how much should you tip ?

[scubapro50]

When i first started diving in the 60's you had just one crew member on the dive boat (usually the captain and owner) and his job was to get you out to the sight and back. He did not help with any of the equipment or information about the dive. Over the years this has come a long way and now there is usually two or three extra people on all dive boats running out of any tourist resort. They brief you about the sight and help you with the equipment. Sometimes they even act as guides. My question is what is it all worth? Last year while diving in Cayman ( $65 for 2 tank dive) we left a $5 TIP each if we had a good dive. If the crew was especially helpful with equipment problems or guided us through the reef tunnels (started at 80 ft and came out at 120 ft) we left a $10 tip each. Was this correct or should I tipped more ?

 

[FatCat]

Cultural differences: Europeans have no tradition of tipping.

 

[ScubaFreak]

as fatcat said.

But when I worked in the US, i did feel a sense of wanting to tip. Sometimes what was better than a tip was a burger from the lunch bar or something like that! I got more offers for lunch than i imagined! But as an instructor, i'd never expect a tip, but like anywhere, if you like the service - tip away!!

SF

 

[pilot fish]

When i first started diving in the 60's you had just one crew member on the dive boat (usually the captain and owner) and his job was to get you out to the sight and back. He did not help with any of the equipment or information about the dive. Over the years this has come a long way and now there is usually two or three extra people on all dive boats running out of any tourist resort. They brief you about the sight and help you with the equipment. Sometimes they even act as guides. My question is what is it all worth? Last year while diving in Cayman ( $65 for 2 tank dive) we left a $5 TIP each if we had a good dive. If the crew was especially helpful with equipment problems or guided us through the reef tunnels (started at 80 ft and came out at 120 ft) we left a $10 tip each. Was this correct or should I tipped more ?

That was a fine tip and what most people do. It's what I do. I also set up my own gear, which is what most divers prefer.

 

[boulderjohn]

Cultural differences: Europeans have no tradition of tipping.

Neither do Australians, but there is a reason. If you do not have a culture of tipping, then the economic system plans for that. The people who you might consider tipping are making a decent wage without that tip.

If, on the other hand, the culture includes tipping, then the economic system is planned for that, too. People in jobs that have a high expectation of tips often work for remarkably low wages on the expectation that they will make up the difference in the tip. Without the tip, they are underpaid.

A friend of my son has worked as a river rafting guide. He says that if it were not for tips, they could not survive.

The same works for scuba empoyees in area where tipping is the norm, such as where I live. Let's say I teach a scuba review class to 4-5 people. On occasion, one of them will tip me an amount that they consider a reasonable percentage of how much that individual paid the store for the class. I suspect s/he thinks it is a bit of a help for me. Actually, it usually doubles my pay. Tipping is rare in such occasions, but when it happens, it might get me up to minimum wage.

What you should do, then, is not follow the culture of the country you are from. Follow the culture of the country you are in.

 

[domino22]

Neither do Australians, but there is a reason. If you do not have a culture of tipping, then the economic system plans for that. The people who you might consider tipping are making a decent wage without that tip.

If, on the other hand, the culture includes tipping, then the economic system is planned for that, too. People in jobs that have a high expectation of tips often work for remarkably low wages on the expectation that they will make up the difference in the tip. Without the tip, they are underpaid.

A friend of my son has worked as a river rafting guide. He says that if it were not for tips, they could not survive.

The same works for scuba empoyees in area where tipping is the norm, such as where I live. Let's say I teach a scuba review class to 4-5 people. On occasion, one of them will tip me an amount that they consider a reasonable percentage of how much that individual paid the store for the class. I suspect s/he thinks it is a bit of a help for me. Actually, it usually doubles my pay. Tipping is rare in such occasions, but when it happens, it might get me up to minimum wage.

What you should do, then, is not follow the culture of the country you are from. Follow the culture of the country you are in.

Well said! I have tipped the DM in advance telling he/she how I would like my diving to be like for the trip. I have some let's say things I want to happen and things I do not want to happen. Cash in advance has always worked, except two times and the apology lasted for several day's. This system works for me IF I have the same crew for all of the trip. And that tip can make this happen, I have had DM's work their day off! But that lead to lunch, happy hour and.

 

[sharkbaitDAN]

The places I have worked, the tip was usually split evenly between the crew. It is acceptable to tip at the end of a trip, after the last dive. If you think one DM was really good, take them aside and give them something extra and make it clear it is just for them. From experience in the Bahamas, it was not the norm that we got a tip, though it was hugely appreciated. The amount is really up to you, how ever much you think is fair. $5 per crewmember is reasonable in most cases for a couple of dives, though even a dollar is nice. Also in my experience food and/or beer can readily be substituted for cash.

 

[RLarsen]

I just got back from my first trip to Cozumel and I'm a new diver. Our trip was structured with tips included at the end, but the dive masters were so great that I also tipped them on the boat after the dives. DM's treated us more like friends than clients and I couldn't thank them enough. It was clear they really appreciated the money and thoughtfulness. Considering What I was paying for the week-long trip generous tipping was a drop in the bucket. After the DM helped with gear and weights, took me on a great tour of the reef, pointed off amazing sea life, I was more than happy to hand over 150 to 200 pesos. I admit I'm still puzzled what to do for the crew who are not DM's. They helped with the gear on and off the boat and I think I should have been more willing to give them some $$. I gave one DM some money and he asked me if I had "taken care of" the other DM. It was clear he was going to share the money if needed.
I gotta admit, I was pretty generous to most of the friendly hard working locals In Coz, from the room maids to the waiters and bartenders.
Rex

 

[mweitz]

When I'm on a Monterey boat I tip 20.00 for the crew. Since I don't boat dive that much it isn't really that big a deal. If you start to look at what this sport costs, another 10 - 20 bucks for a day of diving is miniscule. Plus if you get your butt in a jam, these guys are going to do whatever it takes to save you...

Mark

 

[skeet]

I put some tip in the jar and give my DM a tip just for him.