Tipping for Bonaire boat dives?

[rye_a]

We are heading to Bonaire at the end of the month and our hotel package includes 6 boat dives. How much is the going rate for tips for boat dives in Bonaire?

 

[oly5050user]

We are heading to Bonaire at the end of the month and our hotel package includes 6 boat dives. How much is the going rate for tips for boat dives in Bonaire?

Bonaire is unique in that you can dive everyday for a month and not step foot on a boat.Does that mean you do not tip?? You do tip in that case. When I stay at Buddy Dive I tip at the end of the week .I usually have a unlimited shore dive/6 boat dive package.I collect minimum of $75. from everyone in our group and give it to the dive op manager to distribute to the crew.This way everyone who is involved in the operation gets something.From the staff that keeps the rinse tub filled and the area clean,to the staff on the boat,to staff that fills tanks all day. If you feel that a staff member did a great job to make your stay more enjoyable,tip that person extra.Sometimes a Dm there will assist someone who is having issues in the water.Maybe its buoyancy control or simply needs assistance to get into water or needs extra attention.That DM deserves a good tip from the person that was assisted.Do not forget the maid that cleans your room.

 

[newgentry]

I just got back from there, it was my first trip, so I followed my typical Cozumel practice of tipping $5 per tank, per diver. The DM's actually seemed pleasantly surprised that I tipped them, I got the impression that its not usually done there. And I didn't see too many other divers tipping as we were leaving the boat. Again, though, it was my first trip there, I can't really tell you what the common practice is.

 

[duroejc]

Just returned from a week in Bonaire- I too was unclear on the local custom or tipping expecation. Our Dive Club tour orgainzer recommended 10% of the dive package cost which was $200- I thought $20 bucks for a weeks worth of dives including a night dive for captain and in-water DM was an insult- I went with $5 per tank- for both the Captain and DM ($60 each- $120 total) There was a wide range though. Since many of the tourists and divers on Bonaire are European ( who often do not tip) tipping may not be as expected as elsewhere. My thinking is that the woman that served my dinner and spent maybe 3 minutes total with me got a $20 tip for a 1 hour dinner. The Captain and DM worked alot harder than that and deserve compensation.

 

[jdcpa]

Just returned from a week in Bonaire- I too was unclear on the local custom or tipping expecation. Our Dive Club tour orgainzer recommended 10% of the dive package cost which was $200- I thought $20 bucks for a weeks worth of dives including a night dive for captain and in-water DM was an insult- I went with $5 per tank- for both the Captain and DM ($60 each- $120 total) There was a wide range though. Since many of the tourists and divers on Bonaire are European ( who often do not tip) tipping may not be as expected as elsewhere. My thinking is that the woman that served my dinner and spent maybe 3 minutes total with me got a $20 tip for a 1 hour dinner. The Captain and DM worked alot harder than that and deserve compensation.

You got a weeks worth of boat diving for $200????

Man that is cheap.

I agree the crew is worth far more than $20.

 

[scubacat1]

I do just like I do here in the states. 15 to 20 percent. More if the service is excellent. A tip is an extremely small part of the overall trip cost to Bonaire. The people there make their money on tips, and not on their salary.

I am fortunate to be able to vacation and dive in Bonaire. Those guys, even with excellent tips, will never be able to afford to come here. It's not charity, it's paying for a service well rendered.

Open up that wallet!! It'll make you feel good, and God to smile.