Let's talk about Tips

If you've ever been in to a hotel/bar/restaurant/other service establishment, you may have seen these captions (or a variation thereof) scratched on a pot or jar somewhere on the counter:

"Tipping is not a city in China"

"Tipping is not illegal in Honduras"

"If you're close enough to read this, you're close enough to leave a tip"

"Big tippers make better lovers"

….etc…

We've gone for a simpler and more honest: "Tips are greatly appreciated".

Tip box by the front desk

Some of the slogans are funny, honest, and some are a even little edgier.  The thing is, they don't always answer the questions that our customers have about tipping policy here at Coconut Tree Divers.  Addressing the issue with one of us in the dive shop, makes some people feel uncomfortable, so I thought that this might be a good place to answer some of these questions.  In some places, tipping is customary or even expected, but in other places it is not part of the culture - so for some people, it's hard to know even where to get started!  Here is our guide to tipping:

Is tipping customary in the dive industry in Roatan?

Pretty much any dive shop you walk into would agree with an emphatic yes!  As the diving here is relatively inexpensive compared to many other places, tips (gratuities, if you will) are a very welcome supplement to our income.

How are the tips shared out amongst the staff?

We divide our tips equally, on a weekly basis amongst the working dive instructors, our boat captains and our equipment manager/mechanic.  Here at Coconut Tree Divers, we place a very high value and emphasis on teamwork, and our tip-sharing policy very much reflects this. We have a wooden box mounted on the post next to the front desk for that purpose.

What is an appropriate amount to tip?

This is probably one of the questions that people feel most uncomfortable asking, and there are several possible answers.  One of those answers is "whatever you feel comfortable with", because anything at all is always much appreciated.  If you're looking for a more numerical value, 15-20% is often quoted as a decent baseline.

Ultimately, a tip is an expression of gratuity for good service.  We are customer-oriented establishment, and we strive to provide you with the best possible care and service to suit your diving needs.  I hope that this has answered some of the questions that have come up recently (and remember: you can ask us anything!), feel free to leave a comment or contact us with any further questions.

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Half Moon Bay Weather Report

See previous post.  More of the same, diving the flat-calm South Side today.

Recent Sightings

Fresh off the boat this morning, a Seahorse (photo not yet available!)

Arrow crab shedding its skin

Great shot Marco, Bearded Fireworm

Juvenile Spotted Trunkfish (Reverse Pea)