What to Tip?

[ootuoyetahi]

Hey everyone!

I am in the process of getting my OW certification (should be done Aug 17th) and I am planning a 4 night trip to the Florida Keys in October. I am trying to pick out dive shops and budget accordingly when I realized I have no idea what you typically tip, assuming service is up to snuff. The trips seem to range from $80-$110, what would you normally tip on top of this?

Thank you for your help.

Casey

 

[Skittl1321]

During my OW class our instructors told us to tip $10 a tank, and in most instances the whole crew shares (captain, DM, etc). They suggested an additional tip of $20 for something such as "I'll give you $20 if you find a sea horse for me" or "crap, I dropped a fin, can you dive in and get it".

It was also mentioned that the tipping would really add up over the course of a long trip, so really make sure that it is budgeted in!

 

[Steve_C]

That is a good rule of thumb. Often the mates and crew get no salary and only tips. Whether the captain shares in the tips will vary from boat to boat. Depending on the boat and the dive site if you want a guide that may be an extra cost and may need to be arranged ahead of time.

 

[AlwaysBeachin]

Just returned from a fantastic trip there. My dad and I went diving off Looe Key via Strike Zone Charters and Molasses Reef (Key Largo) via John Pennekamp State Park. Both were fantastic experiences. Looks like we tipped too low though, $10 total for each trip. I was not sure of the etiquette. I don't think some tipped at all though.

 

[Angry Turtle]

$5-$10 per tank is the usual, unless something really great or really crappy happens, then adjust accordingly.

 

[cb5150]

I put $10 per tank into the tip jar. I give extra $$$ directly to a crew member that did anything above and beyond to make my dive safer, easier, more fun or more memorable. I've never regretted tipping for good service.

 

[ootuoyetahi]

Thanks guys for your input, this is some great info and I am glad to hear they will touch on it in the class. Also, JRA2000TL, thanks for your the info about your trip. I will check out both of those dive shops!

 

[AlwaysBeachin]

Those are very easy beginner dives too. Fantastic things to see. I saw a spotted eagle ray, reef shark, huge tarpon, and all the regular native reef fish. On a snorkeling trip, my wife and I saw a huge sea turtle and followed it for awhile. If you don't have rough seas, you should be good. We had 50' visibility.