Crew Gratuities
Planning Journey
Planning Centre HomeStep 5 of 10
Understanding Tipping on a Yacht Charter
Tipping the crew is one of the most frequently asked questions in yacht chartering. Gratuities are customary in the professional charter industry and, while always at your discretion, are best planned for as part of your overall charter budget rather than left as an afterthought.
At Yacht Charter Agents, we recommend budgeting approximately 20% of the base charter fee for crew gratuity, and we’ll explain the customs that apply to your destination so you know exactly what to expect before you travel. Customs and typical practices vary between destinations and charter agreements, so your broker will explain what applies to your charter before you travel.
Why Do Guests Tip the Crew?
A successful yacht charter depends on far more than the yacht itself. Behind the scenes, your crew may spend long days preparing meals, maintaining the yacht, planning itineraries, assisting with water sports, ensuring your safety and creating a seamless onboard experience. Many guests choose to leave a gratuity as a way of thanking the crew for outstanding service.
Is Tipping Mandatory?
In most cases, no. Crew gratuities are generally voluntary and remain entirely at the guests’ discretion. While tipping is customary in many charter destinations, it should reflect your satisfaction with the overall service you received. Some charter agreements or destinations may have different practices, and we’ll explain these during the booking process.
How Much Should You Tip?
At Yacht Charter Agents, we recommend budgeting approximately 20% of the base charter fee for crew gratuity as part of your overall charter budget. We suggest planning for this from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought, so you are financially prepared to recognise truly exceptional service.
This recommendation is calculated on the base charter fee, not on additional expenses such as APA (where applicable), taxes or other separately charged costs.
The final gratuity is always at your discretion and should reflect the level of service you receive. Factors guests often weigh include:
- The destination.
- The length of the charter.
- The level of service provided.
- The size of the crew.
- Local customs.
We’ll explain how gratuities are typically handled for your specific charter and destination during the planning process, so you know exactly what to expect before you step on board.
How Is the Gratuity Distributed?
On most crewed charters, gratuities are presented to the captain at the end of the charter. The captain then distributes the gratuity among the crew according to the yacht’s established policies. This recognises the contribution of everyone onboard, including those working behind the scenes.
Should You Tip on a Bareboat Charter?
No. Bareboat charters do not include a professional crew for the duration of your holiday, so crew gratuities do not apply. If you hire additional services, such as a captain, hostess or chef, local tipping customs may differ.
How Yacht Charter Agents Helps
Understanding gratuity customs can be confusing, particularly if you’re chartering in a destination for the first time. We’ll explain what’s customary for your itinerary, answer any questions you have and help you feel confident before you step onboard. Our goal is to ensure you understand every aspect of your charter—including the details that are often overlooked.