How much to tip on dive boats??

[er1n99]

How much is the recommended amount to tip per person when going on a dive boat?

Right now, we are on vacation in Costa Rica and don't know how much to tip. Any suggestions?

Of the boats we've been on in other vacation destinations, this one isn't bad, but it isn't outstanding. Service is acceptable, not outstanding. Here, we are setting up all our own gear, carrying all of our own stuff, and have a juice box and some cookies for a snack (no water). Also dive time is limited (2-40 minute dives so we are coming back up with anywhere from 1200-1750 psi left).

Compare this to diving we've done in Puerto Vallarta where the staff was bending over backwards to help, setting up all gear, sandwiches, all the water we can drink, snacks, etc. And dives that would last 60-75 minutes long depending on air supply. (This is from a small operator in PV that is competing with an almost monopoly from Vallarta Adventures.)

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[diver 85]

$5 a dive total---they'll split it up as necessary.....

 

[EricJ]

A little off topic, but who did you dive with in Puerto Vallarta. We had a similar experience as you when we dove with Pacific Scuba.

 

[Teamcasa]

$5.00 a tank is pretty common and the short answer. However, if the crew/DM goes beyond the norm then the tip should reflect that extra effort.

 

[raider11]

I´m going on my first dive vacations to brasil. Do you usually tip after each day of diving? or do you tip the last day?

 

[er1n99]

A little off topic, but who did you dive with in Puerto Vallarta. We had a similar experience as you when we dove with Pacific Scuba.

We dove with Chico's Dive Shop in PV. Had a great time. The dive master (can't think of his name at the moment) kept calling us all "Roy-A" I'm sure that it is spanish for something, but can't figure it out. If you figure it out, let me know.

 

[er1n99]

IŽ´m going on my first dive vacations to brasil. Do you usually tip after each day of diving? or do you tip the last day?

We normally tip after each day...the question is...how much?

 

[PCBCaptChris]

I'd say 10-20 percent, based largely off the service you are given. For example, if the trip is $60 then $6-$12 for the trip. Kind of like you would tip a waiter. However, if this waiter is any good they can rescue you (read in save you) in an emergency situation. If they are prompt and ready to offer service provide a better percentage, if they are somewhat less offer somewhat less...

 

[NudeDiver]

I've never understood the "tip as a percentage" mentality. For example, you buy food - the server brings it out. Does the server suddenly do a lot more work because you bought the $100 food instead of the $20 food? I don't get it.

On the $5/tank - doesn't it seem like it would depend on local cost of living standards? I mean - let's face it, $5 is worth a lot more in some places than others. Yet - everyone around the world gets a $5/tank tip? Again - makes no sense to me.

God - I wish the world of tipping were not such a mystery to me ):

 

[PCBCaptChris]

$100 food instead of the $20 food?

At a five star resturant they keep and maintain the highest quality servers because they make more serving people that clearly do not mind paying more for quality.

would depend on local cost of living standards?

I'd say it would depend more on the level of service I recieve and less on what kind of hutt the person providing the service lives in...

God - ...

Treat others as you would wish to be treated...