Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji
Are you heading to Fiji and want to see the Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji or more specifically the Sawa-i-Lau caves? Well I got to experience this beautiful natural wonder during my two weeks solo in Fiji!
Below you will find information about how to see the caves and what to expect based on my experience! The caves were absolutely beautiful, so if the Sawa-i-Lau caves can be part of your Fiji trip then you should definitely make sure to see them!
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About the Sawa-i-Lau Caves | Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji
These beautiful ancient limestone caves are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. The legend is that a young chief once hid with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival chief. He then used to sneak food to her until they were able to escape to another island and live happily ever after!
Perhaps that is why it was chosen for the movie from the 80s featuring Brooke Shields. That movie was about two young people marooned on a deserted island where they grow and eventually fall in love.
Despite the legend and the movie, I unfortunately did not fall in love with a handsome man. Yet the caves offer a fun adventure and are worth seeing!
My Experience at the Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji
When I was planning my Fiji island hopping trip, I added the Sawa-i-Lau caves to my itinerary. While multiple resorts offer tours to see it, I chose Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. The resorts don’t really allow you to pre-book the tours as they can vary day to day.
However, I booked two nights knowing that should allow for me to make this tour! Thankfully, I was able to book it for my second day at Blue Lagoon.
The tour to the Blue Lagoon caves in Fiji starts soon after breakfast. We hopped into the boats and began the short scenic boat trip to the Sawa-i-Lau caves. They are not far from Blue Lagoon and we were the first tour at the caves!
We left our stuff just outside the caves, and walked up the steps to see the entrance. There are steps down into the first cave and we jumped into the water. The first cave is open at the back area allowing plenty of light in! This area is absolutely beautiful!
Inner Caves
After we hung out in this main area a while, a second tour did show up. However, the main cave is plenty large. Our Blue Lagoon guides then led us into true caves!
Now not everyone did this part as you have to swim under and through to the inner cave. If you are claustrophobic you will probably not like this part and there were a lot of people who skipped it.
We took turns swimming into this extra cave through the underwater tunnel, but the Blue Lagoon guides helped us get there! There was someone in the main cave and someone to receive us in the inner cave. Once everyone was in the inner cave, we swam to a back area! It was so cool seeing the caves are so much more than you first see!
Yes, it’s very dark in the inner caves, but the guides offer light and there are floats inside the cave! While I loved it as well as everyone else inside this inner cave, if the idea of having to swim under and through a tunnel freaks you out, the inner caves will probably continue to freak you out and then you have to swim out! So if it’s not your thing, enjoy the main portion of the caves!
Once we swam back into the main cave, we could explore it for a while. Other local tours were starting to show up as well and I eventually decided to dry off and wait outside. Once outside, some locals had arrived to sell items, but I didn’t know about it and didn’t bring cash.
The local resorts all do their tours in the morning because the larger tours or cruises come in the afternoon and I was told it can get very crowded and busy.
Once everyone was ready, we climbed into the resort boat and made our way back to Blue Lagoon. We were back with plenty of time to relax before lunch!
How You Can See the Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji
You can stay at a resort that offers tours, you can take a cruise and supposedly you can do day trips, but I’m not seeing options for days trips at the moment that are bookable. However, I will review each option below and provide resort suggestions!
Day Trips
I’m seeing some day trips options online but none are actually bookable at the time of writing this. However, even if they were I think a day trip is the third best option we’re going to discuss.
The best day trip option that would be an exception to my above statement would be taking a sea plane. This tour offers that, but it’s not taking bookings at the time of writing this. However, Majestic Sawa-I-Lau Caves Day Trip by Seaplane is worth checking out!
If taking a boat, the day trip will be a full day! Not that this is a deal breaker, but it’s worth noting. Again, I’m not seeing options that are taking bookings, but I do think this option is common for day trippers. When I took the Yasawa Islands Ferry to Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, the trip took four and half hours.
The caves are north of Blue Lagoon but if you are only stopping at the caves, the trip will take less time! Guessing it takes somewhere between three and four hours so that it six to eight hours on a boat. Again, not a deal breaker, but that makes these caves a full day trip by boat!
Cruises
Another option for seeing the Sawa-i-Lau caves are if you book a cruise! I’ll include two cruise options below and if you are a cruiser this is probably the option you’ll love most!
With a cruise, you can enjoy an excursion to the caves, see Blue Lagoon and enjoy exploring the Yasawa Islands from the comfort of a cruise!
Blue Lagoon Cruises – Escape to Paradise Cruise – 7 Nights
Resorts that Offer Day Tours to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves
Since I’m not much of a cruiser, this is the option I chose and the other best option, in my opinion. There are plenty of resort options from varying price points with all different room types that offer day trips to the caves!
Tours are Booked Upon Arrival
It’s worth noting that most, if not all, resorts will not allow you to pre-book tours. The days and times for tours may change, so this is something you book upon arrival!
