To tip or not to tip: that is the question. While tipping for a server at a restaurant or staff at a hotel might be customary in many establishments around the globe, it’s not always so clear-cut for diving. If you’re a scuba diver pondering these questions, here are some diving tips to help you understand who to tip on your trip, how much to tip, and recommended practices for tipping your dive crew abroad!
Why Tipping Matters in Scuba Diving
Tipping is important in scuba diving as it helps recognize the expertise and hard work of the dive crews who contribute to the smooth sailing of your diving trip. Not only that it’s one of the best ways to express gratitude to all the dive staff involved during your underwater exploration, but it also helps the local dive industries to continue to thrive, especially in places where diving is an important part to their tourism.
While not customary in many countries, always remember that whatever amount you choose to tip will be appreciated by the crew.
Who to Tip On a Diving Trip
When it comes to tipping accordingly a dive trip, it’s important to acknowledge the efforts of several key dive professionals who have contributed to a good diving experience for everyone involved. This includes:
1. Dive Guide or Dive Master
Your dive guide or dive master deserves recognition for their expertise and guidance underwater, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the dives.
2. Boat Crews
Boat crews assist with logistics, equipment handling, and ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel. They merit a tip for their hard work in supporting your diving activities behind the scenes.
3. Tank Handlers
Tank handlers diligently fill and maintain your scuba tanks, ensuring you have a safe and uninterrupted experience scuba diving under the waters.
4. Other Skilled Staff
Other skilled staff, such as underwater photographers or chefs that provide your meals on a liveaboard, should also be considered for tipping based on their contributions to your underwater adventures. Recognizing them helps ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
Differentiating Tipping on Various Dive Trips
Day Trips
For day trips, tipping is generally more straightforward. These trips typically involve a few dives in a single day, often with the same dive master or instructor. A common practice is to tip around 10-20% of the cost of the trip or a commonly agreed flat amount in the specific country you’re visiting, which is usually around US$5-$10 per day.
Make sure to account for the level of service provided, including any special assistance or guidance offered during your trip. If the trip includes additional crew members, like boat staff, you might want to tip a small amount for them as well, either directly or in a shared jar.
Liveaboards
Deciding how much to tip on liveaboards can be a bit more complex due to the extended nature of these trips and the larger crew involved, which usually lasts at least 7 days with at least 5-15 crews operating onboard.
The standard practice is to tip on a liveaboard dive boat is around 5-10% of the total trip cost, which is then distributed among the crew members. This can be done at the end of your trip, usually in an envelope provided by the operator. When determining how much to tip, consider you’re happy with the trip as a whole, including the dive guidance received, general hospitality by the staff, and the quality of the meals provided.
Recommended Tipping Practices Abroad
Indonesia
A common consensus amongst divers, especially in popular destinations like Bali, is to tip your private dive guide or dive master about IDR100,000 (~US$6.2) to IDR150,000 (~US$9.2) per day. This amount is also considered suitable for a 2-3 day trip as well.
However, if you’re staying in a dive resort that prefers to not tip their staff individually, you can contribute a similar amount in their communal tip jar. The entire jar will usually be shared to all crew members that are involved in their dive operations.
The Philippines
Although the Philippines generally do not necessarily have a tipping culture, you can opt to tip 10% – 12% of your overall liveaboard or day trip price. You can also give your dive master a similar amount of tip at the end of your trip, but make sure to be discreet about it.
Maldives
It’s not customary to tip dive instructors and guides in the Maldives, but if you’re satisfied with your diving experience, tipping at least 10% of the overall price of the dive is a good place to start.
Palau
Tip is also not mandatory in Palau, but it’ll be greatly appreciated if by the whole crew if you do. The general tipping guideline is about US$5 per tank for each trip, or you can also opt to tip US$60 – US$130 for the week. You can also give them to the lead dive guide after the end of the trip, and they’ll distribute it to the rest of the crew afterwards.
Australia
Tipping your dive instructor or crew is not always expected in Australia, but if you do prefer to tip, you can always leave 10-15% more from your base diving price. However, keep in mind that certain dive shops or resorts might not accept direct tipping. If they don’t, you can always contribute a tip in cash to their shared tipping jar.
Preparing For Your Next Diving Trip
If you’re already looking to prepare for your next diving trip, then look no further. Solitude World Liveaboards and Resorts are ready to provide you world-class hospitality through our liveaboard diving vessels and dive resorts in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau, guaranteeing you the best, hassle-free experience for your scuba diving adventures. Our accommodations, both on land and over the water, offer some of the best facilities available, including comfortable rooms, all-inclusive gourmet meals, comprehensive diving amenities, and expert PADI-certified guides for divers of all levels.
Book your next diving holiday with us today!