In our experiences it's been varied. When on a dive trip to, say Cozumel for instance, we'll tip the boat Capt. as we leave the boat each day if we aren't keeping the same Capt. for the duration of our trip. If we are, we'll tip them on our last dive for the whole trip. We've been using the same people for several years and this works well for both sides. Never been asked for a tip.
When I've been on a charter with a large group, we take up a collection from all the divers and give it to the Capt. at the end of the trip. Never been asked for a tip.
The only liveaboards I've been on have been the Sea Searcher and the Rinn boats for 2-3 days trips. They put a tip jar out the last day but I've never heard them make any mention of it, it just appears on the counter in the salon.
The quickest way to NOT get a tip out of me is to make me feel like I HAVE to leave one...whether it's a dive boat or a restaurant. Certain basic service is expected and if the 'server' thinks I'm gonna make up the deficiency in his/her salary with a tip, he/she needs to take his salary base up with his boss. But if he/she provides friendly service beyond what is expected I tip generously. We work hard for our money and do not give it away just because it's expected...it has to be earned.
OK...rant about tipping over!
When I've been on a charter with a large group, we take up a collection from all the divers and give it to the Capt. at the end of the trip. Never been asked for a tip.
The only liveaboards I've been on have been the Sea Searcher and the Rinn boats for 2-3 days trips. They put a tip jar out the last day but I've never heard them make any mention of it, it just appears on the counter in the salon.
The quickest way to NOT get a tip out of me is to make me feel like I HAVE to leave one...whether it's a dive boat or a restaurant. Certain basic service is expected and if the 'server' thinks I'm gonna make up the deficiency in his/her salary with a tip, he/she needs to take his salary base up with his boss. But if he/she provides friendly service beyond what is expected I tip generously. We work hard for our money and do not give it away just because it's expected...it has to be earned.
OK...rant about tipping over!