Maya Franco-Tayar

Maya Faya is half-American half- Israeli, originally from Portland, Oregon, but has been living in Cape Town for the last four years. She is an avid adventurer, ocean addict, soup savant, with a passion for writing.  She  harbors  a  deep-sea  curiosity  that  has  led  her  around  the  world  scuba  diving  and volunteering to save turtles, penguins, great white sharks, and whales, amongst other marine mammals.

For the past 9 years, Maya has worked in pharmaceutical advertising as a technical copywriter and has finally ditched the computer for the deck to pursue her calling to the sea. She has lived in 6 different countries, used to be in a marching band, loves a board game, and hopes to one day assist with marine conservation research and rehabilitation.  Maya’s free spirit and sense of humor make her a delight to be around. She has a natural ability to make people laugh and feel at ease, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere on board. Her kindness extends to everyone she meets, and her genuine care for others is evident in all her interactions.