As the owner of a dive shop on Bonaire I find this thread quite interesting, because our guests frequently pop this question. My reply is simple: no one at my diveshop will ask, sollicit, beg, nor expects a tip, while at the same time tipping is obviously very much appreciated. We also never include something crappy like a service charge. We think any employer should pay their crew an honest wage, so as to be able to make a normal living, and not be dependent on tips. In our opinion this too, is something absolutely clear: when guests reward us with their visit, we better make damn sure we provide service to the best of our abilities, regardless of tip, or we fail as a provider. It is therefore completely up to you, our guest, and at your discretion to tip or not. Always your generosity is greatly appreciated! As far as distribution goes: all tips are being collected in a "tiptank" (versus airtank
) and distributed once a week or month evenly between all crew, regardless of position or assignment of that week. And so tips come in the most surprising forms
: money obviously, six packs are common ( and you will be scolded at if you dare to bring the wrong brand, HA!!!!), but also nice notes on cards, to even complete artworks, champagne, and what not. The biggest tip you can reward us with though, would be your return visit to our diveshop.
Bart
