Liveaboard Tipping Etiquette: A Global Guide

Nobody likes talking about tipping. It's awkward. It varies wildly by region. And getting it wrong feels terrible.

Let's fix that.

The Universal Truth

Liveaboard crews work incredibly hard for modest wages. Tips often represent a significant portion of their income. When in doubt, tip generously.

That said, amounts and customs do vary. Here's the breakdown.

By Region

Egypt / Red Sea

Standard: 10-15% of trip cost, or €70-150 per diver for a week

Currency: Euro preferred, USD accepted

Method: Cash in envelope, given to captain or cruise director at trip's end. Usually pooled and shared among crew.

Maldives

Standard: $100-150 per diver per week

Currency: USD preferred

Method: Communal tip box or envelope to cruise director

Note: Service charges are sometimes included — check your invoice

Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Komodo)

Standard: $100-200 per diver per week

Currency: USD preferred

Method: Communal envelope to captain

Thailand

Standard: 1,000-2,000 THB per day, or $100-150 per week

Currency: Thai Baht preferred, USD accepted

Method: Communal tip to crew

Galápagos

Standard: $200-300 per diver per week (higher end due to longer trips and premium pricing)

Currency: USD

Method: Communal envelope

Mexico (Socorro, Sea of Cortez)

Standard: 15-20% of trip cost, or $150-250 per week

Currency: USD

Method: Communal or split between crew and guides — ask the boat

Caribbean / Bahamas

Standard: 15-20% of trip cost

Currency: USD

Method: Varies — some boats include gratuity, others don't. Confirm before boarding.

The Individual Tip Question

Some divers prefer to tip specific crew members directly — the guide who found every animal, the chef who remembered your dietary restrictions.

This is fine in addition to the communal tip, but shouldn't replace it. The whole crew works together.

When Tips Are Included

Some boats (especially luxury vessels) include gratuity in the price. Check before you book and again before final payment.

If included, additional tips for exceptional service are still appreciated but not expected.

Cash Logistics

Most destinations are cash-for-tips only. Plan ahead:

• Get fresh bills before you travel (old, torn bills are often rejected)
• Bring the right currency (USD works almost everywhere as backup)
• Small denominations are useful
• Don't wait until the last port to find an ATM

What If Service Was Bad?

Tipping less is acceptable if service genuinely failed. But before reducing, consider:

• Was it a boat-wide issue or one person?
• Were conditions beyond crew control?
• Did you address concerns during the trip?

If the whole crew dropped the ball, adjusting the tip is reasonable. If one person was great while another wasn't, maybe tip them individually.

The Envelope Moment

On the last night or morning, the cruise director will usually make a small speech and point out the tip envelope.

This is normal. It's not tacky. It's how liveaboards work.

Have your envelope ready. Smile. Mean it. These people just gave you an incredible week.

Questions about specific boats or regions? Our concierge can clarify tipping expectations for any trip you're considering.

• How Much Does a Liveaboard Trip Really Cost? — Full budget breakdown including tips and extras
• First-Time Liveaboard: What to Expect Day by Day — What daily life on board looks like
• How to Book a Liveaboard: Direct vs Agent vs Aggregator — Understanding what is and isn't included in the price