I booked Blue Lagoon for two nights and was able to see the caves on my second day! I’d suggest booking two to three nights to ensure the option is available to you and consider reaching out to the resort to confirm they offer it and how often during the week. It seemed like Blue Lagoon offered it multiple times per week, but that would be different for each resort.
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
I booked Blue Lagoon Beach Resort because I wanted to see the Sawa-i-Lau caves. It is not the only resort option, but I absolutely LOVED my time here! You can read my review of Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and decide if it’s the right resort for you!
There is a fee to see the caves, but I never found any tour prices at Blue Lagoon to be excessive! Oh and the beach here is absolutely beautiful!
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge is another highly rated option that offers day trips to the Sawa-i-Lau caves! This resort looks absolutely beautiful and similar to Blue Lagoon offers accommodations ranging from dorms to beach-side bures!
This resort looks absolutely amazing and seems to be on par with Blue Lagoon, so I’d imagine you’d be good with either option!
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa
Yasawa Island Resort is one of the top luxury resorts of the Yasawa Islands! If luxury is what you are looking for and one that offers trips to the Sawa-i-Lau caves, then this is your resort!
It should go without saying that this luxury resort does NOT offer dorms, but I’m going to go ahead and mention it.
Coconut Beach Resort
Coconut Beach Resort offers a personal experience as they only have 11 guest bures that can accommodate up to 4 people. This resort sits across the bay from Blue Lagoon, so it’s a similar trip length to the Sawa-i-Lau caves as I experienced.
This resort looks beautiful so it’s a great option for a holiday in Fiji that will include the caves!
Coralview Island Resort
This is one of the most affordable options on the list! Their dining plan is one of the cheapest I’ve seen and they also offer rooms from dorms to bures!
If you are wanting a more budget friendly stay, I’d consider this resort. Their website says they offer trips to the Sawa-i-Lau caves and it shares the same island as Coconut Beach Resort.
Natabe Retreat
The Natabe Retreat has 53 reviews on TripAdvisor with 100% of them being 5 stars! It is essentially a Bed & Breakfast run by a couple and if you book here, you will be the ONLY guests! Their website also mentioned that food is included in the cost (which is not the norm in the Yasawa Islands) so you don’t have to wonder about any additional dining costs.
One reviewer mentioned caves and considering how close they are to the Sawa-i-Lau caves, I’d say it’s safe to assume the reviewer meant those caves. However, it would be advisable to confirm and based on reviews, they are great with communication!
Navutu Stars Resort
This 4-star hotel also offers trips to the Sawa-i-Lau caves according to their website! They have various bure options to choose from and overall gives a more couples and families resort feel.
Resorts Near Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji
There are more resorts near the Sawa-i-Lau caves, but the website either didn’t specify they go to the caves or the reviews weren’t good and I didn’t see the point in mentioning them.
However, if none of the above options work for you, there are more accommodations than what are listed above. If the website doesn’t mention the caves, you can reach out to inquire.
Additionally, if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind the more budget friendly options, you will have a few more to consider. I’d just advise that you go with the right expectations for whatever resort or accommodation you choose!
How to Get to Resorts to See the Blue Lagoon Caves Fiji
Each resort offers various ways to get to their location! However, the most utilized method is the Yasawa Islands Ferry! I did an entire post on the ferry and what to expect, so check that out to see if the ferry is the right choice for you!
Exploring Fiji: A Comprehensive Guide to Yasawa Islands Ferry
Alternatively, resorts offer options that include sea planes, helicopters or private boats! These options would all be offered at varying price points, but if you are not keen on the ferry or have it in your budget, they would be great options to consider!
Island Hopping with Caves Tour
If you want to island hop in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji but don’t want to plan it, then consider the Yasawa Wanderer Tour! You can select your room type and there are inclusions for various tours including the Sawa i Lau caves!
Just remember dining plans are not included in the price! However, if you do want to plan your own island hopping trip to Fiji like I did, you can book the bula pass for the ferry and just book your resorts on your own!
Here are some more blog posts you may want to check out:
Exploring Fiji: A Comprehensive Guide to Yasawa Islands Ferry
How to Respect Fijian Culture as a Tourist
The Ultimate Fiji Packing List: Essentials for a Tropical Getaway
The Ultimate Guide to Fiji Island Hopping Tours: Explore Paradise One Island at a Time
Best time to Visit Fiji
End of September to early October when I was there was perfect! The weather was warm and the ocean was warm enough (though I usually prefer it warmer).
However, Fiji is a year round destination so you can’t go too wrong. I’d suggest avoiding the hot Summer which is also typhoon season from November to April. The busiest times in Fiji are July and August when Australia and New Zealand are on school holidays and want to escape the cold.
Sawa i Lau Caves Yasawa Islands
Well this I hope this post was helpful if you want to add these ancient limestone formations known as the Sawa i Lau Caves to your Fiji Islands itinerary! I’m so glad I was able to travel to this beautiful, tropical nation. The friendly Fijians are happy to show off their beautiful land and it makes for such a special trip!
