Chartering the Rebel or Grand Rebel: Private Boat Options Explained
Planning a group dive trip can get complicated fast. You need the right boat size, the right trip format, and a booking process that keeps everything clear from the start. Chartering the Rebel or Grand Rebel gives groups a straightforward way to organize a private boat outing with Wannadive, whether you are traveling with friends, a dive club, underwater photographers, or a mixed group of divers and non-divers.
This guide explains how private boat charters work, what the Rebel and Grand Rebel can accommodate, what amenities to expect on board, and how to request a quote. It also covers useful planning tips so you can choose the option that best fits your group.
What is a private boat charter with Wannadive?
A private boat charter means reserving one of Wannadive’s dive boats for your own group, subject to availability. This option is especially useful when you want a more tailored outing, tighter group coordination, or a dedicated setup for a specific kind of trip.
Groups often choose a private charter for reasons such as:
- Traveling together and wanting to stay on one boat
- Planning a one-tank or two-tank trip around group preferences
- Creating a more focused experience for experienced divers
- Arranging space for a small team with special interests, such as underwater photography
- Including non-divers or snorkelers on selected trips
Wannadive also welcomes single divers, big groups, and highly experienced enthusiasts, with tanks and staff to support demand.
Rebel vs Grand Rebel: what is the difference?
The main difference between the two vessels is capacity.
Private charter capacities at a glance
| Boat | One-tank trip | Two-tank trip |
|---|---|---|
| Rebel | Up to 8 divers | Up to 6 divers |
| Grand Rebel | Up to 16 divers | Up to 12 divers |
If your group is relatively small, the Rebel may be the right fit. If you are coordinating a larger group, the Grand Rebel offers significantly more room.
Which boat may suit your group best?
Choose the Rebel if:
- You have a smaller private group
- You want a compact setup for a one-tank or two-tank dive outing
- You are organizing a more intimate dive day with close coordination
Choose the Grand Rebel if:
- You need to accommodate a larger number of divers
- You are planning around a club, family, or group trip
- You want the added comfort of shaded seating
How many divers can each boat accommodate?
Here is the direct answer:
- The Rebel carries up to 8 divers on a single-tank trip or 6 divers on a two-tank trip.
- The Grand Rebel carries up to 16 divers on a single-tank trip or 12 divers on a two-tank trip.
These limits matter because tank count affects how many divers a vessel can comfortably support per outing. If you are comparing charter options, this is one of the first details to confirm before requesting your quote.
What amenities can you expect on board?
Onboard comfort can influence which vessel feels right for your group, especially if you are traveling with newer divers, mixed-age groups, or passengers who are joining the trip without diving.
Grand Rebel amenities
The Grand Rebel has:
- Shaded seating
- Fresh drinking water
- A small fruit snack between dives
- No toilet facilities
Rebel amenities
The Rebel has:
- Fresh drinking water
- A small fruit snack between dives
- No shade
- No toilet facilities
Trip duration underway
Most trips are limited to roughly 20 minutes underway, which can help keep the boat transfer manageable and efficient.
Can non-divers or snorkelers join a private boat trip?
Yes, non-divers and snorkelers may accompany divers on selected boat trips. Their participation depends on:
- Availability
- Weather conditions
- Sea conditions
If your group includes passengers who want to enjoy the water from the surface or simply relax on board, it is best to confirm this in advance when planning your outing.
The snorkeler/passenger fee is:
- US$35 for a 2-tank trip
- US$20 for a 1-tank trip
For mixed groups, this flexibility can make a private outing easier to organize.
Are guided dives available with a private charter?
Yes. Guided shore and boat dives are available and are led by Wannadive’s multilingual crew.
For groups that want a more tailored experience, private or semi-private dive guides are also available, subject to availability. This can be a strong option for:
- Small groups
- Underwater photographers
- Divers who prefer more focused attention in the water
Private or semi-private instructor services can also be arranged for courses or guided dives, again subject to availability.
Because pricing varies based on group size and specific arrangements, the best route is to request a tailored quote when you contact the team.
How much does it cost to charter the Rebel or Grand Rebel?
Rates vary according to:
- The vessel you choose
- The trip type
- Your group requirements
There is no one-size-fits-all price because private charters depend on the details of your outing. The most accurate way to get pricing is to request a custom quote.
