiji's 333 islands.
Upon arrival to the small but soaring island that houses the caves, we were met with a local villager who would be our guide. We walked up the steps to the entry to the caves. The walk down the wet, slippery steps into the cave involved ducking under rocks and outcroppings.
Jumping in, you are greeted with cool, refreshing water. You can snorkel in the first cave, as there is light from above. The cave is large and towering. One person remarked that it looked like a cathedral. Swimming in the water, listening to excited voices, taking it all in.
Not it was time for the adventure part. There is a second cave. This one is dark. And, in order to get to it, you had to swim underneath a one-meter stretch of rock, and enter the cave in the dark. Once inside, the only light you can see is the flashlight from the guide. The entry of this cave is low and a bit claustraphobic. However, a quick swim inside delivers you to a large cave, with towering walls. We swam to each section of this cave, and thanks to the flashlights, we could see much of the detail. The guides were great fun, singing and yelling Bula, which echoed along the walls.
Want to see the Blue Lagoon Caves? You can rent the movie (which is dreadful). Or, you can visit Yasawa. Much better to visit in person!
Tonight we enjoyed a traditional Fijian Meke - singing and dancing. Unfortunately, rain brought the Meke from the beach to the restaurant. The lyrical and soulful Fijian singing was amazing as always. And tonight's dinner was Yasawa's famous Lovo. Not your traditional Lovo, but a tasting menu with meals inspired by traditional Fijian food. Delicious!
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