| Don't ask. The answer is a resounding "Yes"! You | | | | An acceptable tip for a taxi driver is 10% to 15% of |
| should tip. When you go on a chartered and | | | | the fare; a similar rate for the Captain is appropriate. |
| chaperoned dive through a commercial diving shop, it | | | | On a single-tank dive for $65, your tip to the Captain |
| is customary to tip both the Captain and the | | | | should be between $6 and $9 USD. |
| DiveMaster. Gratuities are voluntary, incumbent on | | | | Your DiveMaster should be more generously tipped |
| your generosity. Even so, it is appropriate to offer a | | | | with 15% - or more, if the service was exceptional. |
| tip for your scuba crew. | | | | On a $65 single-tank dive, tip your DiveMaster |
| If you are going out for one day, it is important to | | | | between $8 and $12 USD. |
| bring some cash on the boat for tipping. If you are | | | | Do not skimp your tip due to variations in the local |
| diving with the same DiveMaster and Captain for an | | | | currency. If you are traveling in an area with an |
| entire week, it is acceptable to offer a tip at the end | | | | embarrassingly favorable exchange rate, do not |
| of the week. | | | | lower your tip just because the local economy is |
| If you are arranging a variety of dives through a dive | | | | cheap. To a boat Captain in Florida, $15USD is an |
| shop, you may not have the same Captain or | | | | acceptable token of gratitude for a nice trip. |
| DiveMaster on each dive, so daily tipping is a better | | | | To a Captain in rural Honduras, $15USD is a generous |
| idea unless you are certain that your crew will be | | | | gift. Give your generous gifts where they are most |
| consistent for the entire duration of your stay. | | | | needed - to DiveMasters offering good service in |
| One perspective is to compare the roles of Captain | | | | economically challenged regions. Keep in mind that |
| and DiveMaster to other industries where tipping is | | | | some crews derive much, and sometimes nearly all, |
| expected. Your Captain is analogous to a taxi driver, | | | | of their income from gratuities. Stay cool, and keep |
| transporting you safely to and from your scuba | | | | on diving! |
| destination. | | | | |