How Much Should You Tip on a Liveaboard Diving Trip?

By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 22 Jul 2025

If you’re embarking on a liveaboard diving trip in Thailand or anywhere else in the world, you might be wondering about tipping etiquette. How much should you tip? Is it necessary? What’s considered fair, overpaying, or underpaying? As someone who’s been on multiple scuba liveaboard trips worldwide, I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of tipping to ensure you show appreciation for the crew’s hard work without feeling uncertain.

What is a Tip or Gratuity? Should You Tip on a Liveaboard Boat?

A tip, or gratuity, is a voluntary payment given to service staff to acknowledge their efforts and quality of service. On a liveaboard diving trip, tipping is customary and highly recommended. Most crew members, from dive guides to kitchen staff, rely on tips as a significant part of their income, supplementing their often modest wages. However, the service should feel worthy of your tip—exceptional care and attention make all the difference.

Before tipping, check with your boat operator or travel agent to confirm whether gratuity is included in the trip price. Some liveaboards bundle tips into the total cost, so you don’t want to double-tip unintentionally.

How Much Should You Tip?

The general rule of thumb is to tip 10-15% of the total trip cost. For example, if your liveaboard trip costs $1,000 USD, a fair tip would be $100-$150 USD. Feel free to tip more if the crew provided outstanding service that made your experience unforgettable.

You might wonder: What if my trip is shorter, say 5 days, or I’ve booked a luxury liveaboard where I’m paying $1,000 per day? Should I tip per day instead? Luxury liveaboards often provide elevated service, like assisting with gear on the dive deck or serving hot tea after a dive. Tipping as a percentage of the total cost makes sense because it reflects the premium service included in the higher price. A per-day tipping approach might not fully account for the enhanced experience on a luxury vessel.

Where Do the Tips Go?

Tips are distributed among the boat crew, including the captain, dinghy driver, dive leader, chef, engine engineer, waitstaff, and general manager on board. However, tips typically do not go to the boat owner. This ensures your gratuity directly supports the hardworking crew who make your trip exceptional.

What is the Process of Tipping on a Liveaboard Boat?

At the end of your liveaboard trip, the boat manager will usually hold a debriefing session to wrap up the experience. During this time, they’ll settle any additional charges, such as alcoholic beverages, nitrox surcharges, or national park fees. They’ll also provide an envelope or a tip box where you can leave your feedback and gratuity.

Important note: Most liveaboards prefer tips in cash, as some may not accept credit cards for gratuities. Confirm with the operator beforehand if card payments are an option. Additionally, ask whether they prefer tips in USD or the local currency to ensure you have the correct cash on hand.

Who Should I Tip?

You’ve had an incredible time on the liveaboard—maybe your dive master saved you from a tricky situation or led you to breathtaking underwater sights, or perhaps a waiter anticipated your needs perfectly. Can you tip specific crew members extra? Should you adjust the overall tip?

Yes, you can absolutely tip individuals extra if their service stood out. However, keep in mind that a great liveaboard experience relies on the entire crew working together. While it’s fine to give a little extra to someone who went above and beyond, don’t reduce the overall tip for the rest of the crew. Their collective efforts—whether it’s the chef preparing meals or the engineer keeping the boat running—make your trip seamless and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Tipping on a liveaboard diving trip is a meaningful way to recognize the crew’s dedication and enhance their livelihood. A fair tip of 10-15% of the trip cost is standard, with the option to give more for exceptional service or to reward specific crew members who made your adventure unforgettable. Always confirm whether tips are included in the trip price and whether cash or specific currencies are preferred.

For a seamless booking experience or if you have any questions about your liveaboard adventure, consider reaching out to Giant Stride. Their expertise can help you plan the perfect diving trip, ensuring every detail—including tipping etiquette—is clear. Happy diving!

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