We all know that it’s good form to tip people who provide services, such as the waitstaff at restaurants; but what about boat crew members, divemasters, and other people who help make our dives better in some way? If you’re not sure how much to tip these helpful people – or whether to tip at all – you’re definitely not alone; many travelers have asked for advice on tipping. Here are four rules of tipping etiquette you’ll find useful next time you’re wondering whether a gratuity is a good idea.
Whom to Tip
Who should be tipped? The divemaster? The crew? Everyone who helps? These are great questions, and they vary from one situation to the next. In most dive shops, tips are pooled and everyone gets a share; however, there are exceptions to this rule. If you’re not sure how tips are split up and whether to tip everyone, you can either give some to the captain and some to the divemaster, or ask someone how tips are shared – if at all – by dive shop employees.
It’s always a good idea to provide special recognition to someone who has worked very hard to ensure that your dive goes well – whether that’s a crew member who did loads of heavy lifting on your behalf or a great divemaster.
When to Tip
It’s customary to tip at the end of the day if you’re on a single-day excursion, but if you’re going to be diving with the same crew and divemaster for days on end, you need only tip at the end of your last day (let the captain know you’ll be tipping at the end to avoid any hurt feelings). If the crew changes each day, it’s best to tip at the end of every day so that the tips will be evenly distributed.
How Much to Tip
There are a few different ways to calculate tips for scuba diving services. If you base your tip on the cost of the dive, aim for 10-15% of that price, tipping more or less according to the level of service you feel you received. On a 2-tank dive that cost $60, the crew would receive somewhere between $6 and $10.
If you tip based on a per tank basis, you should be giving helpers between $5 and $10 per tank, depending on the level of service you received. On a two-tank dive, that’s between $10 and $20 per person.
When Not to Tip
As long as the services rendered were acceptable, it is entirely appropriate to tip, but it is not mandatory, particularly if you weren’t happy with the services rendered. At the same time, it’s important to remember that in many places, tips make up the majority of a divemaster and/or crew’s income. If you do not tip, you are sending a strong message about your displeasure.
Finally, if you find yourself wondering about how to tip under unfamiliar circumstances, feel free to ask your fellow divers for insight, or ask some of the local people how tipping works in their area. Work tips into your travel budget and hand them over with a smile. Should you return, you’ll be remembered for your generosity and treated accordingly.