DO YOU TIP FOR BOAT RENTALS? | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
Do You Tip for Boat Rentals? Your Complete Guide
From captains to dock hands, here’s when tipping is expected, how much to give, and when it’s not necessary.
💡 Quick Answer
Self-drive rentals: Tipping is appreciated but not expected ($10-20 for dock staff is nice). Captained charters: 15-20% of the trip cost is standard, similar to restaurant service.
Tipping etiquette for boat rentals isn’t as straightforward as restaurants or hotels. Whether you should tip—and how much—depends on the type of rental and who’s providing service. Let’s break it down.
Tipping by Rental Type
Self-Drive Rental (Pontoon, Ski Boat)
You drive the boat yourself. Staff handles orientation and dock assistance.
Captained Charter
A licensed captain drives while you relax. Full service experience.
Party Boat with Crew
Captain plus additional crew members (mates, bartenders).
Kayak/Paddleboard Rental
Simple equipment rental with minimal service.
Captain Tipping Guide
How Much to Tip Your Captain
| Trip Cost | 15% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% (Exceptional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300 (2-3 hr) | $45 | $60 | $75 |
| $500 (half day) | $75 | $100 | $125 |
| $800 (full day) | $120 | $160 | $200 |
| $1,500+ (charter) | $225 | $300 | $375+ |
When to Tip More (or Less)
📈 Consider Tipping More If:
When less is acceptable: If service was poor, the captain was inattentive, or problems weren’t addressed, 10-15% is reasonable. You shouldn’t feel obligated to tip well for subpar service—but also consider that some issues (weather, mechanical problems) aren’t the captain’s fault.
Self-Drive Rentals: Who to Tip
When you’re driving the boat yourself, tipping isn’t expected the same way it is for captained trips. But there are people who appreciate recognition:
Dock staff: The person who gives your orientation and helps you launch/return deserves $10-20 if they were helpful and friendly. This isn’t mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture.
Delivery drivers: If the boat is delivered to a different location, $20-50 for the driver is appropriate (similar to furniture delivery tipping).
No tip needed: The business owner/front desk staff typically don’t expect tips. Your rental fee covers their service.
How to Give the Tip
Cash is king: Most service workers prefer cash tips—they receive it immediately and in full. Bring appropriate bills.
When to give it: At the end of the trip, after you’ve returned to dock. Hand it directly to the captain/crew member with a thank you.
Split crew tips: For boats with multiple crew members, give the tip to the captain and ask them to split it, or give individual tips if you want to recognize specific people.
Can’t tip cash? Ask if you can add gratuity to your credit card, or leave a glowing online review mentioning the crew by name—that’s valuable too.
Frequently Asked Questions