The characteristics of vortex structure induced by a solitary wave propagating over a rectangular cavity are studied experimentally, using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and two flow visualization techniques. The aspect ratio (i.e., ratio of the length to the depth of a cavity, A(subscript r)) of rectangular cavity ranges from 0.33 to infinity in the present study. The ratio of wave height to water depth in the experiment is kept at 0.2. Vortex shedding process is identified particularly for A(subscript r)=0.5, 1.0 and infinity. Detailed vortical structures for A(subscript r)=0.33~∞ were observed using particle trajectory photography or laser induced fluorescence technique. Quantitative characteristics of the primary vortex generated in the cavity, including the trajectories and vorticity of the vortex core and the circulation of the primary vortex, are elucidated in detail.