That 10% is shared by guides and all crew members evenly - usually 11 people. I wrote this years ago. It still applies.
TIPS: On the final full day, you will receive an envelope in your cabin in which you may leave your tip for the crew. Tips are discretionary and based on services rendered, but it is an important part of the crew's income. On all cruises in Galapagos, both dive and naturalist cruises, the recommended amount is 10% of the cost of your cruise. The dive guides and the rest of the crew will split the tips evenly.
The dive guides’ importance to your week onboard tends to be rather obvious and often, they are the only ones who speak English. So if you need to relay a message to any crew member, you may need to do so through your dive guide. But the rest of the crew are equally important. Every crew member is working at least 14 hours a day.
- The captain who safely piloted you through the intense Galapagos waters and is always vigilant to make sure the entire crew are doing their jobs well.
- The first mate who is piloting when the captain isn’t and is most likely one of your panga drivers.
- The panga drivers with eagle eyes who are always there so you aren’t waiting at the surface to be picked up.
- The chef because, face it, delicious abundant food on liveaboards is essential. Ever tried preparing 3 meals and snacks for 28 people day after day?
- The engineer and machinist who fill your tanks with just the right mix and keep everything mechanical running smoothly.
- The steward who makes sure your cabins are clean and you have everything you need.
- The barman who is both your bartender and waiter. We all know the difference service makes.
Each crew member performs vital services to the experience you have onboard and the memory you leave with. And, again, if they are doing a good job, you won’t even realize it. So remember when you’re tipping that sometimes, no contact with certain crew members makes it seem like they were irrelevant to your trip when they were, in fact, completely vital.
10% may seem high at first glance, but if you divvy it up, it's not as much as it seems. Example: If you tip $500, that's less than $6.50 pp per day...for excellent service in an advanced and remote location. If you are from a culture unaccustomed to tipping, please respect the culture you are visiting.