Diving the caves in the Yasawa’s

02 Jun Diving the caves in the Yasawa’s

John and Karen Lattanzi are sailing friends from Hawaii. They have crossed the pacific in the 90’s and have years of sailing experience behind them. This is their post about our experience we had at the Sawa-I-La caves in the Yasawa’s.

Sawa-I-Lau Caves

Nabukeru island

By Karen Lattanzi

My nerves were running pretty high as I entered the water of the first cave. I had expected it to be frigid, as typically ground water is, but this brackish pool was a comfortable 72 degrees and was a cool relief from the warm air filling the void. I was glad I wasn’t wearing a wetsuit or fins and happy I had a mask and snorkel to peer into the deep blue abyss.

The pool was lit by the overhead opening that broke the cathedral into a spherical amphitheater.  We all had a try at the echo which also eased the anxiety as we bobbed around feeling small and vulnerable. I held onto a rock with a perfect grip and as I peered under, our guide magically appeared from a crevice in the stone next to me. “Whoa! Okay.” Breathe.

The only sunlight coming through

Having decided to take a guided trip to see the caves proved to be a great decision. We met at the Blue Lagoon Resort, about a half hour ride on a fast rib from the caves. We paid by credit card and were given a short briefing on what to bring with us. We had booked space the night before, but I sensed a week or more planning will be needed as the season gets busier.

The first cave with looming rock monsters above

Even though Starr has 2 ribs capable of making the trip, we felt it easier and safer to take a guided tour once we learned we’d need to duck through a submerged, dark cave to reach the second tunnel. Yeah, no, we weren’t going to do that on our own. I think the gentle shove into the hole with a strong arm pulling me into the second chamber was worth the $100 Fijian ($45 US) by itself. It was easier than I’d expected, and the payoff was more. The experience was worth the cost, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

A little background on the Lattanzi family:

John & Karen In the first cave

They have been busy raising their 3 kids, who have just left the nest and 2 of them (@Pearl.LattanziJP) are world class sailors who have national titles in the foiling WASZP, IQFoil, Wingfoil, and O’pen Skiff. Pearl is preparing for WASZP world’s this summer in the UK and plans to win it after her 4^th place finish last year. They both hope to make the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup Teams in 2027. Pearl coaches at Waikiki Yacht Club and has helped launch my new adult dinghy sailing class. JP spent 7 months last year living and training with Mattias and Russell Coutts on the moth and is heading to the Wingfoil world championships in Switzerland this summer. Karen has helped me set up the adult sailing and dinghy classes at Waikiki Yacht Club, which has been a passion of mine to get going for several years.

https://www.waikikiyachtclub.com/web/pages/adult-sailing-lessons

Don

Related posts:

Meet the Crew! Rowing Starr (Just Kidding) Starr Underway Watchkeeping Procedures To Fiji! Starr Departs Waikiki