Patrick in Bora Bora - refused?

[A.Emgee]

I contacted Patrick about a tour in Bora Bora and this was the reply I received:

 

Ia orana A.Emgee

You can do your reservation directly with the paul Gauguin

Here is they email pautours@pauadmin.com ask for sorin and he will take care of your reservation

 

Best regards

 

Barbara

 

Has anybody had the same experience? Do you have to book directly through PG? It looks like PG charges $199pp.

Edited December 9, 2014 by A.Emgee

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I contacted Patrick about a tour in Bora Bora and this was the reply I received:

 

 

 

Has anybody had the same experience? Do you have to book directly through PG? It looks like PG charges $199pp.

 

It would be my guess that the PG is using this tour operator exclusively during your stay, so they are not available for private booking.

[Emdee]

How big is your group?

 

If you have a group of 12 I am sure Patrick will take you.

I think the price of $199 is very close to what he usually charges.

[zoey4545]

I took this tour with Patriic three years ago. 2012.I booked directly through him. Paid $130 per person.He was not involved with the Paul /G. When I returned in 2013, the Paul/G had contracted him out.

The tour is wonderful, you will not be disappointed. Yes,it is expensive. Worth every penny!

I just returned from the Paula/G 2014 a few days ago.They are still offering this tour.$199.

Hope this helps

Have a wonderful time😍

 

Zoey4545:cool:

[6rugrats]

This is very common on these small islands. If the tour provider is contracted with the ship, they will not book individually with you. You are forced to book through PG if you want to take the tour.

[A.Emgee]

Unfortunately, PG wants to charge full price for my nearly 6-year-old! They don't have reduced prices for children (the independents usually charge 50%).

 

It looks like Lagoonarium is also contracted to PG directly.

 

Does anybody have suggestions for other tour operators?

Edited December 11, 2014 by A.Emgee

[Emdee]

There is a PG excursion that I highly recommend. I believe it is run by patrick. It's lagoon cruise and snorkelling. Cost was 120 each. It includes swimming with the Sharks and swim rays and a cruise around BB. I don't swim but I could walk in the water with the Rays and was able to see the fish from the boat.

 

I believe Tiki used to recommend someone called Raanui for his motu picnic but if you don't have others to come with you it may not work out. Try anyways.

[A.Emgee]

I believe Tiki used to recommend someone called Raanui for his motu picnic but if you don't have others to come with you it may not work out. Try anyways.

Thank you! I contacted Raanui and they were very prompt to reply. They have availability and the lowest price.

[Emdee]

Good to hear.

 

Raanui uses a nice Motu....was featured in Amazing Race.

[cruisefun27]

When the PG is in Bora Bora you have to book thru them. Patrick works with PG when they are in port. We found this out last year when we were there. It's the same tour as Patricks.

[Emdee]

When the PG is in Bora Bora you have to book thru them. Patrick works with PG when they are in port. We found this out last year when we were there. It's the same tour as Patricks.

 

Last year our group went on Patrick's tour in BB but I believe the group was more than 8 persons.

 

Marc in Huahine told me that Pia tries to push this. His response to her was in that case she should take all his capacity.

Edited December 13, 2014 by Emdee

[Cruiseswithfamilyornot]

I received the same response when I inquired directly. This was the only tour operator I received such a response from.

[azevedan]

I had tried booking with Patrick in Bora Bora much earlier this year, and then checked in again a few months prior to the sailing. He couldn't confirm me, as we were only 2, but he said he'd be in touch if more people expressed interest (I had opened a roll call, but I'm the only one who ever checked in). As I wanted a firm commitment, I reserved with Reef Adventure.

Last night, I received an email from Patrick (well, the company) asking if I was still interested, that they had 4 other people wanting to do the excursion. Note that my cruise is less than 2 weeks away.