To do that, email info@wannadive.com and include:
- Your preferred date
- Your group size
- Whether you want a one-tank or two-tank trip
How to book a private boat charter
Booking with Wannadive is designed to be simple. Contact the team through the website or by email with your preferred dates and diving plans.
To help the team confirm the right options, include:
- Your preferred dates
- The number of people traveling
- Which activities or course you would like to book
- Your certification level
- Whether you need rental equipment
Wannadive will check availability and confirm the options with you.
Booking tip
It is recommended to book guided dives, boat dives, courses, and rental equipment in advance, especially during busy periods. That advice is particularly useful if your private charter depends on matching a specific boat, date, and group size.
Safety and planning considerations
When organizing a private boat dive, logistics matter. So does confidence in the operation behind the trip.
Safety is central to every dive at Wannadive. Dives are led and supervised by qualified dive professionals. Guests receive a thorough briefing, and rental equipment and dive cylinders are regularly inspected and maintained. Dive plans are adapted to certification level, conditions, and guest experience, and operations follow applicable Bonaire Marine Park regulations.
For group organizers, that means a clearer planning framework and a more suitable experience for divers with different levels of experience.
Practical tips for choosing the right private charter
If you are deciding between the Rebel and Grand Rebel, these practical questions can help.
1. How many divers are in your group?
Start with the basics:
- Up to 8 on the Rebel for a one-tank trip
- Up to 6 on the Rebel for a two-tank trip
- Up to 16 on the Grand Rebel for a one-tank trip
- Up to 12 on the Grand Rebel for a two-tank trip
If your numbers are close to the limit, confirm your final headcount before requesting your quote.
2. Are you planning one tank or two?
The trip format changes the maximum capacity. A group that fits on a one-tank charter may not fit on the same boat for a two-tank trip.
3. Does your group want shade?
If shaded seating matters, the Grand Rebel is the boat to look at. The Rebel does not offer shade.
4. Will non-divers or snorkelers be joining?
If your group includes passengers, mention that early in the booking process so the team can confirm whether the selected trip is suitable.
5. Do you need rental gear or guiding?
If some guests need equipment, or if your group would benefit from a private or semi-private guide, include that when you reach out. The more complete your request, the easier it is to match your group with the right arrangement.
Why groups choose Wannadive
For many group organizers, the value is not only in the boats themselves but in the overall support around the trip. Wannadive combines:
- Two fully interchangeable shops
- Extensive rental and tank inventories
- Shore-front drive-ins
- More than twenty years of service-with-a-smile culture
That broader setup can be especially helpful when your private charter is only one part of a larger Bonaire dive plan that may also include guided dives, courses, or rental equipment.
Wannadive also supports more sustainable operations at its Wannadive South location at Grand Windsock Resort, where 100 solar panels power a significant part of daily dive-shop operations, including cylinder-filling facilities. Combined with responsible diving briefings, this helps reduce the environmental impact of operations.
Meet the team before you book
If you want to put faces to the operation before arranging your charter, you can meet the team here:
https://www.wannadive.com/about/
This is also a natural next step if you are comparing support options for guided dives, courses, or other services alongside your private boat booking.
Quick answers: private boat charter FAQ
Can I charter a private dive boat for my group?
Yes. Private boat charters are available, subject to availability.
What are the capacity limits?
- Rebel: up to 8 divers on a one-tank trip or 6 divers on a two-tank trip
- Grand Rebel: up to 16 divers on a one-tank trip or 12 divers on a two-tank trip
Are rates fixed?
No. Rates vary by vessel, trip type, and group requirements.
How do I get a quote?
Email info@wannadive.com with your preferred date, group size, and whether you want a one-tank or two-tank trip.
Can I add a private guide?
Yes. Private or semi-private dive guides are available, subject to availability.
Conclusion: choose the right boat, then request your tailored quote
Chartering the Rebel or Grand Rebel is a practical way to create a more personalized dive outing for your group. The right choice depends mainly on your group size, whether you want a one-tank or two-tank trip, and whether features like shaded seating matter for your day on the water.
If you are ready to plan your trip, contact Wannadive through the website or email info@wannadive.com with your dates, group size, certification details, planned activities, and any rental needs. Booking in advance is the best way to secure the setup that fits your group best.
Whether you are organizing a small private dive day or a larger group charter, a clear request is the first step toward a smooth and well-matched outing.