FAQ'S

1. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A CATAMARAN?
Catamarans have many advantages over mono hulls. They have twice the stability and over twice the living and deck space making for more general comfort. They have considerable more speed making passages faster. There shallow draft is a big advantage in the lagoons opening up more cruising areas and anchorages.

2. WHAT ARE THE BEST SEASONS AND WHAT KIND OF FISH CAN BE FOUND?
If you look at "Seasonal Fishing Report" on the web site you can find a good description of seasons and types of game fish.

3. DOES TARAVANA HAVE A REGULAR CHARTER ITINERARY?
All of TARAVANA charters are "CUSTOM" which means each charter is adapted to the clients’ whims and interests according to the wind and weather conditions. This allows the client to be as active or quiet as they wish.

4. WHAT ARE THE CLOSEST ISLANDS TO BORA BORA?
The atoll Tupai is the closest island at 12 NM north which is the perfect distance for a round-trip sail-snorkel-fish Full-day charter. The islands of Taha'a and Raiatea are next at 25 NM east. These islands offer a multitude of possible anchorages and activities and are only a 3 to 4 hour sail away. To see these islands requires a minimum charter of 2 days and 1 night but the more days we have, the more area we can see and enjoy. (see #6 " Where can we would go on a 3-day charter")

5. WHAT CAN WE DO ON A 1/2 DAY OR FULL-DAY CHARTER?
In Bora Bora we have the best of 2 worlds:
1. We have LAGOON SAILING in a well-protected lagoon that is perfect for those that do not have good Sea Legs. The water is always flat and the colors are spectacular. Sailing, snorkeling, lagoon fishing and picnicking are the possibilities in the Lagoon.
2. There is also OCEAN SAILING, which is only a short distant away out our singular passage in the barrier reef. Open Ocean sailing, big game fishing or a visit to the near-by atoll, Tupai, are the possibilities outside. Of course, every Charter depends on wind and weather conditions. Both offer great photographic possibilities!

6. WHERE CAN WE GO ON A 3-DAY CHARTER?
On a typical 3-day charter we can sail to the islands of Taha'a and Raiatea, two beautiful islands that share the same well-protected lagoon and back to Bora. We can spend one night at an anchorage on Taha'a, one night at an anchorage on Raiatea and the last night in the Bora Bora lagoon. Our biggest problem is there are too many options for activities! There is Big Game fishing, light tackle lagoon fishing, snorkeling, motu visit, reef walking, visit to the main village of Uturoa on Raiatea, visit to important Polynesian archeological sites, hiking, swimming or just hiding-out and relaxing at a secluded anchorage. Remember your Captain & crew are some of the most experienced in the country and can offer you a wealth of information on many subjects.

7. IF I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FISHING, CAN I STILL BIG GAME FISH?
Yes, w e have caught a great number of fish for "First-Time" fishermen and fisherwomen. We always give a short instruction in the technique on Big Game fishing at the beginning of the Charter, which will help prepare you.

8. IF I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT SAILING, CAN I PARTICIPATE AS CREW AND LEARN SOME SAILING?
We are always available to help enhance your sailing experience. It gives us great pleasure to share TARAVANA with you so that you may participate more in your adventure. It gives us great satisfaction to know that you will leave us a little richer in knowledge from your experience with us.

9. CAN I BE PICKED UP ON TAHITI AND SAILED TO BORA BORA OR BE SAILED BACK TO TAHITI FROM BORA BORA?
We specialize in the Leeward Society Islands, home to the most beautiful cruising grounds in French Polynesia. Tahiti is 160 NM up-wind from Bora Bora and usually a very difficult trip, so we DO NOT pick-up or drop-off at Tahiti. It is much better to meet us in Bora Bora where the most beautiful Islands are close and easily accessible.