Full charter vs cabin block

Full charter: you book the whole boat (8–24 guests). You set the route (within operator approval), choose dive briefings in your language, and have full privacy. Discount: usually 10–20% vs individual prices. Cabin block: you book 4–8 cabins on a regular departure. Discount: 5–10%. You share the boat with other guests.

Group discounts: what to negotiate

Standard discounts: 5% for 6+ guests, 10% for 10+, 15% for full charter. Often: free trip leader (pay 10, the 11th is free). Always: free nitrox, free transfers, custom dietary catering. Negotiate in writing before deposit.

Deposit and payment handling

Most operators want a 25% deposit at booking, balance 60 days before departure. Spread the deposit across the group with a shared spreadsheet — track who paid what. Use a dedicated bank account or trip-organizer service to avoid awkward chasing.

Custom itinerary and language

On charter, you can request specific sites (subject to weather and permits). You can also request English / German / Spanish / French dive briefings. Tell the operator at booking, not on day 1.

Handling drop-outs

1–2 drop-outs is normal. If you're booked as a group, the per-person price may rise when one drops — make sure your group agreement specifies who covers that gap. Travel insurance with 'cancel for any reason' protects individuals.

What can go wrong

Mismatched dive levels (Open Water + tech mix is hard to guide), dietary clashes (vegan + carnivore on a small galley), and personality friction. Pre-trip Zoom call and a shared WhatsApp group prevent 90% of problems.