The all-inclusive tipping note -- Boats, DMs & Instructors

[Stone]

Like Rick, most of the mates I run into probably can't make a living wage without tips; however, I do expect service for tip. Since my wife runs the risk of hurting her back if she stands up in her gear, we always tell the mate (ahead of time) that she will need some extra attention. Needless to say, the guy that helps my wife always gets a tip.

 

[Rooster1]

I have read some where on this subject before, but what like to here from the divers here what there feelings on this matter are.
Be honest Please. What is considered a proper tip on a dive boat, and who do you hand the tip to??

 

[trymixdiver]

For me i dont consider it mandatory.

I will tip every trip when i feel the crew did a good job, i wont tip if they suck. Sounds harsh, but im not tipping for bad service PERIOD!

There is usually a tip jar that floating around, its just up to each person to tip or not to tip.

i eat dinner out alot, i tip well usually around 15-20% but when they screw it up or are slow as molassuss(sp) i usually leave one dollar, which i think lets them know i think they sucked but, they do need the tip to live.

Andy

 

[bjp63]

Before I got a "real" job, I spent almost 15 years working in the service industry. I remember making $2.10/hour, so tips were very important, but I really have no idea what DMs are making on the boats in the tropical locations I've visited. I've tipped as high as $20 for a night dive in Maui where it was just the DM and me. Usually aroung $5-10 for a DM who I've shared with 2-3 others who was actually helpful - post dive review, including fish identification, etc.

 

[socaldiver]

I will normally tip $10 to $20 per day, depending on the service. I have only been on 3 dive boats off California. One of these 3 I won't dive again because I felt the service was bad and I did not leave a tip. The other 2 have been pleasant experiences and I have been out on each of them 5 or 6 times each.

So I guess I would agree with Trymixdiver.

 

[peter]

We dont tip as you all ready know, so what does it cost you guys to do a double dive day trip.
Over here it would be an average of $90-$120 oz dollars, slightly cheaper with your own gear. They might throw in a coffee and a sticky bun if your lucky.

 

[CuriousMe]

I also spent a lot of time in the service industry. Truly though, if you really want someone you're tipping to know that you don't think they did a great job, I think comment cards get the point accross in a better, more constructive way.

I've never heard someone who worked for tips remark that they got a low tip from someone because they messed up...generally they chalk it up to the person being cheap. So if the point is to give feedback, that's the way to go.

Generally, the dives I've been on (which isn't all that many) are between $50 - $80 for a two tank boat dive including renting equiptment.

I generally tip $10 bucks if the crew was helpful, $5 bucks otherwise....although I have tipped as much as $20.

Peace,
Cathie

 

[wvrotorhead]

Well, I've never been on a dive boat, but I've been on lots of fishing boats and based on service of course, the average seems to be about 20 bucks per day. I would think that is fairly high-end but we usually get kick-a** service on the boats (particularly the Sea Spray out of Orange Beach, Alabama), so, if dive boat service is as good then I would definitely tip 20 per day (not per person, the captain, first and second mates can divy it up however they see fit.

 

[JustAddWater]

I too will tip between $10-20 depending on the length of the trip and the service and attitude of the crew. Unfortunately (or actually fortunately in the long run) a bad apple on the crew can influence the generosity.

 

[Rooster1]

Those generous enough to give 10 to 20 bucks, does that include even if you are on a cattle boat??