Tipping Guideline For Galapagos Liveaboards?

[rongoodman]

I go with 10% or a little more.

 

[Newdiv]

Playing devil’s advocate, when a live aboard in the Caribbean, Red Sea or the Maldives is a 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a Galapagos live aboard, mostly due to the licensing in the Galapagos, do you tip 30-35% in these other locals? The staff does the exact same job in all locations, as far as one can see.

My Galapagos live aboard(rip Majestic) was ~$6000 ($600-900, 10-15%) I also was on the Roatan Aggressor and Belize Aggressor this year and the price was ~$2500(without looking up exact)each($250-375,10-15%) I did not see a difference in service on three boats.

So basically, how does one figure the tip when a large portion of the trip price is for government fees and permits?

 

[scubafanatic]

My own guideline is 10-15 % of the basic package price for the boat itself (I'm not going to tip 10-15% for extra's like airfare, Nitrox, fuel surcharges, non inclusive alcoholic drinks, park fees, dive chamber fees, etc.) Nor do I do extra 'guilt trip' tips to cover tips not made by other divers who are either cheap or come from non-tipping cultures (Europe for example).

 

[CWK]

I have only been on LOBs that operate in countries that do not have a tipping culture - Maldives, Indonesia, PNG and Australia. At the end of the trip, the Cruise Director will talk about tips and may give guidance. I’ve had cruise directors mention 10%, 5%, €150 (a little under 5%). I’ve also had cruise directors leave tips entirely to the discretion of guests. In general, if the LOB markets towards Americans, the Cruise Director will likely provide guidance towards 10%. LOBs that cater more towards Europeans, Australians and Asians tend to be more relaxed about tipping. The last LOB that I was on (SeaEsta in Australia) did not ask for a tip, nor did it appear to expect a tip.

 

[runsongas]

i've only been to the red sea once but i did tip higher than 10 percent due to the low cost of the liveaboard

 

[CWK]

i've only been to the red sea once but i did tip higher than 10 percent due to the low cost of the liveaboard

I actually think that 10% only gets Americans a good time. In order to give Americans a great time, cruise directors should indicate 15% or 20%. I’m sure that the dive industry will up the ante once they realise that they are leaving money on the table.

 

[runsongas]

i think liveaboard crew would just be happy if all their guests tipped 10%

 

[CWK]

Playing devil’s advocate, when a live aboard in the Caribbean, Red Sea or the Maldives is a 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a Galapagos live aboard, mostly due to the licensing in the Galapagos, do you tip 30-35% in these other locals? The staff does the exact same job in all locations, as far as one can see.

My Galapagos live aboard(rip Majestic) was ~$6000 ($600-900, 10-15%) I also was on the Roatan Aggressor and Belize Aggressor this year and the price was ~$2500(without looking up exact)each($250-375,10-15%) I did not see a difference in service on three boats.

So basically, how does one figure the tip when a large portion of the trip price is for government fees and permits?

I don't think a large portion of the trip price is for government fees and permits. I think some boats in the Galapagos are able to price high because the government limits the number of boats that operate there.

There are a few LOBs with single cabins, but most do not. I sometimes pay a single supplement and three of my last six LOBs have been on this basis. Single supplements can add up to 70% on the price of a twin share. I don't see the rationale for a % based tip on top of a single supplement trip price.

 

[scubadada]

I don't think a large portion of the trip price is for government fees and permits. I think some boats in the Galapagos are able to price high because the government limits the number of boats that operate there.

There are a few LOBs with single cabins, but most do not. I sometimes pay a single supplement and three of my last six LOBs have been on this basis. Single supplements can add up to 70% on the price of a twin share. I don't see the rationale for a % based tip on top of a single supplement trip price.

Except that you are eliminating another passenger, at regular price, who might also be paying a tip

 

[mcohen1021]

how is tipping discriminatory? I don't understand that comment at all.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA