Vai Tango

Vaitaongo Cave - Vai Tanga - Tanga Cave


Useful Information

Location: Mauke island.
10 minute/500 m walk from north end of Ngatiarua.
(-20.146622, -157.341453)
Open: no restrictions.
[2022]
Fee: free.
[2022]
Classification: KarstCenote SpeleologyKarst Cave
Light: none, bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

The easiest cave to reach, and one of the larger ones on the island for swimming, is Vai Tango. It is a short walk from the village of Ngatiarua (population 440). The crystal blue pool may look small, but scuba divers have found that it extends more than 100 m back and 50 m across under the surface.


Text from George Szentes (2004): Caves of the Cook Islands, The British Caver Vol. 127 Spring 2005, pp 1-12, 13 color pictures, 1 bw picture, 1 map. With kind permission of the author.

Vai Tanga (Tanga Cave) seem to be called Vai Tanga Cav recently. It is reached on a 500 m long trail through the tropical rain forest. Wit only 5 minutes walk this bathing spot is the most popular on the island. There is a platform made of cellar grill and crystal clear blue-green water. Accessible off the main road in Ngatiarua, ask locals where the trail starts. The swimming spot is included on most tours around the island.