Tipping is standard in any service industry, including charter boat services in Tampa Bay.
Boat captains are absolutely vital for you to enjoy a great trip out on the water. Whether you are sailing, fishing or simply cruising with a few friends, it is important to remember that your charter boat captain and crew are essential to providing you with a service – just like all other workers in the service industry. If you were out for a meal, you would tip the staff that helped you to show your appreciation for them, and being guided on a boat is no different. Remember, boat crews are there for both your safety and your satisfaction.
To help you out, we have created this quick guide on how much you should tip a boat captain, taking into consideration their unique role and expertise. Let’s take a closer look:
Your Captain Does More Than Drive the Boat
Understanding Tampa’s local waterways and being trained in live-saving first aid are requirements.
Your boat crew are there to make your boat cruise as comfortable as possible, offering excellent boat skills and great customer service. On top of this, however, they are also trained to help save your life in an emergency. If the worst does happen, they are specially trained to safely navigate your vessel or provide assistance if you need it. Because of this, it is important to show that you value them, as much as they value you and a tip is a great way to do this.
Tipping is Standard in the Charter Boat Industry
Your tipping rate should reflect your charter boat experience and match the service industry standard.
Tipping rates for boat captains and for other boat crew members are similar to others in the service industry – around 15 - 20% of the total cost of your boat charter. Like other industries, however, feel free to increase the tip amount if you feel like you have had excellent service, or the staff have gone above and beyond for your comfort. Tip at the end of the charter as you depart the boat or through the company’s automated booking software.
Tipping the Captain & Crew for Exemplary Performance
If another member of the crew went above-and-beyond, feel free to tip them separately.
However, the boat captain is not usually the only staff member on the boat – particularly if you are on a party cruise. Boat charters come with many different types of staff from DJs to bottle girls. These staff members also deserve a tip for making your journey enjoyable, recognising each of their efforts separately.
Instead of simply tipping the staff in one tip, it is recommended that you split your tips up and give them to the captain and crew members separately in order to make the tipping process a little more personal and to make the staff feel valued.
This helps foster a great relationship between you and the crew, and if you use the same company again, you are likely to see them going above and beyond to continue giving you a great experience.
Providing a Five-Star Charter Boat Experience is Worthy of Tipping
If you made lasting memories on your party boat, consider tipping 15 - 20% to show appreciation.
To summarize, tipping is normal for both the boat captain and boat crew. The usual amount to tip is at least 15%, but more is also happily accepted if you are delighted with your boating experience. Boat staff are at your service while on the charter and provide much more than just driving the boat. The crew can show you aspects of Tampa Bay that you have never seen and can even save your life in an emergency. Adding that little extra appreciation goes a long way.