The Sawailu caves

Joe and his water taxi took us to a nearby island to see these remarkable coloured caves. Entering these said caves entails risking injury or even death. Or that's what was spelt out in the disclaimer that our resort was all too keen for us to sign prior to boarding the boat. There was even a section for a witness counter sign! From this we kind of got a feel for the trip. After a short boat ride which gave views across deserted palm lined beaches, we were out of Joe's boat up some constructed steps, having to duck below some very low caves to gain access to the cave. Then in the darkness a huge open topped cave appeared before us, full of very dark cold looking water. As instructed we all jumped in! Two local guys tell you a bit about the caves and then one of then leads you, one by one, through an underwater tunnel into a closed cave section. This entailed a dive down a couple of feet through an underwater tunnel which stretched for a couple of long feet to gain access to a second closed cave. Closed meaning no opening, no light! The tunnel fits about 2 people side by side, so a bit of a squeeze. Not for the the claustrophobic or faint hearted. Once in the closed tunnel the guide's 10 watt waterproof torch seemed to lead the way. The water was pretty deep and the sheer sides of the cave didn't give many places to hold on to to stop and have a breather. Funnily enough when it was time to go back through the tunnel to the open more shallower cave most were charged and ready to go. At this point I couldn't help but think this wouldn't be the place for a panic attack.

Whilst at Coral View we met up with 2 real funny lads from New York, Peter and Ryan, who were a great source of entertainment going on their views of the world and their fantastic approach to the queens English. We had a couple of cheeky pre-dinner drinks with them, as they'd seemed to have brought enough local rum with them as if they were staying on until Christmas. At bure number 8 we discussed all things American from Obama to pancake stations. Ohh we laughed sooooo much. These two were two of lifes real great characters.

The next day we met Pete and Ryan for lunch before we left. Both having their PADIs they had been on a shark dive that morning. They had had a close encounter with a 5 metre bull shark!
After lunch it was back on the boat to hop to another island. The staff all congregated to sing us a lovely goodbye song. Like bees to a hive, the smaller resort boats all head out from the shallow aqua-blue lagoons so that we can then move to the next island. Thoughts on most peoples minds, I just hope that my bags not the one they drop over the side!

Our next island was Naviti. Again smiley staff await your arrival on the beach. We check into our bure. One hilarious fuse box greeted us, but no electricity and the bed was about 100 years old.