Before you go

Your trip to Sawa-i-Lau.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Sawa-i-Lau – Ba Destination Yasawa Islands

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional de Nadi (NAN) Namaka · 101 km
Port Denarau Marina (barcos para as ilhas) Denarau · 103 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

There is no accommodation on the island; the Yasawa ferry/boat line goes to the neighboring islands. The caves are visited on boat tours from Nanuya Lailai, Nacula and other islands in the northern Yasawa.

How many days

Half a day, on a boat trip from a neighboring island.

When to go

From May to October the sea is usually calmer for boats. Around midday the light enters the main cave better. From November to April there is more rain and a risk of cyclones.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. Access is by boat only.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Sawa-i-Lau

Morning
Boat to Sawa-i-Lau
Depart by boat from Nanuya Lailai or Nacula to Sawa-i-Lau.
Afternoon
Swimming in the caves
Swim in the main cave and, with a guide, go to the dark chamber through the submerged tunnel.
Late afternoon
Nabukeru village
On the return, if included, stop by the village of Nabukeru, which manages the caves.
Evening
Return to the island
Return to your accommodation and watch the sunset.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the Sawa-i-Lau caves?

By boat, on tours from accommodations in the northern Yasawa, such as Nanuya Lailai and Nacula.

Do you need to know how to swim?

Yes, to swim inside the main cave. The passage to the dark chamber requires a short dive and is done only with a guide.

Why is Sawa-i-Lau different from the other islands?

Because it is limestone, while the surrounding islands are volcanic. The limestone is what forms the caves.

Who looks after the caves?

The people of Nabukeru village, who welcome visitors and collect the entrance fee.

Back to Sawa-i-Lau