We've all been there... The end of a good day of diving, packing up your dive gear and proceeding to hop off the dive boat. Then you see it...the crew TIP jar. It's still empty so you think to yourself, "does everyone else tip the crew?"
"Should I tip the crew?"
The simple answer is: YES! (for the most part), and here is why: Your dive crew is not raking in the dough. They do this job because they love it, not to get rich. By tipping your crew, you are supporting them in doing a job that they love; and it's not an easy job at that. Working on a dive boat is pretty labor intensive. Think about it.... The dive boat crew has to keep divers comfortable, provide cold drinks and snacks, dock and moor the boat, help divers with their gear, give the dive brief, get divers in and out of the water, lead dives, and keep everyone safe. Now let's consider the hours of work to do before and after the boat charter. They usually arrive at the shop before the crack of dawn filling and hauling tanks to the boat. Then they have to do it all in reverse at the end of the dive plus clean and prepare for the next trip. The point is, your dive crew is working hard for you.
"Ok, I'm going to leave a tip, what is customary??"
TIPPING STATE-SIDE
Typically speaking, it is customary to tip about $5-$10 per tank, per diver here in the U.S. So, if you are on a 2-tank boat dive we would recommend dropping $10 or $20 bill into the tip jar. Most dive boat operations split up the tips among the crew at the end of the day. However, if you received impeccable service from a particular crew member and wanted to give them a larger tip, by all means, feel free to hand the tip directly to them, and let them know what a great job they did.....you will make their day!
TIPPING ABROAD
Now you may be wondering if tipping is customary in other countries as well. What about in countries where tipping in restaurants is not customary? Here is a general guide for tipping rates when diving in popular locations overseas:
The Caribbean
- The same as here in the US ($5-$10 per tank per diver or 15%-20% of the cost of the charter)
Polynesia
- Tipping in Tahiti and the Polynesian area is not customary or expected; however, if you enjoyed your divemaster, tipping them directly around $5 per dive ($10 if he/she was amazing) would be a nice thing to do.
Australia/New Zealand
- In a land where tipping was not always customary, you can leave a 10% - 15% tip for your crew but be gracious if the divemaster from New Zealand refuses your tip as the folks there are more reserved.
Thailand & The Philipines
- Tipping here is very much appreciated but done in a subtle manner. $10 per every 2-tank dive per person is recommended but tip quietly, just slip it into their hands.
Europe
- No tipping here.
Liveaboards
- The crew on a liveaboard generally deserves a bit larger of a tip than your 2-tank boat charter. The liveaboard crew not only acts as your divemasters but also cooks your meals, makes your beds and keeps everything running. Therefore, it is customary to tip the livaboard crew around 10% of the cost of your trip. But please bring cash for this tip! They cannot accept checks and the company will usually not charge the tip amount you wish to give them to your credit card.
With these tipping guidelines we hope you will feel more confidant in rewarding your dive boat crew on your next diving adventure!
