How much to tip DM & Captain?

[WaScubaDude]

We are headed to Cozumel in Feb.. We will dive with Blue Angel for 9 to 10 days. Who do you tip? How much? and When?, after each dive, or after the whole trip? I am concerned that it could add up to a fair amount if both my wife and I are diving 2 or 3 times a day.

[lucidblue]

Trying to remember what we did in Cozumel. I think we tipped about $10 each per dive (tank) to the DM (also owner of dive op). Our LDS here that set us up with the dive op down there recommended tipping at the end of the trip. I think I may have read that in a few books too.

[thesmoothdome]

When you arrive, ask the shop if they pool tips. If they do, you can just tip at the end of the trip. If not, over those 9 days, I'm sure you'll see at least a few different DMs and captains, so I'd probably do it daily in that case. $10 per tank sounds about right though. Tips are hefty part of dive travel, but those folks earning them work their asses off to make sure we have a good time.

[ertechsg]

Avg tip in Coz is $5 per tank $10 at the end of the moring dive given to the DM he will split it betwen the rest of the boat usually given when exiting the boat or right before.

[BobArnold8265]

The rule of thumb that I have been using to tip is 10 to 15% of the cost of the excursion.

[BusDiver]

I have always used the $5 a tank rule. However if the DM rocks then I have no problem paying a little bit more.

[brandon]

I usually tip $20 to the crew after each day of diving.

I tipped on one dive trip at the end of the week, but probably won't do so again in the future. In many parts of the world the DM is counting on some tip income each night to buy food / gas / booze / women / etc.

-B.

[chinacat46]

On day boats I tip $5/tank at the end of the day. On liveaboards I tip based on the cost of the trip and the service I received.

[Travelnsj]

I usually tip $10 for the dm and $5 for the crew man if they are helpful....

Funny thing....just recently I was in Kona I dove with 3 different DM's through the week....they were all in their 40's to early 50's...former Executives who had owned softwear companies to Architects etc....Now they work and look forward to tips.

[ParrotheadDiver]

Originally Posted by ertechsg

Avg tip in Coz is $5 per tank $10 at the end of the moring dive given to the DM he will split it betwen the rest of the boat usually given when exiting the boat or right before.

This is the standard in Cozumel......if you get great service then by all means tip more....this is just a guideline to use...