Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 09:25 AM
A good rule of thumb is to tip 15% to 20% of the charter price if you had a great experience, which is very similar to what people tip on fishing charters and other private boats around Destin. If you hired a captain separately for a bareboat charter and paid a flat captain's fee, many groups simply tip $50 to $100 for good service, although larger groups or full day charters often tip more. There is no set rule, but if the captain and crew worked hard, helped with the kids, found dolphins, recommended great places to stop, or went out of their way to make your day special, a generous tip is customary. Don't think of it as paying for driving the boat. A great captain is constantly watching the weather, navigating busy waterways, helping everyone on and off the boat, answering questions, keeping the group safe, and making sure you have the best experience possible. If there is also a mate or crew member onboard, it is perfectly fine to hand the tip to the captain and let them split it, unless you prefer to tip each person individually. At the end of the day, there is no obligation to tip a specific amount, but if you leave the boat thinking it was one of the highlights of your vacation, that is usually a good sign the crew earned a gratuity that reflects the experience they provided.
