Tipping
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Tim Ingersoll
Contributor
You will get a whole range or responses from the truly cheap . . ."don't tip because its Mexico". . .to the truly generous 20%. I usually split the difference and call it 10% for a good dive and 15% for exceptional service.
richhagelin
Contributor
That's the rule of thumb that I use also. Seems to be pretty universal. Hope you aren't one of the "dont' tip, we're in Mexico anyway" people
Rich
Rich
dnhill
Contributor
I have never given money to the dive shop personnel, but have tipped the divemaster and captain of the boat from 10-20%.
dnhill
dnhill
cxg31s
Guest
Sometimes 20% of your total dive cost will be 7.34534643--who wants to deal with that? Since I'm on vacation and I don't want to do math, I tip a standard $5 per dive, per day, and I tip every day if I'm with a shop that changes crew. If you're with a shop who has one boat, and you're with the same DM and captain every day , then you can wait till your last dive day and give them one lump sum. I've never tipped the dive shop personnel in Coz, mostly because I never go into the shop...the boat always just picks me up. The $5/dive rule works good for me because 2-tank dives run anywhere from $55-$70 and I've found that the $5 per dive runs within the 10-20% range. I'll give a little extra if they go above and beyond...
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The following is the un-edited version of the piece which appeared in edited form in my "Ask RSD" column of the Oct '99 of "Rodale's Scuba Diving" magazine:
"How much, when and whom do I tip on a day dive boat?
As with tipping in other situations, dive boat gratuities are a personal matter, although local customs should be respected. For example, tipping is not yet customary in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other countries.
In many locations, including the US, Mexico and greater Caribbean, however, it does seem generally agreed that tipping for good service on a dive boat is appropriate. Keep in mind that some crews derive much, and occasionally nearly all, of their income from gratuities, regardless of whose fault this is. Repeat customers of a dive op can well vouch for the value of recognition of crew effort.
For those interested in tipping, guidelines for day dive boats include: (1) Gratuities are just that, something given voluntarily and beyond obligation for a service rendered. They are not mandatory; (2) An appropriate amount is somewhere between 10-15 percent of the cost of the diving expenses, not including gear rental, park or chamber fees, and other incidentals. This amount should be adjusted so as to fit the level of service, with a range of 0 to 15 percent being acceptable, although some generous divers do leave more; (3) In most situations, you need tip only one crew member, often the DM who primarily attended you. The tip will be shared among the crew according to their internal agreements. If a particular crew member rendered a special service which was above and beyond the call of duty, e.g., brought a piece of his personal gear from home for your use, cleaned up after you following an episode of sea sickness, etc., then an individual gratuity could be justified; and (4) If your crew changes every day, tips will probably be most fairly shared if given daily. If your crew is stable and you desire to consider tips at the end of the trip, let the DM know. Of course, human nature being what it is, the immediate rewards of a tip at the end of each diving day may result in the best service.
Finally, if in doubt about tipping, ask around. Local divers can tell you about their customs, and the consensus of your fellow divers will give you a good idea of what is appropriate."
Given decent service, an appropriate tip for Cozumel dive crews would be ~US$5-6 per tank. Unless they perform an unusual service, shop personnel on Coz traditionally are not tipped.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
"How much, when and whom do I tip on a day dive boat?
As with tipping in other situations, dive boat gratuities are a personal matter, although local customs should be respected. For example, tipping is not yet customary in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other countries.
In many locations, including the US, Mexico and greater Caribbean, however, it does seem generally agreed that tipping for good service on a dive boat is appropriate. Keep in mind that some crews derive much, and occasionally nearly all, of their income from gratuities, regardless of whose fault this is. Repeat customers of a dive op can well vouch for the value of recognition of crew effort.
For those interested in tipping, guidelines for day dive boats include: (1) Gratuities are just that, something given voluntarily and beyond obligation for a service rendered. They are not mandatory; (2) An appropriate amount is somewhere between 10-15 percent of the cost of the diving expenses, not including gear rental, park or chamber fees, and other incidentals. This amount should be adjusted so as to fit the level of service, with a range of 0 to 15 percent being acceptable, although some generous divers do leave more; (3) In most situations, you need tip only one crew member, often the DM who primarily attended you. The tip will be shared among the crew according to their internal agreements. If a particular crew member rendered a special service which was above and beyond the call of duty, e.g., brought a piece of his personal gear from home for your use, cleaned up after you following an episode of sea sickness, etc., then an individual gratuity could be justified; and (4) If your crew changes every day, tips will probably be most fairly shared if given daily. If your crew is stable and you desire to consider tips at the end of the trip, let the DM know. Of course, human nature being what it is, the immediate rewards of a tip at the end of each diving day may result in the best service.
Finally, if in doubt about tipping, ask around. Local divers can tell you about their customs, and the consensus of your fellow divers will give you a good idea of what is appropriate."
Given decent service, an appropriate tip for Cozumel dive crews would be ~US$5-6 per tank. Unless they perform an unusual service, shop personnel on Coz traditionally are not tipped.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
Tim Ingersoll
Contributor
I have dove with Aldora every time I have gone to Cozumel. I always overtip and have been more than happy with the return on the investment. I have had the boat to myself on several occasions, picked my DM most days, got my pick of the dive sites if I want, got a free hat, etc. It is definitely worth the investment if you are coming back again!
ednedfred
Contributor
I too overtip if the service is very good. On our trip to Coz last year I was newly certified and pretty much used the dive master as my buddy. $20 tip for a two tank dive is well worth the lesson.
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