How much should we tip the guide and crew?

We recommend that you consider tipping 1) the guide, 2) kitchen staff and 3) the rest of the crew. As a general rule-of- thumb, we recommend between $5 - $8 US from each passenger to each group per day. If you have received very good and exceptional service, please be more generous! Q: Will there be time for snorkeling? A: There is plenty of time for snorkeling for those who are interested. Snorkeling gear is provided on our boats. For personal hygiene, we recommend that you bring your own gear. Q: Is there a rental charge for snorkeling equipment? A: We charge charge a nominal rental fee $ 15 for 8 days aboard our boats. Q: How many kilos of luggage can I bring to the Galapagos? A: No more than 20 kilos of luggage per person may be checked on board flights to the Galapagos Islands. In addition, each passenger is allowed a carryon flight bag and camera case. Arrangements may be made to leave extra luggage at one's hotel or at our office in Quito. Q: Is a wetsuit necessary for ...  more

This is a very sensitive matter for us. We are often asked what gratuity is appropriate to leave for the guides and crewmembers. We prefer that our guests reward our crews based on their performance. The following is a guideline based on the average of what has been left in the past for the guide and crew, if they have performed up to your expectations, and their service has been excellent: - USD $100 per person per week for the whole crew (to be divided between the crewmembers), and USD $40 per person per week for the guide. Therefore the total tip would be USD $140 per person or family. Please understand that this is a suggestion: tipping and gratuities are a very personal matter. Please deposit the gratuities for the crewmembers inside the box provided for this purpose. The guide should be handed his/her gratuity separately. Will I encounter rough seas or bad weather? Due to strong currents, there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating. Most passengers are not ...  more

We recommend that you consider tipping 1) the guide, 2) kitchen staff and 3) the rest of the crew. As a general rule-of-thumb, we recommend between $5 - $8 US from each passenger to each group per day. If you have received very good and exceptional service, please be more generous! The terrain can be a little strenuous. Passengers should consult their physician should they have any concerns regarding their physical condition. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or National Park directives. The captain may deviate from the published itinerary for any reason he deems advisable.  more

We recommend that you consider tipping 1) the guides, and 2) the rest of the crew. As a general rule-of-thumb, we recommend between $10 - $15 US from each passenger to each group per day. If you have received very good and exceptional service, please be more generous!  more

Suggestions are per group of two people, not per person. A good tip is $10 per day to your guide and $20 per day to the crew (including the chef). Any tip should be given at the end of the cruise. Q: What level of naturalist guide will be aboard the boat and do they speak English? A: All of the boats we use employ highly experienced and qualified level III naturalist guides who are fluent in English (and often in other languages as well). Q: Will there be time for snorkeling? A: There is plenty of time for snorkeling for those who are interested. Q: Is there a rental charge for snorkeling equipment? A: Snorkeling gear is available on each yacht for a moderate rental fee, which must be paid directly by the guest. However, for the best fit, we recommend that you bring your own mask and snorkel. Q: Is a wetsuit necessary for snorkeling? A: A wetsuit makes it more pleasant to swim in the cool water during the months of June through November but isn't needed from December through May. For ...  more

This is a very sensitive matter for us. We are often asked what gratuity is appropriate to leave for the guides and crewmembers.  more