How to Get to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji 🦇 [2025]

Last Updated: 23 June, 2025

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 that is rich in local legend and natural beauty. The limestone caves were made famous in the Hollywood blockbuster Blue Lagoon and are now a popular attraction. They are best visited from a nearby island resort but are also available on seaplane excursions and 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 100 km (60 mi) 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. Oh, and if you don’t know where Fiji is, you better start with Where is Fiji Located?

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

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

Being some 100 km (60 mi) 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 Pacific Island Air, offering Nadi/Denarau resort pick-up before embarking on a seaplane or helicopter journey 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.

If you can choose an afternoon trip instead of a morning one, it is recommended for a quieter experience.

There are also other helicopter operators in Nadi and Denarau that can customise tours to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves; see Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji and Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji for more information.

How to Get to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji 🦇 [2025]

10 Best 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 a 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 – This beautiful resort offers stunning beachfront accommodations and a range of activities. You’ll love the crystal-clear lagoon, perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Oarman’s Bay Lodge – Nestled in a secluded bay, this lodge provides a tranquil escape in beach house rooms. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, and experiencing authentic Fijian culture.
Boathouse Nanuya – This charming waterfront property offers a unique stay in a more modern hotel room setup. Jump on the Blue Lagoon Express for trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves.
Nanuya Island Resort – Set on Nanaya Lailai Island, this luxurious resort boasts breathtaking views and world-class amenities. Indulge in spa treatments or dive into the vibrant coral reefs.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa – Experience pure luxury at this exclusive resort featuring pristine beaches and gourmet dining all included.
Long Beach Escape – This laid-back resort offers a true Fijian experience with its beachfront location and friendly staff. Enjoy water sports or simply unwind on the beautiful long stretch of beach.
Coralview Island Resort – This budget-friendly resort offers a range of activities and comfortable accommodations. It’s perfect for travellers looking to explore the Yasawa Islands without breaking the bank.
Safe Landing Lodge – This budget lodge offers an authentic Fijian experience with traditional accommodation and locally sourced meals. Immerse yourself in the local culture and pristine natural surroundings.
Navutu Stars Resort – This adults-only boutique resort offers a romantic escape with its private bungalows and stunning views. Indulge in gourmet cuisine and pampering spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation.
Sunrise Lagoon Homestay – Nestled on the picturesque Nacula Island, this charming homestay offers a genuine Fijian experience. You’ll be treated to breathtaking lagoon views and warm hospitality from your local hosts.

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 Visiting 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 is one company offering multi-day cruises for this island group, with the Sawa-i-Lau Caves included on the itinerary.

Blue Lagoon Cruises provides several all-inclusive cruises across the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. The Sawa-i-Lau Caves are included in the itinerary of their 4-Night Wanderer Cruise and 7-Night Escape to Paradise Cruise.

Their adults-only cruises take you to the northern reaches of the Yasawa Islands where the Sawa-i-Lau Caves is a highlight. You’ll have the opportunity to explore these stunning natural wonders as part of your cruise itinerary.

The cruises offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Yasawa Islands while enjoying the comfort of a small-ship cruise.

For more information about cruising options in Fiji, including detailed comparisons and insider tips, check out The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.

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

That’s it for our guide to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and the Yasawa Islands; for more information about this stunning archipelago, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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