On my last dive trip, I suffered horrendous migraines after the first tank dives and sometimes had to abort the first tank before my bottom time was complete. (talk about being majorly bummed) This was in Ft Lauderdale and W Palm, FL ... one charter was ok, one was great ... the most notable was the W Palm Charter. They treated me like a delicate piece of china, constantly checking on me and the Capt even made a bed of towels for me beside his station so he could keep watch over me while everyone else did their second tank. He was the sweetest guy! Their service was impeccable and never once did they make me feel like a pain in the ass. They would barely let me lift my small dry bag! Needless to say, my buddies and I generously tipped them. I have no problem tipping a good charter, but go above average and you will be rewarded even more.
That was the case with my dive shop I OW certified with in ST Croix, also. They may as well let us move into the dive shop, not only did they act as our dive operation, but as our personal tour guides to the island ... on their off time, they escorted my buddy and I all over the island, night and day. Also, when I called and booked our dive packages, they told us where to stay, which turned out be great. It wasn't a resort, but it was walking distance from the dive shop and had a great view overlooking Christiansted Harbor, plus the biggest homecooked breakfast included every morning and for seven nights at this B & B it cost each of us about $350 each, if my memory serves me right. UNREAL!
The worst I've ran across was a shop in Nassau, Bahamas and right now the name of the shop escapes me unfortunately. But I got into an argument with the owner about an issue which I won't go into details, but it was a very unethical issue regarding money and a friend who against my judgement had tried a "free" resort class, which wasn't free, but I ended up winning the arguement and had money thrown in my face. (Her money, but at least I got the difference back between a dive and a snorkel trip for her) She wanted to dive, but no way was she going to dive that day and I knew she wouldn't pass anyway. The instructor looked at me and said I don't think she should do this and I said "Thank You!" He was in total aggreement with me about the money issue, but his hands were tied by his boss. I dove with them that day, largely because I trusted him and I had a long talk with him after the money was thrown in my face at the shop and he offered to be my dive buddy. So, he got tipped. But I remember where that little sleazy shop is in Nassau and I would never grace them by entering their door again. :boom:
