Into Mariners and Swallows Cave

Two of the "must do" activities in Vavu'a are swimming into Mariners and Swallows Cave.  Liz will write about the experience later but here are some photos.

At Mariners you need to freedive down about 6 feet and swim in about 14 feet to come up into a big cavern. It is pretty dark as you start the tunnel but then there is an interesting light in the cavern itself. As the swell surges in the pressure changes and the caverns fills and empties with fog.  Only poor Benjamin was unable to dive into the cave.  Swimming in is initially a bit intimidating as we were not sure if it was the right location and it is totally dark ahead swimming through the tunnel.

Swallows Cave is different in that it is big enough to drive the dingy into.

Johnathan swimming into Mariners Cave

Almost there.

Victoria leaving the cave.

Liz swims in with a flashlight.

Johnathan and Liz on the surface.  I went down about 15' to try to frame this picture.

Victoria and Liz on the surface in the cave.  As the swell pressures the cavern fog forms and dissipates.

Lots of soft coral along the edges of the cave.  Hard to photograph as free diving and considerable surge.

Victoria checking out the fish in Swallows Cave.

and Johnathan climbing and diving of the walls of Swallows Cave.